Countries like the UAE and KSA have seen a fascination with exotic animals, which often include big cats like lions and cheetahs, chimpanzees, falcons, and rare parrots and reptiles. However, transporting exotic animals presents complex logistical and regulatory hurdles. In this release, our team provides a quick overview of the legal framework regulating owning and shipping exotic animals in the UAE and KSA, besides the logistical considerations for the transportation process.
Legal Framework of Owning and Shipping Exotic Pets
When transporting exotic pets internationally, and particularly within the UAE and KSA, several important legal considerations must be addressed to ensure compliance with both local and international laws. This includes adherence to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), as well as specific national regulations concerning the import, export, health, and welfare of the animals.
- UAE
In recent years, the UAE has made significant strides in regulating the ownership and transportation of exotic pets through comprehensive legislation. In 2016, the UAE passed a federal law banning the private ownership and trade of wild and endangered animals. The law restricts the ownership of all types of wild and exotic animals as pets, allowing only zoos, wildlife parks, circuses, and breeding and research centers to hold such animals. The law also stipulates strict regulations regarding the transport of these animals, requiring special permits and adherence to animal welfare standards. Following the 2016 federal law, the UAE requires a permit for importing or exporting exotic pets. These permits are issued by the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE), ensuring that no endangered species are illegally traded or put at risk during transportation. The regulations set by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) are also applicable to the air transportation of exotic animals.
- KSA
Saudi Arabia, similarly, has been working on stiffening regulations regarding exotic pet ownership. The Saudi Wildlife Authority (SWA) oversees wildlife affairs and enforces laws prohibiting the import and export of endangered species without appropriate permits. The KSA has been part of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), which plays a crucial role in controlling the movement of endangered species across its borders. In Saudi Arabia, the Saudi Wildlife Authority (SWA) regulates the import and export of exotic animals. Any import or export of exotic pets requires explicit permission from the SWA, which also insists on compliance with CITES regulations and the International Air Transport Association (IATA) for air transport.
Yet, in both countries, some types of animals are allowed to be privately owned under certain constraints. For example, the UAE permits falconry among adult Emiratis, based on Law No. 22 of 2005; Even though falcons are generally considered exotic birds when it comes to keeping them as pets. Still, a fine of 10,000 AED and 500,000 AED will be charged if you take the exotic pets outside. Similarly, private ownership of certain animals, like monkeys or wild cats can be granted only with proper permits.
Overview of CITES Permitting Process and Requirements
CITES is an international agreement between governments aimed at ensuring that international trade in specimens of wild animals and plants does not threaten their survival. For any cross-border movement of a species listed under CITES, both an export permit from the country of origin and an import permit from the destination country are required. Here’s how the process generally works:
✅ Application for Export/Import Permit: The owner or transporter must apply for the necessary permits from the national CITES authority. This involves providing detailed information about the species, the purpose of the transport, and proof that the trade will not adversely affect the survival of the species.
✅ Assessment: The respective CITES authorities assess the application, ensuring all criteria are met, including that the animals were legally acquired and that adequate measures are in place for their welfare during transport.
✅ Issuance of Permits: If all conditions are satisfied, the relevant CITES authorities issue the export and import permits.
Health Certificates and Vaccination Requirements Before Transportation
Health and vaccination requirements are critical components of transporting exotic pets. A veterinarian must examine the pet and issue a health certificate close to the date of travel. This certificate must affirm that the animal is free from any contagious diseases and is fit to travel. All required vaccinations must be up to date, with documentation provided. The specific vaccines required may vary based on the species of the animal and the regulations of the importing country. Depending on the species and the countries involved, a quarantine period may be required either before departure or upon arrival. These regulations ensure that the transport process minimizes stress and risk to the animals, so we make sure their welfare at all stages of transit is safeguarded.
Ethical Considerations For Shipping Exotic Animals
When transporting exotic pets, the selection of the right carrier and the design of the transport environment are crucial to ensuring the safety and comfort of the animals. Different species require specific temperature and humidity levels. For instance, tropical birds like parrots thrive in environments with high humidity (around 55–65%) and temperatures between 24-28°C. Conversely, reptiles such as desert lizards might require lower humidity levels (around 30–40%) and higher temperatures. Ensuring that these conditions are maintained during transport is vital to preventing health issues related to stress and climate shock.
The space should be sufficient for the animal to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably. Proper ventilation is essential to provide a constant supply of fresh air and to prevent the buildup of ammonia from waste products. For example, large felines such as cheetahs require spacious enclosures with robust ventilation systems to keep the air fresh and to help mimic their natural habitats. Particularly for long-haul flights or when transporting sensitive or endangered species, having a veterinarian on board can be crucial. They can monitor the animal’s health, administer medications if necessary, and intervene in case of emergencies.
Containers should comply with the International Air Transport Association's (IATA) Live Animals Regulations. For birds, containers often include perches and are made from materials that prevent feathers from getting ruffled. Aquatic animals like fish might be transported in specially designed water tanks that regulate temperature and oxygen levels. Enclosures for snakes should be escape-proof and secure, while still allowing adequate air flow.
- In-transit Care and Monitoring
Ensuring that exotic pets are well cared for during the transport process involves several detailed considerations. It's essential to provide animals with access to fresh water and appropriate food. For example, herbivores like certain tortoise species may need fresh vegetables during transit, while carnivores such as small wild cats might require specific types of meat.
While exercise during transport can be limited, it’s important to provide some opportunity for movement, especially for larger animals. This could be planned during longer stop-overs under the supervision of trained handlers. Continuous monitoring by qualified personnel is crucial. This includes regular checks and any necessary medical interventions. The presence of a vet is especially important for species known to experience stress during transport, such as some primate species.
Logistical Considerations For Shipping Exotic Animals
The logistical planning of transporting exotic pets requires detailed organization and foresight. Advance booking is typically necessary, at Vervo Middle East, for example, we require notification weeks ahead of the planned transport, especially for large or particularly delicate animals.
Documentation includes health certificates, vaccination records, CITES permits, and import/export documentation. Each document must be accurately prepared and presented in accordance with the specific legal requirements of the exporting and importing countries.
Costs can vary significantly based on the size of the animal, distance, special care needs, and the specifics of the transport arrangement. We encourage our clients to get detailed quotes ahead for free and review them well in advance.
- Customs Forms and Manifest Paperwork
Customs forms typically require information about the species, quantity, certificates, country of origin, and destination. For example, when transporting a pair of African Grey Parrots to the KSA, the forms should detail CITES Appendix statuses, the parrots' microchip numbers, and health certifications. The manifest paperwork includes detailed lists of all cargo on a transport vehicle or aircraft. For exotic pets, this paperwork should include specific handling and care instructions to be followed by the crew.
Specialized Ground Transport that is well-suited for exotic pets involves several tailored solutions. This includes Climate-Controlled Vehicles and Secure Handling Equipment like the use of custom-built crates and cages that are escape-proof and designed to minimize stress for the animal. For instance, hydraulic lift systems might be used for heavy animals like large tortoises to avoid physical strain during loading and unloading.
Choosing routes that minimize travel time and avoid traffic-heavy periods can reduce stress for the animals. The route planning here also includes identifying rest stops for checks and care on longer journeys. In addition, effective strategies to minimize stress and prevent injuries during the transport of exotic pets are crucial. Handlers might receive specialized training on the behavioral cues and stress signals of specific animals. Practicing stress-reduction techniques are also important. The use of pheromone diffusers in transport vehicles for species such as cats or dogs can help calm the animals. For birds, covering the cages with breathable covers can help reduce visual stimuli that might cause stress.
Other logistical considerations include smooth loading and unloading, such as using padded ramps for loading and unloading animals like horses or large exotic cats, which reduces the risk of slips and falls. Continuous GPS tracking and live Monitoring in animal transport units allows real-time adjustments to be made to ensure the animals' comfort and safety throughout the journey.
In a separate release, we will go into detail about the logistical preparations for pre-travel, travel and arrival, and post-travel stages.
Transporting Exotic Animals with Vervo Middle East
If you have any questions or need to arrange transportation of exotic pets, Vervo Middle East’s team can help. Vervo Middle Eats offers reliable animal relocation services in the UAE, KSA, and worldwide, covering over 120 countries. We tailor an end-to-end logistical solution that ensures an ethical, safe, and compliant transport of exotic animals. Reach us via