PAWS Advice on bringing a pet into to Kuwait
Doing any kind of official paperwork in Kuwait can often be an exercise in frustration; We are your one stop source for travel and transportation advice. We know how stressful it can be to even think of getting your pet to the airport. We have assisted in pet import and export to countries all over the world. We are up to date on all the regulations and will assist in your pet’s relocation to almost every corner of the globe! Our non profit charity has a wealth of experience in pet import and export internationally. We can take the hassle out of pet travel. PAWS Pet Travel Service directly assists the shelter; so when you use PAWS to help you to relocate Fido or Fluffy, you will also help homeless pets in the shelter. Similarly, if you are bringing your pet into Kuwait, we can help. For more information complete the PET INTO Kuwait Form.
If you prefer to use another organisation able to complete the necessary paperwork for your incoming (or outgoing) pet, contact any of the following shipping agents such as Inchcape Shipping, (2434752 ext 203), Al Ghanim Freight, (24745533)- both have many years experience and should be able to process all paperwork and arrange for your pet to be cleared in good time.
Quarantine: If you are traveling into Kuwait with your pet there are no quarantine requirements. However, an import permit must be obtained from PAAAFR (also known as the Animal Health Ministry), before your animal will be permitted to enter Kuwait. Import permits are normally valid for 1 month but can be extended to 3 months. It is worth pointing out that it is much cheaper to bring the animal on the same flight with you, than sending a pet as unaccompanied ‘cargo’. The necessary import/export permit can be arranged for you by PAWS.
Documentation: You should begin to organise your pet travel documentation at least a month before you travel. In order to get your pet import/health certificate you will need to provide copies of the following* documents to whoever is handling your importation (can be sent via email):
- Photocopy of your pet’s vaccinations record; all vaccinations must be at least 1 month old and less than 1 year old on entry into Kuwait
- Passport Photocopy of the person travelling with the pet
- Airline, flight details and dates of travel clearly indicating the arrival date into/destination out of Kuwait.
You should also get a health certificate from the animal health authorities in your country, stating that your pet is well and able to travel. You may be asked to show this on departure from your home country, although it is not usually asked for on arrival into Kuwait, the original certificate must be presented on arrival. Usually, whoever is meeting you and your pet will bring this to the airport with your entry visa.
Alternatively, you can request that the original certificate be couriered to you, before departure from your home country.
If your pet is travelling with you, they will be brought into the luggage collection area.
You may be asked to show the original health certificate as you leave the airport.
If you are going to an hotel and wish to bring your pet with you it is important to know that not all hotels in Kuwait will accept pets. Shik Hotel sometimes allows cats (25725050) The Hilton Resort has been known to allow cats and small dogs, (23725500) although only in the chalets and only by advance arrangement.Importing: If you are already in Kuwait and are importing a pet the same information from you is required as before*. You must present a health certificate when you go to collect your pet at the airport. It is advised that you do not import or export a pet during the hottest months of the year. If you must do so, please try to ensure that you pet arrives during a late night or early morning flight. Some airlines (such as Delta) will not transport pets into or out of Kuwait between May and September, so check with your chosen airline well in advance. There is always a chance the pet will be exposed to the heat while waiting to board a flight or awaiting collection from the cargo area, so try to avoid moving pets during July, August and September if you can.
Travel Crate: Whichever airline you choose, they will require the dimensions of the pet travel crate, (height x length x depth) plus total weight, with the pet inside.
Travel Crate: However you are travelling, you should ensure your pet becomes used to the travel crate as early as possible. (Note: The crate must allow head clearance above your pet’s head and the animal should be able to stand up and turn around with ease). Please ensure any crate you purchase for airline travel has vents in the back panel along with vets on the side panels. Recently, US and European travellers have stopped accepting crates with solid back panels, (no vents). A few weeks before travel, put a familiar blanket and toy/treat/bone for your pet in the crate and leave the door open. It is very important (and less stressful) if your pet is used to the crate by the time you depart for the airport.
Airlines: Check with the airline before you book, as to whether they will fly an animal to Kuwait during the heat of the summer months. As mentioned above, in summer, Delta Airlines stopped flying animals from May 15 to September 15. Other airlines do the same; some airlines restrict the no-fly policy to short nosed breeds like pugs, bulldogs and Persians.
NB: There have been confirmed outbreaks of bird ‘flu in Kuwait. This has made the procedures regarding exportation of pets more time consuming, so you MUST give at LEAST one month’s notice before asking us to do the import/export certificate for you. Currently there is a ban on the import or export of pet birds. It is also not permitted to import or export Guinea Pigs, (Cavies). Sadly, they can only be imported officially, for research purposes. For updated information contact any of the vet clinics or call the Animal Health Ministry on 24761116 or 1885020.
Useful Contact Numbers:
- Al Dohama Veterinary Hospital Tel: 24722002
- Al Rai Veterinary Clinic: 24750966
- Pet Suppliers: Ace Hardware 24769100
- True Value 24833198
- PAAAFR (Public Authority for Agriculture, Animals and Fish Resources – The Animal Health Ministry 1885020 or 24744196
Bringing a pet INTO Kuwait Application Form
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