Qatar Airways
Pet travel policy for Qatar Airways (QR) — based at Doha (DOH), Qatar.
Policy summary
Qatar Airways does not accept pets in the passenger cabin; the only exceptions are falcons and registered service dogs travelling with passengers with disabilities. All other pets must be transported by Qatar Airways Cargo as manifested freight, which is booked separately from the passenger ticket and requires an IATA-rated kennel meeting the Live Animals Regulations. Pets can travel as accompanied or unaccompanied cargo through Qatar Airways' Doha hub, which has a dedicated live-animal handling facility at Hamad International Airport. The State of Qatar requires an import permit issued by the Ministry of Municipality and Environment, an ISO microchip, a rabies vaccination at least 30 days before travel, and a current health certificate. Snub-nosed dog and cat breeds may be refused at the airline's discretion during periods of high heat. Booking must be done by an IATA-accredited cargo agent on behalf of the owner; passengers cannot book pet cargo directly with Qatar Airways.
Quick reference
| Cabin pets | No (service dogs only) |
|---|---|
| Cargo / checked program | Yes — IATA-rated kennel via dedicated cargo division |
| Cabin fee (one-way) | See airline website |
| Carrier max dimensions | IATA Live Animals Regulations kennel in |
| Weight limit | cargo only |
| Breed restrictions | No cabin pets except falcons & service dogs; cargo via Qatar Airways Cargo. |
| Reservations | +974 4023 0123 |
| Hub airport | Doha (DOH) |
| Country | Qatar |
How to book a pet on Qatar Airways
Almost every airline requires you to add a pet to your reservation by phone — there is no online self-service for in-cabin or cargo pets at the major carriers, because the airline must confirm there is space on the specific aircraft type and route. Call +974 4023 0123 within 24 hours of buying your ticket and ask the agent to add the pet to your booking. You will be quoted the fee at the time of booking and pay it at airport check-in. Bring printed proof of vaccinations and a recent veterinary health certificate, especially for international itineraries.
At the airport, plan to arrive 90 minutes before a domestic departure or three hours before an international departure. The airline gate agent will inspect your carrier, attach an in-cabin pet tag, and confirm that your pet meets the under-seat dimension and weight limits. If your animal is travelling in cargo, you will drop them off at the carrier's dedicated cargo-acceptance facility (separate from the passenger terminal) at least four hours before departure for kennel inspection and loading.