What to consider when buying a puppy in Oman

If you’re a dog lover who’s moving to Oman, you might wish to bring your dog along, or buy one from abroad. Here’s our advice for bringing your dog to Oman, safe and sound.

Important Import Regulations

Oman is a kingdom in the Middle East, bordered by Saudi Arabia, Yemen, and the United Arab Emirates. The country spans from the hot deserts of the east to the blue waters of the Arabian Sea in the west.

If you plan to bring your dog to Oman, you will find that you need to deal with bureaucracy and red tape. Luckily, you can seek help from various companies that can assist you in importing your pet to Oman. These companies understand the rules, regulations and procedures involves in importing animals. And we, at NewDoggy.com are also here to help you.

The law of Oman does not require you to microchip your dog. Despite this, we at NewDoggy.com think it’s better to be safe than sorry. Microchip your dog and register your contact information to make it easy for your dog to be identified. If you choose not to microchip your dog, then at least be sure they have identity tags with your contact information on them.

Be aware that puppies younger than 4 months old won’t be allowed to enter Oman. They should be vaccinated against rabies at no younger than 3 months of age, then they’ll need to wait for 30 days before entering Oman.

Vital Vaccinations

It is obligatory to vaccinate your dog against rabies before they enter Oman. The vaccination should be done between 30 days and 6 months before the dog enters the country. The regulations also require that your dog has all the other usual vaccines, such as Parvo and distemper.

Although there’s no obligation to treat your dog for parasites before travelling to Oman, it is a good idea to do so. You might find it difficult to acquire the usual range of anti-parasitic products and medications once you leave your home country.

Health Certificate

Your dog will also need a Veterinary Health Certificate for Oman in order to enter the country. You’ll need to get the official paperwork filled in by a government approved. You will also need this certificate to be endorsed by the government authority or agency responsible for the import and export of animals in your home country.

You will also need to obtain an import permit from the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries Department, which you (or an agent acting on your behalf) will have to apply for in person.

Arriving by Air

Your dog will need to travel by air to Oman, landing in Muscat International Airport. On arrival, your pet will be examined to make sure they are free of diseases that can be spread to humans. If there is any doubt as to your pet’s health, a vet might be called (at your expense).

Keep in mind that, depending on where your dog is travelling from, they may need to spend up to 6 months in quarantine. You can enquire as to which countries fall into this category when you apply for an import permit.

Local Regulations

You should definitely familiarise yourself with any local regulations or customs concerning dogs and dog keeping. Many Muslims consider dogs to be unclean and some people might be scared of dogs. Locals might have only encountered feral dogs, which can be aggressive to humans. Be considerate and make sure that your dog has good manners, and keep him/her on a leash when out of the house.

There are rules about when you can walk your dog: many expats mention that dog-walks are restricted to a 10.00-15.00 time slot (one of the hottest parts of the day!). Many beaches explicitly forbid dogs, and in some neighbourhoods, poison is put down to kill strays (which are considered pests at best and dangerous at worst). Consult other expats or your embassy for their advice about where and when to walk your dog.

Housing can tricky because many rental properties do not allow pets. Be sure to consult with the landlord or property manager before you commit to renting a property. Apartments and houses in Oman might be smaller than what your dog is used to, depending what area you move to. The scorching summer heat and cold desert nights means your dog will be spending a lot of time inside. Keep your dog happy and active with long walks in the cool of the evening, and toys and games inside the house.

Pet care

Once you are your dog have settled in, you’ll need to find a vet, and possibly a trainer, a groomer, and a boarding kennel.

If you are looking for a veterinary clinic, there is Al Qurum Veterinary Clinic, which has branches in Qurum and Azaiba (Muscat). You could also opt for the Sama Veterinary Clinic, which provides services ranging from x-rays to boarding and travel services.

If you’re after a dog groomer, the Al Qurum Veterinary clinic has a grooming service. You can also try Jebel K9, which offers everything from grooming to dog training, and even a pet resort!