Answers: A, C & D

The decision to take pets to Bahrain should be carefully considered. Consult your veterinarian regarding your pet's health and ability to adapt to Bahrain's climate.

On a cultural note, cats and birds are quite common as pets and horses are treasured, but Muslim households will not have dogs as indoor pets.

Pets may have trouble with fleas, sand ticks, and wood ticks, all of which are common in the country.

In some cases, shipping costs are reported to be quite high for returning the pet to the country of origin.

That being said, should you choose to bring your pet, there are veterinary clinics and pet supply outlets in major cities.

Import requirements for Bahrain
The following documents are required for those attempting to import a dog or cat:

Health certificate
This must be issued within a 10-day period of the pet's arrival to Bahrain.

The Bahrain government may require an additional health certificate issued 72 hours prior to actual arrival. Your pet must be registered with the local government.

Import permit
The import permit is issued by the Veterinary Service of Bahrain after the pet owner completes and signs the form, providing information such as pet's name, species, breed, date of birth, gender, color, microchip or tattoo number, and owner's name and contact information.

Rabies certificate
An original certificate of rabies vaccination must accompany the health certificate. This should be issued by the pet's veterinarian, showing proof that the vaccine was administered more than 30 days prior to the flight and not more than 180 days prior to the flight to Bahrain.

Vaccinations
All routine dog and cat vaccinations, including rabies, canine distemper, hepatitis, leptospira, and parvo for dogs; and rabies, feline distemper, and feline enteritis for cats, must be current, with completion of all vaccinations at least four weeks prior to entry into Bahrain but not longer than 12 months prior to the time of entry.

Dogs and cats imported from countries which are not rabies-free will need a rabies titre test.

Quarantine requirements
Bahrain does not require quarantine of dogs or cats who arrive with all vaccinations, documents, and certifications in order. Should you be required to quarantine a pet for any reason, you will be expected to provide food and any necessary supplies, such as cat litter, so that the caretaker can feed your animal. Visits are allowed.

Because of the lengthy quarantine requirement for animals in the U.K., pet owners are advised to avoid flying to Bahrain with their animals via London in case of delays en route.

Excerpted from the Living Abroad report on Bahrain / Get ready to go / Taking my pet

Written by Michael Cadden, SGMS-T, VP International Operations