How To Bring Pets To Qatar: Requirements And Steps (2024)

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.

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

1. Go to the Animal Certificates page on Ministry of Municipality and Environment (MME) website.
2. Enter your Qatar ID number and mobile number (for individuals).
3. Fill out the data in the form, and submit the application.
4. 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

1. Visit the Customer Service Office at the Municipality or Government Services Complexes.
2. Provide a copy and an original of the customer’s and the applicant’s Qatar ID card.
3. You must also submit the other documents mentioned above.
4. Sign the service terms and conditions.
5. 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:

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

Related Articles:

1. QDC License Application For An Alcohol Permit
2. Drinking Alcohol in Qatar: Rules To Know
3. How to Book QDC Appointment
4. Qatar ID Number Meaning
5. Lusail Tram Timings, Tickets, Stations, and Map
6. How To Get Hamad Health Card
7. Qatar Currency Limit: How Much Cash Can Your Bring

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