Bringing a pet to Qatar: the import permit, vaccinations, banned breeds and flights

The import permit

Qatar’s Ministry of Municipality issues import permits for cats and dogs. Since September 2026 you can apply through the ministry’s Oun app, which also handles permits for pets coming back into Qatar. We could not read the ministry’s own pages, so check the current rules in Oun before you book anything.

• The permit is valid for one month.
• Sources disagree on timing. Marhaba says you can get it up to two weeks before you travel. New Zealand’s export guidance says it should be issued at least 30 days before your pet arrives.
• Marhaba says the permit cannot be obtained from outside Qatar, so you may need someone in Qatar to apply.
• No fee for residents is published on the public service page, Qatar Living says.
• Qatar Living advises allowing at least three to four months when the blood test and its 90 day wait apply.

Health rules for dogs and cats

• A microchip is required. It must be in place and recorded when the rabies vaccine is given. Qatar Living advises a 15 digit ISO 11784/11785 chip.
• Rabies vaccination at least 30 days before travel, given at 12 weeks old or older, and still valid when your pet arrives.
• A rabies antibody blood test within 12 months before travel, with a result of at least 0.5 IU/ml. Your pet then waits 90 days from the date of the blood sample before it can fly.
• Dogs also need vaccines against distemper, parvovirus, canine hepatitis and leptospirosis. Cats need the feline triple vaccine as well as rabies.
• An official health certificate from your home country, after a vet examination within 48 hours of export. Qatar Airways also wants a vet to certify your pet fit to fly within 10 days of travel.
• Sources disagree on the minimum age. Australian guidance and Marhaba say over four months. The Peninsula in 2022 said over seven months, and New Zealand’s 2024 rules say 30 weeks. Plan on at least seven months.

Banned and dangerous breeds

• These dog breeds cannot be brought into Qatar: Afghan Hound, American Staffordshire Terrier, Boerboel, Boxer, Bull Terrier, Bulldog, Chinese Shar Pei, Doberman, Great Dane, Japanese Akita, Neapolitan Mastiff, Rottweiler and Staffordshire Bull Terrier. Some lists also include the Boston Terrier.
• Australian guidance, based on a 2019 permit, says dangerous and aggressive breeds need a special permit from the Ministry of Interior.
• Under Law No. 10 of 2019, the environment ministry’s list of dangerous animals includes 28 dog breeds. Owners had to register them by 22 April 2025, and the ministry warns against walking them in public places. Breaking the law can bring up to 3 years in prison, a fine of up to QAR 100,000, or both.

Flying your pet to Doha

• Qatar Airways does not carry cats or dogs in the cabin. Service dogs are accepted on some routes. Emotional support dogs are not.
• Dogs, cats and birds can fly as checked baggage on most routes, on your flight or a separate one. Pets travelling alone, connecting from another airline, or over 75 kg go as cargo. To and from Australia and New Zealand, pets must fly as cargo.
• Qatar Airways charges USD 200 to or from Qatar for a pet up to 32 kg, and USD 300 for 32 to 75 kg. Tell the airline at least 48 hours before departure.
• Qatar Airways will not accept short nosed breeds as checked baggage, because of the heat stroke risk. They include Boston Terriers, Boxers, all bulldogs and pugs, Shih Tzus, Pekingese, Chow Chows, King Charles Spaniels and Shar Peis, and Persian, Burmese, Exotic and Shirazi cats.
• Hamad International Airport has a live animal facility for pets on connecting or departing flights. When you arrive, an airline representative brings your pet to you in baggage claim, then customs checks its documents.
• With the right documents there is no quarantine. Australian guidance warns that a pet without them can be quarantined for at least six months or refused entry.

Other pets

• In 2017 Qatar banned the import and export of live birds because of bird flu. We could not confirm whether the ban still applies.
• Qatar Airways carries rabbits and other rodents as cargo only.
• Sources disagree on how many pets you can bring. New Zealand’s guidance says one pet per person. Qatar Living says there is no clearly published limit.

Getting your pet out of your home country

• UK: apply for export health certificate 3920 through the government’s online service. Its notes give Qatar’s rules as at 2014 and do not mention the blood test, so follow Qatar’s current rules as well.
• US: Qatar is not on the Department of Agriculture’s list of pet export countries. It suggests a health certificate such as APHIS Form 7001 from a USDA accredited vet, endorsed by APHIS.
• Canada: the Canadian Food Inspection Agency does not list Qatar. It says to check with the destination’s authorities, and that its Canadian International Health Certificate can be used.
• Australia: send a Notice of Intention to export at least 10 working days before departure. The final vet examination must be within 72 hours of departure, or the period Qatar sets, which other countries’ rules give as 48 hours.

Living with a pet in Qatar

• Marhaba lists pet friendly parks: 5/6 Park, Al Bidda Park, Doha Sports Park, Oxygen Park and Majra Alsail Park. Signs ban pets at the Corniche, Hotel Park and Muglina Unit Park. The Peninsula’s handbook says dogs are generally not allowed in parks, so check the signs.
• Marhaba says public beaches without fees or fences allow pets, and names Al Wakrah Dog Beach and West Bay Beach. Keep dogs on a lead.
• Marhaba says pets are not allowed in mosques, malls, schools or stadiums.
• Get your landlord’s written approval before you sign. Qatar Living warns that building rules can still restrict pets when the landlord agrees.
• Leaving Qatar: the export health certificate for cats and dogs is now in the Oun app. Marhaba says it is valid for seven days.