Hello!
Here is where we answer general questions about owning a pet in Cairo. If you have questions that are not answered here, please email us and we will try to post an answer. If we cannot answer your question we will refer you to someone who can.
1. Are there Veterinarians in Cairo?
Yes. Please check our Vets page for listings. They vary in quality and ability, but most people have successfully found a vet that they feel is qualified. Some veterinarians are educated in the West, others in Egypt.
2. Are there places for rent that will allow me to have pets?
Yes. Just like in other countries, the pet policies vary from landlord to landlord. If you are using a real estate agent, make him or her aware of this requirement. Many people live here with dogs, cats and other pets.
However, you should expect to pay a little bit more or possibly be required to pay an extra deposit. If you are moving on a budget, make sure that you clarify exactly what the charge will be before you move in. If you can hire a real estate agent, he or she can help you negotiate this.
3. Do Egyptians dislike dogs?
This is a difficult question to answer. While the prevailing idea seems to be that all Egyptians dislike dogs, we were pleasantly surprised to find that many upper class Egyptians have dogs as pets and that many farmers keep working dogs.
Other Egyptians have a real aversion to dogs and consider them dirty. Cultural expectations and knowledge (or lack there of) will play the largest role in how someone feels about dogs.
Out of politeness, if you have an Egyptian person in your home, you may want to put the dog in another room until you can determine how your guest feels about it. Some delivery people will not enter your home if the dog is roaming free – even a small lap dog.
4. Are there dog parks?
There are not any public dog parks in Cairo. If you want to have your dog off the leash, you will need to join the Gezeera Club in Zamalek or another private club that has dog facilities. The other alternative is to find an apartment or house with a back yard.
5. I have an pet that is not a dog or a cat. Will I be able to find supplies for my pet?
Pet stores in Cairo sell a variety of pets and the accompanying pet foods. Turtles, Guinea pigs, mice, rats, fish and birds are all common here. You may not be able to get the same brand of food, but there are well stocked pet stores that will have well-made Western pet food available.
There is also a wide variety of ingredients available here for making your own pet food if you want to go that route.
6. Can I bring my pet back to my home country after I have been in Egypt?
This depends on your home country. Most Embassies will have this information on their website. Make sure to check before you arrive – the quarantine period for the UK is very long and cannot be avoided while other countries simply require a health certificate.