Exploring Bahrain: Can You Bring Your Dog?

Bahrain is a relatively pet-friendly country, and dogs are allowed to enter as long as certain requirements are met. These requirements include valid health certificates, proof of vaccination, and an import permit. Additionally, microchipping and parasite treatment are recommended. There are also pet-friendly areas in Bahrain, such as the Amwaj Islands and the second-largest city, Riffa, making it a viable option for dog owners.

Required vaccinations for dogs entering Bahrain

If you are planning to take your dog to Bahrain, you will need to ensure that it has received all the necessary vaccinations. The requirements for dog vaccinations when entering Bahrain are strict and must be followed carefully to avoid quarantine. Here is a detailed guide on the required vaccinations for dogs entering Bahrain:

Rabies Vaccination:

• Dogs entering Bahrain must be vaccinated against rabies. This is a critical requirement, as rabies is a deadly disease.
• The rabies vaccination must be administered no less than 30 days and not more than one year before your dog's entry to Bahrain.
• If your dog is entering Bahrain from a country considered rabies-controlled or high-risk for rabies, your veterinarian should perform a rabies titer test no sooner than 21 days after the primary vaccination.
• Even with a rabies titer test, your dog will be inspected at a quarantine centre after clearing customs.

DHLP Vaccination (Distemper, Hepatitis, Leptospirosis, Parvovirus):

• In addition to rabies, dogs entering Bahrain must be vaccinated against canine distemper, hepatitis, Leptospira, and parvovirus.
• These vaccinations are often combined into a single DHLP vaccine, which your veterinarian can provide.
• Similar to the rabies vaccination, the DHLP vaccine should be administered no less than 30 days and not more than one year before your dog's entry to Bahrain.

Puppies' Vaccination Requirements:

• Puppies must have at least two doses of all the required vaccinations, including rabies and DHLP.
• The first dose can be given when the puppy is two months old, and the second dose should be administered two to three weeks later.
• Puppies under two months old are not permitted to enter Bahrain.
• After receiving the second dose, your puppy must wait at least four weeks before travelling to Bahrain.

Health Certificate:

• After completing the required vaccinations, you must obtain a health certificate for your dog.
• This certificate should be issued by a licensed veterinarian in your country of origin within 10 days of your planned travel to Bahrain.
• The health certificate must be endorsed by the government agency responsible for the import and export of animals.

Import Permit:

• All dogs entering Bahrain require an Import Permit.
• You can work with a pet relocation specialist to obtain this permit on your behalf.
• The Import Permit serves as proof that your dog meets all the necessary vaccination requirements.

Microchipping:

• While not mandatory, microchipping is highly recommended for all dogs travelling to Bahrain.
• The microchip should be ISO 11784/11785 compliant, with 15 digits and non-encrypted.
• If your dog's microchip is not ISO-compliant, you may need to bring your own microchip scanner.

In summary, to enter Bahrain with your dog, ensure your dog is vaccinated against rabies and the diseases covered by the DHLP vaccine. Puppies have specific requirements, so ensure you follow the guidelines for their age. Obtain a health certificate and Import Permit, and consider microchipping your dog. By following these steps, you can ensure a smooth transition when bringing your dog to Bahrain.

Microchipping requirements

To bring your dog to Bahrain, it is essential that your pet is microchipped. This is a requirement for all dogs entering the country. The microchip must be ISO 11784/11785 compliant, with 15 digits, and non-encrypted.

The microchip should be implanted by a veterinarian, veterinary hospital, or trained nurse. You will receive documentation about the microchip manufacturer and instructions on how to register your dog's information in the manufacturer's database.

If your dog's microchip is not ISO-compliant, you will need to bring your own microchip scanner. You can also use a service like Pet Chip Bahrain to associate your dog's microchip with your email address. This service is free and helps reunite lost pets with their owners.

It is recommended that you microchip your dog before the rabies vaccination. This will ensure that your dog can be uniquely identified and that all necessary vaccinations are administered correctly.

In addition to microchipping, your dog must be vaccinated against rabies, canine distemper, parvo, hepatitis, and Leptospira. These vaccinations should be administered no less than 30 days and no more than one year before entering Bahrain.

By following these microchipping and vaccination requirements, you can ensure that your dog can safely and legally enter Bahrain.

Pet-friendly areas in Bahrain

While you can own a pet almost anywhere in Bahrain, some areas are more suitable for pets than others. Here are some of the best places to live with pets in the country:

Amwaj Islands

The Amwaj Islands, a man-made island, is a haven for pets, especially dogs. There are plenty of areas to walk your dog, and you will have the chance to interact with other pet owners and socialise your pets.

Riffa

Riffa, the second-largest city in Bahrain, is a popular area for those living with pets. Living in a compound makes it comfortable and convenient to care for your pets and take them out for walks.

Manama City Centre

Although you might not expect it, the city centre is home to many pets. The spaces between the towering buildings are ideal for walking your dogs, and cats can enjoy the view from the comfort of their homes.

Seef

This serene suburban area is also pet-friendly, especially for animals who are scared of loud noises. Beachfront properties allow pets to enjoy the sand and the sea.

Pet-friendly parks

There are several parks in Bahrain where you can take your pets, including Prince Khalifa Bin Salman Park, Dohat arad, and Budaiya Park. These parks offer beautiful scenery, palm trees, water views, and beachside walks for you and your furry friends to enjoy.

Pet-friendly hotels

When looking for pet-friendly accommodation in Bahrain, you have several options. Hotels such as Al Safwa One, The Dragon Hotel and Resort, and Moon Plaza Hotel allow pets of any size for no additional fee. Other hotels, like Fraser Suites AL Liwan, Royal Phoenicia Hotel, and Fraser Suites Seef Bahrain, welcome pets for an additional fee.

Recommended treatments for dogs entering Bahrain

When entering Bahrain, your dog will need to have received certain treatments and vaccinations. Here is a list of the recommended and required treatments for your dog:

• Microchipping: All dogs entering Bahrain must be microchipped with an ISO 11784/11785 compliant pet microchip. This microchip should be 15 digits and non-encrypted. If your dog's microchip is not ISO compliant, you will need to bring your own microchip scanner. The microchip should be implanted by a veterinarian, veterinary hospital, or trained nurse, and you should receive documentation regarding the manufacturer and instructions on registering your dog's information in the manufacturer's database.
• Vaccinations: Dogs must be vaccinated against rabies, canine distemper, parvo, hepatitis, and Leptospira. These vaccinations should be administered no less than 30 days and not more than one year before entering Bahrain. Puppies must be at least three months old to enter Bahrain and must have received two doses of the above vaccines. The first dose can be given when the puppy is two months old, and the second dose should be given two to three weeks later. The puppy can enter Bahrain no less than four weeks after the second dose.
• Rabies Titer Test: If your dog is entering Bahrain from a rabies-controlled or high-rabies country, your veterinarian will need to administer a rabies titer test no sooner than 21 days after the primary vaccination to avoid quarantine. Even with this test, your dog will be taken to a quarantine centre for inspection after clearing customs.
• Health Certificate: After completing the vaccinations, a licensed veterinarian in your country of origin must issue a pet health certificate for Bahrain within 10 days of travel. This form must be endorsed by the governmental agency responsible for the import and export of animals, and a copy of the rabies certificate and rabies titer test (if applicable) should be included.
• No Objection Certificate: When entering Bahrain with a dog, you will need a No Objection Certificate, which is valid for 30 days from the date of issue.
• Internal and External Parasite Treatment: It is strongly recommended that your dog receives treatment for internal and external parasites just prior to entering Bahrain. This treatment should include deworming, tick, and flea control.
• Import Permit: All dogs entering Bahrain need an import permit, which can be obtained by your Pet Relocation Specialist or through the Veterinary Quarantine Authority, part of the Ministry of Municipalities and Agriculture Affairs.
• Air Travel Requirements: Dogs must enter Bahrain by air as air cargo and will need an IATA-compliant pet crate for transport. Contact your chosen airline well in advance to book your dog's travel, as extra fees and regulations may apply.

Dog transport to Bahrain

Bringing your dog to Bahrain requires careful planning and adherence to import regulations. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the process and ensure a safe and smooth relocation experience for your furry friend.

Microchipping:

Firstly, ensure your dog is microchipped with an ISO 11784/11785 compliant microchip. This microchip should be 15-digit and non-encrypted. If your dog's microchip is not ISO-compliant, you may need to bring your own microchip scanner. The microchip should be implanted by a veterinarian, veterinary hospital, or trained nurse, and you should receive documentation regarding the manufacturer and instructions on registering your dog's information in their database.

Vaccinations:

Your dog must be vaccinated against rabies and other diseases, including canine distemper, parvo, hepatitis, and Leptospira. Ensure these vaccinations are administered no less than 30 days and not more than one year before entering Bahrain. Puppies must be at least three months old to enter the country, and they must have received two doses of the required vaccinations. The first dose can be given at two months, and the second dose should be given two to three weeks later. Your dog can then enter Bahrain no less than four weeks after the second dose.

Health Certificate:

After completing the vaccinations, obtain a health certificate for your dog. A licensed veterinarian in your country of origin must issue this certificate within 10 days of travel. The form must be endorsed by the governmental agency responsible for the import and export of animals, and a copy of the rabies certificate should be included.

Import Permit:

All pets arriving in Bahrain require an import permit. Contact the Veterinary Quarantine Authority, part of the Ministry of Municipalities and Agriculture Affairs, to obtain this permit. Proof of vaccination and the health certificate will be needed to obtain the permit.

Parasite Treatment:

It is strongly recommended that your dog receives treatment for internal and external parasites just prior to entering Bahrain. This includes deworming and treatment for ticks and fleas.

Air Travel:

Dogs entering Bahrain must travel by air as air cargo. Contact your chosen airline well in advance to book your dog's travel, as extra fees and regulations may apply. You will need to provide an International Air Transport Association (IATA)-compliant pet crate for the journey. It is advisable to purchase the crate in advance so your dog can get used to it before travelling.

Arrival in Bahrain:

Upon arrival at Bahrain International Airport, your dog will undergo an inspection by government authorities. This clearance process, including a nasal swab test for rabies, generally takes two to four hours. If all the requirements are met, your dog will not need to undergo quarantine, and they will be free to enter the country.

Pet-Friendly Areas in Bahrain:

When considering where to live with your dog in Bahrain, there are several pet-friendly areas to choose from:

• Amwaj Islands: This man-made island is a haven for pets, especially dogs. It offers plenty of walking areas and opportunities to interact with other pet owners.
• Riffa: The second-largest city in Bahrain is popular for those living with pets. Living in a compound provides convenience and comfort for pet care and walks.
• Manama City: Despite being a bustling city centre, Manama has a surprisingly high number of pets, and the areas between the towering buildings are ideal for walking your dog.
• Seef: This serene suburban area is ideal for pets, especially those scared of loud noises. Beachfront properties in Seef offer the added bonus of sand and sea for your dog to enjoy.

Frequently asked questions