Doha Guides Team regularly reviews this article to ensure the content is up-to-date and accurate. The last editorial review and update were on 02 February 2024.
Coming home to a loyal pet like a dog or cat is one of the best feelings in the world. For most pet owners, pets are like family members who offer unconditional love and company. Pet owners would naturally want to take their pets when they move to a new country like Qatar.
Travelling with pets can be stressful, but if you are prepared and equipped with the right information, this can be a breeze. Here are the important things you need to know and a step-by-step guide on how to bring pets to Qatar.
Are Pets Allowed in Qatar?
Most pets like dogs and cats are welcome in Qatar as long as they are in good health and accompanied by a health certificate.
Indeed, pet ownership in Qatar is not as common as in the West, but there are many pet owners in Qatar. You can rest assured that finding veterinary clinics or other services for your pets in Doha won’t be difficult.
Dogs Banned in Qatar
Before planning to bring pets to Qatar, you should know about certain breeds of dogs that are banned in Qatar. Dogs of the following breeds (list in alphabetical order) are not allowed to be imported to Qatar:
- Afghan Hound
- American Staffordshire Terrier
- Boerboel.Boston Terrier
- Boxer
- Bull Terrier
- Bulldog
- Chinese Shar-Pei
- Doberman
- Great Dane
- Japanese Akita
- Neapolitan Mastiff
- Rottweiler
- Staffordshire Bull Terrier
Requirements To Bring Pets To Qatar
The following are the requirements for importing a pet to Qatar:
1. Microchip
First, your pet must be microchipped with an ISO-compliant (ISO 11784/11785) chip. The microchip must be scanned after implantation, and the number must be recorded correctly on all your pet’s documents, including vaccination records. You would also need a letter or certificate with the microchip details.
2. Vaccination Records
It is important to have your pet’s rabies vaccination up-to-date at least 30 days before entering the country. You should also obtain a Rabies Serology Certificate, indicating the pet has passed the RNATT (Rabies Neutralizing Antibody Titre Test) from a recognized laboratory.
All dogs travelling to Qatar must be vaccinated with DHLPP (Distemper, Hepatitis, Leptospirosis, Parainfluenza, and Parvovirus).
In the case of cats, they should also be vaccinated with FVRCP (Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, and Panleukopenia) or Fel O Vax.
| Dogs | Rabies + DHLPP (Distemper, Hepatitis, Leptospirosis, Parainfluenza, and Parvovirus) |
| Cats | Rabies + FVRCP (Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, and Panleukopenia) or Fel O Vax. |
All vaccination should be done within the last 12 months or a minimum of 30 days before arrival.
3. International Health Certificate
You need to ask your veterinarian to issue you an International Certificate of Good Health. This certificate is called APHIS Form 7001 in the US.
- This certificate must be issued or certified by a government body and should be in the English language.
- It must be issued within ten days of departure and issued separately from the passport pages.
4. Import Permit (From Qatar)
Before importing the pet to Qatar, you must obtain an Import Permit from the Livestock Department at Qatar’s Ministry of Municipality and Environment (MME).
The import permit should be issued no later than 30 days prior to the animal’s arrival in Qatar.
Note that import permits are only available to pets who are over four months old.
The application must be accompanied by supporting documentation, which includes proof of vaccination against rabies, and laboratory reports for rabies titre tests. The pet’s microchip number should be clearly visible on all supporting documentation.
How To Apply For Pets Import Permit Online
- Go to the Animal Certificates page on Ministry of Municipality and Environment (MME) website.
- Enter your Qatar ID number and mobile number (for individuals).
- Fill out the data in the form, and submit the application.
- You will receive the system messages on the registered email address.
Alternatively you can try this web page on MME website. For this page you will need to login using the Tawtheeq NAS authentication.
You can also submit the import certificate application in person or through someone else as explained below:
How To Apply For Pets Import Permit Offline
- Visit the Customer Service Office at the Municipality or Government Services Complexes.
- Provide a copy and an original of the customer’s and the applicant’s Qatar ID card.
- You must also submit the other documents mentioned above.
- Sign the service terms and conditions.
- The permit is normally issued in one working day and is valid for 30 days.
For enquiries, you can call (974) 44261656 or 44263639.
Documents Required To Import Pets
The following documents are required to import your pets:
- Pet owner’s Passport copy and QID / Visa
- Microchip details (date placed, location, number)
- Vaccination Records
- Rabies Serology Certificate (Titer Test Result)
- International Health Certificate
- Import Permit from Qatar officials
- A Letter of Intent signed by the owner would be required for cargo clearance.
Air Travel With Pets
With most airlines, pets can be checked in as baggage or air cargo, with one pet per person allowed. You must transport your pet in a carrier/kennel approved by the International Air Transport Association (IATA).
Pets are allowed entry to Qatar via Hamad International Airport in Doha. Qatar Airways accepts domestic animals as checked baggage as long as they are in good health and meet all transport requirements. For more details, check the Qatar Airways page on travelling with pets.
If you decide to bring pets to Qatar, you should confirm the breed with your vet and contact the airline beforehand. Some airlines allow smaller pets to be carried onboard. You need to check this with your airline in advance.
You need to check in your pet at the baggage check-in area and pay the excess baggage fees at the airport. If your pet is transported as cargo, the airline authorities will take care of the pet.
Professional Pet Relocation Companies
Because of the complexity of the paperwork and the strict biosecurity rules, using the services a professional pet relocation company is highly recommended.
They can help apply for an import permit on your behalf and even pick up and deliver from the airport. You may need to start contacting them well in advance and discussing quotes with multiple providers.
Here are some of the pet relocation specialists in Doha:
| Company | Phone | |
|---|---|---|
| Canadian Veterinary Hospital | (974) 4411 8850 | [email protected] |
| Dragon Animal Care Center | (974) 4441 1866 | [email protected] |
| Move One | (974) 4411 3170 | [email protected] |
| Parkview Pet Center | (974) 4417 1560 | [email protected] |
| The Veterinary Surgery | (974) 4436 7187 | [email protected] |
| Vets 4 Pets | (974) 4487 1642 | [email protected] |
Requirements For Other Pets
In addition to the above requirements, other conditions apply to specific types of pets, such as birds, rabbits, fish, rodents, and invertebrates. To enter Qatar, these pets must also have an import permit and health certificate. Please contact a pet relocation company for more details.
Tips For Pet Owners in Qatar
- Before renting an apartment in Qatar, check with your landlord if pets are allowed in the building.
- Generally, dogs are not allowed in public places, including most parks and the Corniche.
- Some beaches allow dogs, but they must be leashed at all times.
- Animals other than assistance dogs are not allowed on Doha Metro and Lusail Tram network, even if they’re in cages.
- Stray cats are plenty in Qatar, but stray dogs are very rare. The Police and Animal Resources are authorized to catch and handle stray dogs. Do not let your pets leave your home without someone accompanying them.
- It is recommended that pet owners identify their pets with tags and microchips.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many pets can I bring to Qatar?
Qatar currently has a one pet per person policy for imports.
Is there mandatory quarantine for pets imported to Qatar?
Qatar does not have mandatory quarantine for pets that meet the health requirements. Your pet may face quarantine if it doesn’t meet the health standards.
Can I take pets to Qatar as a tourist?
No, you need a residence visa in Qatar to obtain an import permit for pets.
Related Articles:
- QDC License Application For An Alcohol Permit
- Drinking Alcohol in Qatar: Rules To Know
- How to Book QDC Appointment
- Qatar ID Number Meaning
- Lusail Tram Timings, Tickets, Stations, and Map
- How To Get Hamad Health Card
- Qatar Currency Limit: How Much Cash Can Your Bring
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Hi everyone,
I’m moving from Chile to Cambodia and I have a flight from Brazil to Thailand with Qatar airways with a stopover in Doha. Can my big dog go through Qatar in transit and what documentation would she need for her trip through Doha?
Kind regards,
How much does it cost to apply for an import permit from Ministry of Municipality and Environment for a cat?
Hi Mhay, It is not very expensive, but you need to check directly to know the amount.
hello. which airlines allow me to travel with my pug to be relocated in Qatar. I’m currently living in China.
thanks
Hi Jimena, Unfortunately, Qatar Airways does not allow pugs (https://www.qatarairways.com/en/help/faq.html#1003076-are-there-any-health-breed-or-age-restrictions). You need to check directly with other airlines that are coming from China.
Hello ..
do I have to wait 90 days after the rabies serology test in order to bring my cat to Qatar ?
Hi Alaa, Please check with the Qatar Government Helpline at 109 or [email protected].
Hello sir/ i am in qutar now. My wife will come qutar around january or march so could i know if my wife comes here she can bring her pet (cat) with hand laggege or cargo service ? Plz could you expln it. Thank you .
Hi, I have a question I am from Qatar and I heard that they don’t allow you to import a dog to the country if you are a Qatari. I have my dog coming from abroad it has all the vaccine and documentation but it still needs import paper. If extra procedures please let me know.
Hi Fatima, Unfortunately we don’t know about such a restriction for Qataris (nothing is mentioned on the official website). Kindly check with the Ministry of Municipality and Environment. It would be great if you can share your experience here so that we can update others. Thanks
Hi Sir/Madam
I get a work contract to reallocate to qatar and I have an Akita breed dog and I heard it is banned in qatar, my dog is 3 years old and very peaceful and I can’t move without him as no one will take care about him and I am so attached to him. Is there any extra procedure to import him.
Please answer
Hi Ruba, Kindly contact Qatar Government Helpline at +974-44069999 or [email protected]
Hi, our dog is currently in Khobar, Saudi Arabia. He’s supposed to be here last week but the flight’s cargo has no ac that’s why he couldn’t come, and for this reason we have to request a new import paper, export request, and vet health certificate.
Is it possible to enter Qatar by land? Or the first entry of pets should be thru the airport?
Hi Vanessa, Please check with the Qatar Government Helpline at +974-44069999 or [email protected].
Hello,
I have a couple of questions. First, I have read that Qatar has a one pet per person per year policy. Is this calendar year, or year of residence? My husband and I have 3 cats, I am traveling there this week and my husband is following in January. Ostensibly, if it is by calendar year, I can bring one of my cats over next fall, and then next spring both my husband and I can sponsor a cat. Second, does the limited pet policy refer to all pets, or just cats and dogs? I also have two reptiles I would like to bring over. Finally, are there any limitations on the transport of reptiles, particularly snakes, via Qatari airlines?
Hi Mae, For these questions, there is limited info on the official websites. Kindly contact the Qatar Government Helpline at +974-44069999 or [email protected].
Dear Sir or Madam,
I hope this message finds you well. I am reaching out to you with an important request for my family. My husband and I are thrilled to announce that we will be relocating to Qatar for work. As we prepare for our move from China to Doha, we are also planning to bring along our beloved family members – our two lovely dogs. However, our agent in China has informed us that currently, it is not possible to import family pet dogs into Qatar. This poses a significant problem for us, as my husband needs to relocate for work and we wish to bring our entire family with us.
I kindly request your assistance with this matter. Your guidance and expertise would mean the world to us in finding a solution. Thank you so much for taking the time to consider our situation.
Warm regards,
Magali Navarro
Hi Magali, Congratulations on your move. Regarding the updated policy for pets please contact the Qatar Government Helpline at +974-44069999 or [email protected].
You can also check with any pet-relocation company mentioned in this article.
Hi,
How long can a “Resident since 2020” dog leave Qatar for a holiday? Have the return formalities changed? Thanks
Hi Nadia, Unfortunately we couldn’t find an answer to this as official websites have limited information. Please contact the Qatar Government Helpline at +974-44069999 or [email protected].
thank you for your help
Hi Nadia, Have you received any answer from the helpline? If yes, kindly share so that it would help others.
Hi all,
The website link given above (How to apply for pets import permit online) is not working. Do you have another one please ? Thanks for all
Hi Stephane, Since the MME website has changed, we have updated the article with new links (two options are given). Please try them and let us know if they work.
Complexity of paper work? Vaccination records and titer test is done at the vet. Literally don’t have to do anything and the export and/or import permit takes 10 minutes at the ministry of environment. What is the current age requirement for kittens to be imported. It used to be 4 months but I read 7 months(?) somewhere..
Hi Finn, Glad to know that you could get the permit in 10 minutes. Would be helpful to others if you can share how did you apply.
Regarding age of kittens, we believe it is 4 months. Can’t find any official announcement about this.
My husband and I have 3 cats between us. Is there any flexibility on the one pet per person policy? Additionally, I read that the policy was one pet per person per year. Does this mean I can bring a third cat after 1 year passes? Additionally where can I find more info on importing reptiles?
Hi Mae, Unfortunately the official website has limited info on this. May be you can contact the following numbers: (974) 44261656, 44263639
How much would all this cost in qatari riyal for two cats ?
Hi Hamna, It will depend on from where you are bringing. Please check with any pet relocation company. Some contacts are in the article.
Since 30 May 2023 dog imports are banned in Qatar.
Do you have any information about this. Could the ban be temporary or will this be on a permanent basis.
Hi Rob, This should be a temporary ban.
So myself and the wife have QIDs. Can I just fly alone to the UK and back to Doha with my two dogs and bring them back to Qatar?
They have all the pre requisites in place, vaccinations etc.
Or is it one dog per passenger ?
What if you are assigning the two dogs to separate QIDs ?
Confusing🤔
Hi Chris, You can assign both dogs under two QIDs.
my two little cats is 4 month and i am going to mumbai .can i support you my cats flaying with me how many cost in qatar airport.
Hi Shifa, Please contact any pet relocation company for more details.
Hi! I want to Come back to Qatar with my Cat (the cat needs reentry Permit to Qatar) But I will be under Family visit only, my husband and my Sister is working in Qatar.
Can my Sister apply for Reentry permit since she have QID , then I can be the cat travel buddy? What documents needed to be a travel buddy of a cat traveling to Qatar.
Thank you in Advance for your response .
Hi Amithy, You can do that. For more details, kindly contact any pet relocation company (we have given some contacts above).
A dog can be brought to Qatar not sooner than 3 months after RATT test
For pet dog import from India, Which RATT test should be done?