Frequently Asked Questions

01. What services are available at KAUST for pets?
Al-Hamra Pet Retreat Center, located near Gate 3, is an independent provider offering paid veterinary, boarding, and grooming services for cats and dogs. Community members or volunteers may choose to use their services at their own discretion and expense.

Residents may keep up to three cats and/or dogs (registered with a microchip), plus small animals like birds, hamsters, and fish.

See the Pet Policy here

Venomous, wild, exotic, and banned dog breeds, as well as rabbits, chickens, ducks, pigeons and feral cats.

See the Pet Policy here

Cats and dogs may live in villas and townhouses — not in apartments or shared accommodation.

See the Pet Policy here

Most indoor facilities, including academic buildings, retail, restaurants, recreation centers, swimming areas, and sports fields. Approved service animals are exceptions.

See the Pet Policy here

No. Birds, hamsters, and fish do not require registration but must be kept safely.

See the Pet Policy here

Supervise your pet, keep it under control, clean up after it, and avoid causing nuisance or damage. Make care arrangements when you travel.

See the Pet Policy here

If you encounter nuisance or an injured animal within KAUST, please report it via 959 or send an email to cccallcenter@kaust.edu.sa

The request will be reviewed, and appropriate action will be taken by our teams.

No. Breeding and selling pets within KAUST are prohibited.

See the Pet Policy here

Unregistered animals are managed responsibly to ensure a healthy and comfortable environment for everyone. When animals pose a nuisance or safety concern, they are humanely relocated or rehomed in accordance with best practices.

The community cattery serves as a volunteer-led facility where animals delivered by residents may receive temporary care until suitable rehoming arrangements can be made.
The community cattery provides a dedicated space managed by independent volunteers, where animals delivered by residents may receive temporary shelter and basic care. The facility is made available by Campus & Community for volunteer use but is not operated or supervised by KAUST staff.
The cattery is fully operated by community volunteers. The Animal Welfare Volunteer Group manages daily welfare activities including feeding and the independent coordination of spaying. C&C provides the facility only and does not oversee or participate in daily animal care or rehoming decisions.

C&C role is limited to:

  • Providing the physical facility for use by the volunteer group
  • Maintaining the surrounding environment, including housekeeping and gardening
  • Managing nuisance or safety-related animal removals through approved service providers

C&C does not provide animal welfare or veterinary services

Any registered or unregistered animal treatment, vaccination, or sterilization is managed independently by community members who choose to provide such care. 

Please reach out to the Animal Welfare Volunteer Group at animalwelfarevolunteers@outlook.com to discuss your requirement.

The volunteer group welcomes community members who wish to help feed, clean, or assist with rehoming efforts.

Email the Animal Welfare Volunteer Group at animalwelfarevolunteers@outlook.com.