When transporting a pet by a commercial airline, it is extremely important to understand their pet policy. These policies vary between airlines. Some allow small pets to fly in the cabin and others don’t. It is important to know the answers to all your questions before making your decision to fly your pet on any commercial airline. Can my pet fly in the cabin on Qatar Airways? How much does it cost to fly a dog or cat on Qatar Airways? What documents will I need? What are the carrier or crate requirements for Qatar Airways? All your answers related to Qatar Airways pet policy are answered below.
Note: It is important to mention that the pet policy of the airline that operates your pet’s route will preside over the policy of the airline that owns the route. This is important to note because if the operating airline changes during your trip, then you will likely need to claim and recheck your pet on the next airline. This will cause you to clear customs and enter the layover country. You will need time and extra documentation to accommodate this process during the layover unless flying domestically.
Classes of service offered to pets by commercial airlines
- In-Cabin: Pets traveling in the cabin must fly with an adult passenger and travel in an airline compliant
carrier stowed under the seat. - Checked Baggage: Pets traveling with a passenger that are not permitted in the cabin due to size or breed can be transported as checked baggage in the cargo hold.
- Air Cargo: Unaccompanied, very large pets or pets flying to countries that require that pets enter under air cargo will travel as manifest cargo in the hold.
Can my pet fly with me in the cabin? No (Falcons and Service dogs only)
Can my pet fly with me as checked baggage? Yes
Can my pet fly as manifest cargo? Yes
Where is Qatar Airways based?
Qatar Airways [IATA:QR] is based out of Hamad International Airport in Doha. Most layovers within Qatar Airways’ network will occur in this airport.
What countries does Qatar Airways fly to?
Qatar Airways offers service to pets to the following countries: Algeria, Angola, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, Bulgaria, Cambodia, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Djibouti, Ecuador, Egypt, Ethiopia, France, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Breece, Hungary, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kuwait, Lebanon, Malaysia, Maldives, Malta, Morocco, Mozambique, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nigeria, North Macedonia, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Servia, Seychelles, Singapore, Somalia, South Africa (cargo), South Korea, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sweden, Switzerland, Tanzania, Thailand, Tunisia, Turkey, Uganda, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States, Uzbekistan, Vietnam, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
Qatar Airways Pet Policy – In Cabin
If your dog or cat meets the requirements listed in Qatar Airways’ pet policy to fly in the cabin, it will need an airline-compliant pet carrier unless you are flying with a service dog who is trained to assist you in a task required to address a physical or medical disability.
Pets flown by Qatar Airways in the cabin
Other than service dogs, Qatar Airways will only fly flacons in Economy Class. One falcon is permitted per passenger. There is a limit of 6 falcons per flight.
Reservations
Reservations for your pet must be made at least 48 hours prior to departure, either online or by contacting Qatar’s reservation desk.
Age requirements
Pet carrier requirements
Your pet’s carrier must:
- Have adequate ventilation on at least 3 sides (domestic US) or 4 sides (international)
- Be large enough for your pet to stand up and turn around comfortably
- Be able to accommodate your entire pet. No part of your pet can extend out of the carrier
- Be able to fit under the seat in front of you
- Have a waterproof bottom and absorbent pet pad
- Have secure fasteners (heavy duty zippers are recommended)
Exit row or bulkhead seats cannot be reserved when flying with a pet. Pets must remain in carriers for the duration of the flight.
Related: Selecting a pet carrier that is airline compliant
Forms required
The passenger assumes full responsibility and expense for complying with applicable laws, customs and/or other governmental regulations, requirements, or restrictions of the country, state or territory to and from which your pet is being transported. Upon arrival, health certificates, import permits, and other papers may be required by local authorities depending upon the route on which your pet is traveling.
Related: Regulations and forms required to import a pet to over 220 countries
Route restrictions
Falcons will not be transported to or from Tunis.
Check in
Your pet should be presented at the departure airport ticket counter in its carrier at least 30 minutes before normal check in times.
Related: How to clear airport security with a pet
Pet fee
Service dogs are flown at no charge. The cost for falcons to fly in the cabin on Qatar Airways ranges from $115 USD to $630 USD depending on the route.
Service dog pet policy
A maximum of two service dogs per passenger may fly in the cabin at no charge. They must be trained by an organization that specializes in service dog training to provide specific tasks for a person with a disability including a physical, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual, or other mental disability. Credentials will be requested. Notice must be provided to the airline at least 48 hours prior to departure.
Service dogs must be at least four months of age, suitably marked, harnessed and leashed. They must fit in the space provided at their passenger’s feet or lap without intruding on cabin operations or other passengers. They will not be seated in exit rows. They must be clean, mannerly and not show any signs of aggression toward other passengers or the flight crew.
If flights involve the United States, Department of Transportation forms must be completed and submitted at least 48 hours prior to departure. All required documentation required for the destination country must be provided at check in.
All service dogs are subject to the same requirements as regular dogs when traveling internationally.
Qatar Airways Pet Policy – Checked Baggage
Your pet cat, dog or bird will be transported as checked baggage on Qatar Airways if it is flying with an adult passenger. This section of the cargo department has the same temperature and pressure as the passenger cabin. Flights should be direct as when connecting to Qatar Airways from another airlines, pets will not be accepted as checked baggage; they must fly as air cargo.
Live animals are checked in by reservation employees and are checked in at the airport terminal. The airline will move your pet between aircraft in their fleet during layovers if the layover is not over about 3 hours in length.
Pets flown by Qatar Airways as checked baggage
Qatar Airways will fly small dogs, cats and birds as checked baggage. Pets must be clean, healthy, harmless and mannerly. Rodents such as mice, rats, marmots, and rabbits must be flown as air cargo. Pets who are more than six weeks pregnant will need a letter from a licensed veterinarian stating they are healthy and will not give birth during flight.
Reservations
Reservations for your pet must be made at least 48 hours prior to departure, either online or by contacting Qatar’s reservation desk.
Age/Weight requirements
The minimum age to fly as checked baggage on Qatar Airways is 12 weeks of age; however, the minimum age will depend on the pet import requirements of the destination country. For example, pets cannot enter Qatar until they reach 7 months of age and they must be at least 6 months of age to enter the United States.
The maximum weight of your pet including its crate is 165 lbs. (75 kg).
Pet crate requirements
The maximum crate linear dimensions (L+W+H) must be equal to or less than 118″ (30 cm). All crates must conform to regulations imposed by the International Air Transport Association (IATA). One pet per crate is required except in cases where two adult pets of the same size and known to each other, not exceeding 14 kg in weight and with ample room in the crate may fly together. Additionally, three puppies, kittens and birds less than 6 months in age from the same litter, not exceeding 14 kg in weight may fly in the same crate.
For more information, see PET CRATE REQUIREMENTS below.
Route or aircraft restrictions
All pets flying to or from Australia or New Zealand must do so as air cargo. Flights to Australia must terminate in Melbourne.
Forms Required
All dogs, cats and birds flying as checked baggage must have a current health certificate or EU Pet Passport available at check in as well as all licenses, permits, test results and other required documents for their destination country.
The passenger assumes full responsibility and expense for complying with applicable laws, customs and/or other governmental regulations, requirements, or restrictions of the country, state or territory to and from which your pet is being transported. Upon arrival, health certificates, import permits, and other papers may be required by local authorities depending upon the route on which your pet is traveling.
Related: Regulations and forms required to import a pet to over 220 countries
Check in
Your pet should be presented at the departure airport ticket counter in its carrier at least one hour prior to departure.
Pet fee
- Up to 32kg: To/From Qatar: USD 200/ CAD 260 | All other routes: USD 350/CAD 455
- Between 32kg and 75kg: To/From Qatar: USD 300/ CAD 390 | All other routes: USD 450/CAD 590
Qatar Airways Pet Policy – Air Cargo
All live animals flying as air cargo travel under an airline manifest or air waybill and are tracked throughout the entire flight. The airlines are responsible for caring for your pet during layovers as well. Unlike checked baggage, pets are generally checked in and claimed at the airline’s cargo facility. This facility is located on airport grounds; however, not the terminal. Many airlines require that an agent books the transport. If you need a licensed agent to arrange your pet’s transport, send us an email at info@pettraveltransport.com.
Pets flown by Qatar Airways as air cargo
Qatar Airways will fly amphibians, birds, fish, mammals, invertebrates, fish and reptiles. Pigs will not be transported.
Reservations
Contact Qatar Airways air cargo offices.
Age/Weight requirements
The minimum age to fly as checked baggage on Qatar Airways is 12 weeks of age; however, the minimum age will depend on the pet import requirements of the destination country. For example, pets cannot enter Qatar until they reach 7 months of age and they must be at least 6 months of age to enter the United States.
If the maximum weight of your pet including its crate is over 165 lbs. (75 kg) or the sum of L+W+H of the crate exceeds 118″ (300 cm), it must be flown as air cargo.
Forms Required
All dogs, cats and birds flying as air cargo must have a current health certificate or EU Pet Passport available at check in as well as all licenses, permits, test results and other required documents for their destination country. For those pets protected by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), those permits must also be available.
The passenger assumes full responsibility and expense for complying with applicable laws, customs and/or other governmental regulations, requirements, or restrictions of the country, state or territory to and from which your pet is being transported. Upon arrival, health certificates, import permits, and other papers may be required by local authorities depending upon the route on which your pet is traveling.
Related: Regulations and forms required to import a pet to over 220 countries
Check in
Your pet will be checked in at the Qatar Airways cargo facility which is located on airport grounds; however, with few exceptions, not at the airport terminal.
Pet fee
Contact the Qatar Airway Sales and Reservations Team at the departure airport for the cost to fly your pet as air cargo on Qatar Airways.
Qatar Airways Pet Crate Requirements
All pet crates must conform to regulations set by the International Air Transport Association (IATA). The container must be large enough for your pet(s) to stand, turn around, and lie down. The crate must be made of fiberglass, metal, rigid plastics, weld metal mesh, solid wood or plywood. All ventilation openings must be a maximum of 25mm x 25mm (1 in x 1 in) for dogs and 19mm x 19mm (¾ in x ¾ in) for cats.
The crate door must have a secure, spring-loaded, all-around locking system with the pins extending beyond the horizontal extrusions above and below the door. The floor must be waterproof. The crate must not have wheels attached when checking your pet. Metal hardware should be used to fasten the top and bottom halves of your pet crate together. Qatar Airways requires either metal or plastic nuts and bolts threaded with metal inserts to secure both halves of the crate.
All crates must be labeled with LIVE ANIMAL stickers and a Shipping Declaration that includes feeding and watering instructions.
Related: Is your pet’s crate IATA-compliant?
All pets should be acclimated to their crates prior to travel. This may take weeks or even months to accomplish; however it is the best thing you can do for your pet before flying.
Related: Acclimating your pet to its crate or carrier
Temperature Restrictions – Checked Baggage and Air Cargo
When temperatures rise above or drop under certain levels, commercial airlines will prohibit the transport of live animals in the cargo hold. These restrictions are implemented for the safety of your pet. It is important to note that the risk from high or low temperatures is not when your pet is airborne. The risks come during preflight holding, loading on the tarmac and taxiing to the take-off runway.
Pets of high risk will not be accepted as checked baggage or air cargo when actual or forecasted temperatures are above 69.8°F (21°C) or below 45°F (7.2°C) at any airport on the itinerary. Pets may be accepted at temperatures below 45°F with an acclimation certificate, however, no pet will be transported at temperatures lower than 20°F (-6.6°C).
Note that the temperature restrictions for summer travel are lower for brachycephalic (snub-nosed) pets.
Cold-blooded animals are exempt from these restrictions.
Related: Why temperatures matter for pets flying in the cargo hold
Breeds Banned by Qatar Airways
Qatar Airways has classified the following breeds as brachycephalic and will not transport them:
DOGS: Affenpinscher, Boston Terrier, Boxer, Brussels Griffon, English/British Bull Dog, French Bull Dog, French Terrier, Greyhound dogs with the exception of pets (No more than two greyhound dogs can be booked as pets), Japanese Chin, King Charles Spaniel, Neapolitan mastiff, Pekingese, Pug (all breeds) and Shih Tzu.
CATS: Exotic and Persian.
A health certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian will serve as proof that your pet does not qualify for this restriction.
Related: Risks for snub-nosed pets flying in the cargo hold
The following breeds have been classified by Qatar Airlines as aggressive and must fly in a wood, plywood or metal crate that is secure, reinforced and bolted with metal parts. Wooden sides must be lined with welded wire mesh or metal sheeting with ventilation provided.
American Bull Dog, American Bully, American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Bull Mastiff (English Mastiff), Bull Terrier, Cane Corso, Chow Chow, Dogo Argentino, English Mastiff, Pitbull, Presa Canario, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Dogue De Bordeaux (French Mastiff), Shar Pei and Valley Terrier.
Private Jet Charter
Another option for pet owners who do not want their pet to fly in the cargo hold is a pet-friendly private jet charter. Your pet can fly in your lap, at your feet or beside you comfortably without being confined. We can arrange flights from anywhere in the world to anywhere you need to go on your time schedule, without the crowds or commotion of a commercial airport.
Other Information
During layovers at Doha, Qatar Airways states that they will take pets out of their carriers for exercise, examine pets for signs of illness or stress, clean the crate, provide food (if you have taped it to the crate) and change and refill water bowls. Medication can be administered with prior approval.
The information published here is a guideline for Qatar Airways pet policy. For more pet friendly airline pet policies, click the banner below.
Further Reading
How to keep your pet safe when flying in the cargo hold
Tips for airline pet travel
Requirements for a pet transiting a country by air
When do you need a pet transporter?
Routing your pet’s flight
Flying with a snub-nosed breed
More information on airline pet travel
Have a comment or question about transporting a pet with Qatar Airways? Post it below and we will respond. You can also reach out by posting to our Blog, Forum, X (Twitter), Facebook, or Email or follow our activities on Instagram and TikTok.
To the best of our ability, we ensure that recommendations given on PetTravel.com reflect the current regulations. We cannot predict how a given airline may enforce these regulations. Noncompliance may result in the need to deny your pet boarding privileges at the time of check in. We suggest that you minimize the disruptions that may occur by following Qatar Airways pet policy.
Leave a Reply