Qatar Airways enforces one of the strictest cabin pet policies of any major international carrier. Regular dogs and cats are not permitted in the passenger cabin under any circumstances.
All domesticated pets travel as checked baggage in the hold (up to 75 kg / 165 lbs including carrier) or as manifest cargo for larger animals. Service dogs fly free in the cabin on US and EU routes only. If you are planning a Doha connection with a pet, read every section below before booking.
Policy details verified against the official Qatar Airways pet policy page at qatarairways.com/en-us/baggage/animals.html and cross-referenced with IATA Live Animals Regulations (iata.org/en/you/safety-and-security/live-animals/).
Last verified: March 2024. Verify all details directly with Qatar Airways before booking, as policies change frequently.
Quick Reference: Qatar Airways Pet Policy
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Cabin Pets | No regular pets permitted. Service dogs only on US and EU routes. Falcons in Economy only. |
| Hold Weight Limit (Medium) | Up to 32 kg (70.4 lbs) pet plus carrier combined |
| Hold Weight Limit (Large) | 32 to 75 kg (70.4 to 165 lbs) pet plus carrier combined |
| Carrier Type (Hold) | Hard-sided, rigid, IATA-compliant kennel only. No soft-sided carriers. |
| Carrier Max Dimensions (Hold) | Max 300 cm (118 in) total in any direction; sized by IATA formula |
| Fee: To/From Qatar, up to 32 kg | $200 USD one-way, charged at check-in |
| Fee: Other Routes, up to 32 kg | $350 USD one-way, charged at check-in |
| Fee: To/From Qatar, 32 to 75 kg | $300 USD one-way, charged at check-in |
| Fee: Other Routes, 32 to 75 kg | $450 USD one-way, charged at check-in |
| Booking Method | Phone or in-person city office, or online request form only. No self-service online booking. |
| Advance Booking Required | Minimum 48 hours before departure; maximum 60 days in advance |
| Minimum Pet Age | 12 weeks (3 months) for regular pets; 4 months for service dogs |
| Breed Restrictions | Extensive list of banned breeds. See full list below. |
| Temperature Embargo | No pet travel when ground temperature exceeds 21°C (69.8°F) at origin or destination |
| Service Dogs | Free in cabin on US and EU routes; free in hold on all other routes |
| ESAs | Not accepted in cabin. Travel as standard checked baggage pets. |
In-Cabin Pet Travel: Service Dogs and Falcons Only
Qatar Airways does not allow regular pets in the passenger cabin on any route worldwide. Dogs, cats, and birds must travel in the hold as checked baggage or as manifest cargo. This policy applies regardless of cabin class, pet size, or route length.
Qatar Airways permits only two categories of animals in the passenger cabin: service dogs and falcons. Emotional support animals are classified as regular pets and must travel in the hold. There are no exceptions to this rule.
Service Dogs in Cabin
Service dogs (dogs only, no other species) fly free in the cabin on the following routes:
- Direct Qatar Airways flights to and from the USA
- Flights to and from EU member states
- Flights to and from Georgia, Norway, and Switzerland (non-EU countries that adopted EU regulations)
- Through-journeys connecting USA or EU points via Doha
On US routes, a maximum of 2 service dogs per passenger are permitted in the cabin. On EU and other regulated routes, a maximum of 1 service dog per passenger is permitted in the cabin; a second dog must travel in the hold.
On all other destinations, including Australia, Brazil, Canada, and India, service dogs travel in the hold as checked baggage (AVIH), still at no charge.
Falcons in Cabin
Falcons are permitted in the Economy cabin only, maximum 1 per passenger. Capacity limits are 6 falcons per narrow-body flight and 12 per wide-body flight. Falcons are not permitted in Business or First Class cabins.
Warning: There is no under-seat carrier option for pets on Qatar Airways. Regular cats, dogs, and birds are excluded from the cabin entirely, on every route, in every cabin class. Do not book expecting to bring a pet into the cabin.
Hold Travel: Checked Baggage for Pets (AVIH)
All regular domesticated pets travel as checked baggage in the hold under the AVIH (Animal in Hold) designation. This is the primary travel method for dogs, cats, and birds on Qatar Airways.
Weight categories for checked baggage pet transport:
- Medium (AVIM): Pet plus carrier combined weight up to 32 kg (70.4 lbs)
- Large (AVIL): Pet plus carrier combined weight 32 to 75 kg (70.4 to 165 lbs)
- Over 75 kg (165 lbs): Must travel as manifest cargo via Qatar Airways Cargo; contact Qatar Airways Cargo directly for pricing and arrangements
Pets traveling as checked baggage are housed in a dedicated section of the cargo hold and reunite with their owner at the destination baggage claim area, at a special animal collection point separate from the standard baggage belt.
Carrier Requirements for Hold Travel
Qatar Airways requires IATA Live Animals Regulations (LAR)-compliant hard-sided kennels for all hold travel. Soft-sided carriers are not accepted for hold transport.
Carrier dimensions are calculated using the IATA formula:
- Length = animal body length (nose to base of tail) plus half the leg length
- Width = animal shoulder width multiplied by 2
- Height = animal standing height from floor to top of head or ears, plus bedding thickness
- Maximum total dimensions: 300 cm (118 in) in any direction
Carrier construction requirements:
- Rigid, non-collapsible plastic or fiberglass construction
- Secure locking mechanism that prevents escape
- Ventilation on at least three sides, with the majority of ventilation on the upper portion
- Ventilation openings: maximum 25 mm x 25 mm (1 in x 1 in) for dogs; maximum 19 mm x 19 mm (0.75 in x 0.75 in) for cats
- Nose-proof and paw-proof openings (no body parts may protrude)
- Leak-proof bottom with absorbent material
- Fixed food and water containers that can be refilled from outside the carrier
- Labeled with owner name, contact details, and pet name
Measure your pet standing naturally, then add a 10% buffer when sizing the kennel. Gate agents will reject carriers where the animal cannot stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably. Tight fits are refused at check-in.
Minimum pet age for hold travel: 12 weeks (3 months). Pets younger than 12 weeks are not accepted.
Multiple pets per carrier: One animal per carrier is standard. Exceptions apply for two cohabiting animals of comparable size up to 14 kg (30.8 lbs) each, or three animals from the same litter under 6 months old, each up to 14 kg (30.8 lbs). Customers may request a maximum of 6 carriers total.
Key Takeaway: Qatar Airways requires hard-sided IATA-compliant kennels for all hold travel. Maximum total carrier dimensions are 300 cm (118 in). Soft-sided carriers are rejected at check-in.
Cargo Travel: Manifest Cargo for Large or Special Animals
Pets over 75 kg (165 lbs) combined weight with carrier, and all pets traveling to or from Australia or New Zealand, must travel as manifest cargo through Qatar Airways Cargo rather than as checked baggage.
Australia-specific rules: All pets traveling to or from Australia must use mandatory cargo transport. Melbourne (MEL) is the only permitted port of entry into Australia for pets arriving on Qatar Airways. Contact Qatar Airways Cargo directly for pricing and booking. Post-entry quarantine is required; contact Post Entry Quarantine Services at PEQservices@agriculture.gov.au or call 1800 900 090 for current requirements.
New Zealand: Mandatory cargo transport applies due to local import regulations. Contact Qatar Airways Cargo directly.
The same IATA Live Animals Regulations crate requirements apply to manifest cargo as to checked baggage hold transport.
Temperature Restrictions and Seasonal Embargoes
Qatar Airways will not transport pets when ground temperatures exceed 21°C (69.8°F) at either the origin or destination airport. This restriction applies to all pets traveling in the hold.
The Gulf region, including Doha Hamad International Airport (DOH), regularly reaches temperatures of 35 to 50°C during summer months. Temperature embargoes for cargo pet transport in the Gulf region typically apply from approximately April through October, when temperatures consistently exceed the 21°C threshold.
Brachycephalic breeds face additional year-round restrictions due to their heightened susceptibility to heat stroke at temperatures above 21°C (69.8°F). If you’re considering flying with your pug, note that pugs are completely banned from all Qatar Airways flights.
Warning: If you are booking summer travel through Doha or any Gulf region airport between April and October, verify current ground temperatures before committing to travel dates. Pets may be denied transport at the airport if temperatures exceed 21°C (69.8°F) on the day of travel. Contact Qatar Airways directly to confirm embargo status for your specific travel dates.
Fees: Complete Breakdown by Route and Size
Qatar Airways charges pet fees based on route type and pet size category. All fees are collected at airport check-in, not at the time of booking. Fees are charged per one-way trip.
| Travel Type | Route Category | Weight Category | Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Checked Baggage (AVIM) | To/From Qatar | Up to 32 kg (70.4 lbs) | $200 USD | One-way; paid at check-in |
| Checked Baggage (AVIM) | All Other Routes | Up to 32 kg (70.4 lbs) | $350 USD | One-way; paid at check-in |
| Checked Baggage (AVIL) | To/From Qatar | 32 to 75 kg (70.4 to 165 lbs) | $300 USD | One-way; paid at check-in |
| Checked Baggage (AVIL) | All Other Routes | 32 to 75 kg (70.4 to 165 lbs) | $450 USD | One-way; paid at check-in |
| Manifest Cargo | Any Route | Over 75 kg (165 lbs) | Contact Qatar Airways Cargo | Custom quote required |
| Manifest Cargo | Australia/New Zealand | Any weight | Contact Qatar Airways Cargo | Mandatory cargo; custom quote |
| Service Dogs (Cabin) | USA Routes | Any size | FREE | Max 2 per passenger; certification required |
| Service Dogs (Cabin) | EU, Georgia, Norway, Switzerland | Any size | FREE | Max 1 per passenger; certification required |
| Service Dogs (Hold) | All Other Routes | Any size | FREE | Travels as AVIH; no charge |
| Falcons (Cabin) | To/From Qatar | 1 falcon, Economy | QAR 900 (approx. $248 USD) | One-way; Economy only |
| Falcons (Cabin) | Middle East/Indian Subcontinent | 1 falcon, Economy | $270 USD | One-way; Economy only |
| Falcons (Cabin) | Africa | 1 falcon, Economy | $450 USD | One-way; Economy only |
| Falcons (Cabin) | Europe | 1 falcon, Economy | $450 USD | One-way; Economy only |
| Falcons (Cabin) | Far East | 1 falcon, Economy | $450 USD | One-way; Economy only |
| Falcons (Cabin) | Americas | 1 falcon, Economy | $630 USD | One-way; Economy only |
| Falcons (Cabin) | Australia/NZ/Japan/South Korea | 1 falcon, Economy | $630 USD | One-way; Economy only |
Qatar Airways charges pet fees that vary significantly between Gulf region routes and intercontinental flights. Contact Qatar Airways directly for exact current pricing before booking, as fees are subject to change.
Fees are paid at the airport check-in counter, not online and not at the time of booking. Budget for this separately from your ticket purchase.
Breed Restrictions: Full List of Banned and Restricted Breeds
Qatar Airways bans a significant number of breeds from all forms of transport on its aircraft due to health risks associated with heat stress and brachycephalic anatomy. The 21°C (69.8°F) ground temperature limit makes brachycephalic breeds particularly high-risk on Gulf region routes.
Dogs Banned Entirely from All Qatar Airways Transport
The following dog breeds cannot travel on Qatar Airways in any capacity, including cabin, checked baggage hold, or manifest cargo:
Affenpinscher, American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Bichon Frise, Boston Terrier, Boxer, Brussels Griffon, Bulldog (all breeds), Bull Mastiff (English Mastiff), Cane Corso, Chow Chow, Dogo Argentino, Dogue de Bordeaux (French Mastiff), English Mastiff, French Terrier, Greyhound (exception: maximum 2 greyhounds accepted as pets), Japanese Chin, King Charles Spaniel, Neapolitan Mastiff, Pekingese, Pug (all breeds), Shar Pei, Shih Tzu, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Valley Terrier
Cats Banned Entirely from All Qatar Airways Transport
The following cat breeds cannot travel on Qatar Airways in any capacity:
Burmese, Exotic, Persian, Shirazi
Dogs Restricted to Manifest Cargo Only
The following breeds may travel only via manifest cargo (not checked baggage and not cabin), provided full IATA container requirements under LAR 82 are met. Contact Qatar Airways Cargo directly to arrange transport for these breeds:
American Bulldog, American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Bull Mastiff, Bull Terrier, Cane Corso, Chow Chow, Dogo Argentino, Pitbull, Presa Canario, Staffordshire Bull Terrier
Note: Some breeds appear on both the fully banned list and the cargo-only list due to overlapping classifications in the official policy. Verify your specific breed’s status directly with Qatar Airways before booking.
Key Takeaway: Pugs, all Bulldog breeds, French Mastiffs, Shih Tzus, Boston Terriers, Boxers, Persian cats, and Burmese cats are fully banned from all Qatar Airways flights. If your pet is on this list, Qatar Airways cannot transport them under any circumstances.
Booking Process: Step-by-Step
Pets cannot be booked online through the Qatar Airways website. All pet bookings require either a phone call to a Qatar Airways contact center, an in-person visit to a Qatar Airways city office, or submission of the official online request form. The request form is available at: qatarairways.com/en-us/help/submit-request-form/carriage-of-pets.html
Book your passenger ticket first. Pet bookings cannot be processed without a confirmed booking reference number (PNR).
- Verify pet eligibility. Confirm your pet’s breed is not on the banned list. Confirm your pet is at least 12 weeks (3 months) old. Check destination country import regulations. Check current ground temperatures for your route if traveling April through October in the Gulf region.
- Book your passenger ticket first. Complete your flight booking through any standard channel (online, phone, or travel agent). Obtain your booking reference number (PNR). Do not attempt to add a pet during the ticket booking process.
- Submit the pet booking request. Use one of the following methods: submit the online request form at qatarairways.com/en-us/help/submit-request-form/carriage-of-pets.html, call a Qatar Airways contact center (contact Qatar Airways via their website to obtain the regional number for your location, as official phone numbers are not published centrally), or visit a Qatar Airways city office in person. Provide your PNR at this step.
- Provide complete pet details. During the form submission or call, supply: pet species and exact breed name, weight in kg, age in weeks or months, kennel dimensions in cm (length x width x height), origin airport, destination airport, flight date and flight number, and any service dog certification documents if applicable.
- Confirm space availability. Qatar Airways checks available capacity for pets on your specific flight. Space is limited. Booking is not confirmed until you receive written confirmation. Submit your request a minimum of 48 hours before departure and no more than 60 days in advance.
- Receive email confirmation. Processing takes up to 48 hours from submission. Confirmation email includes your pet booking reference and fee amount. Payment is not collected at this stage.
- Prepare all required documentation. Obtain a health certificate from a licensed veterinarian issued within 10 days of your departure date. Confirm vaccinations are current, including rabies for international travel. Complete the CDC online dog import form if traveling to the USA (required for all dogs entering the US; submit at the CDC form portal and carry proof of submission). Arrange microchipping if traveling to the USA. Gather destination country import permits. Prepare service dog certifications and DOT forms if applicable.
- Arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before departure. Proceed to the special baggage or pet check-in desk, not the standard check-in line. Specifically request “pet check-in” or “special baggage” when you arrive.
- Complete airport check-in for your pet. Present your pet and carrier, original signed health certificate, vaccination records, microchip documentation (if USA-bound), CDC form receipt (if USA-bound), service dog certifications (if applicable), and your pet booking reference. The agent will inspect the carrier for IATA compliance, weigh the pet plus carrier, verify all documentation, collect the pet fee, and provide a receipt.
- Board your flight. Your pet is transported to the aircraft hold. You board separately. Service dogs board with their handler and travel in the cabin. At your destination, collect your pet from the special animal collection point, not the standard baggage belt.
Tip: Submit the online request form on a weekday morning. Responses process faster, and you secure your pet’s space before the flight fills. Do not wait until 48 hours before departure; book immediately after confirming your ticket.
Common booking mistakes to avoid:
| Mistake | How to Avoid |
|---|---|
| Attempting to book online without the form | Use the official request form at qatarairways.com or call a city office |
| Booking fewer than 48 hours before departure | Book immediately after ticket confirmation; spaces are limited |
| Missing destination country import requirements | Research 2 to 3 weeks before travel; contact destination embassy or agriculture department |
| Using a soft-sided carrier | Hard-sided IATA-compliant kennels only for hold travel |
| Scheduling vet appointment too late | Health certificate must be issued within 10 days of departure; book vet 12 to 14 days out |
| Traveling in summer without checking temperatures | Verify ground temperatures at origin and destination; embargoes apply above 21°C (69.8°F) |
| Assuming connecting pets transfer automatically | Qatar Airways does not accept pets connecting from other airlines; arrange separately |
Service Animals: Policy, Routes, and Documentation
Qatar Airways follows the US Department of Transportation (DOT) definition of a service animal for regulated routes: a dog that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of a qualified individual with a disability. Service animals are not pets and do not count against regular pet allowances.
Only dogs are accepted as service animals on Qatar Airways. No other species, including miniature horses, are accepted regardless of US law provisions.
Qatar Airways updated its service animal policy effective 11 January 2021 to align with the DOT’s revised service animal rules under the Air Carrier Access Act. This update is documented at transportation.gov/animals.
Service Dog Cabin Access by Route
| Route | Cabin Access | Maximum Per Passenger |
|---|---|---|
| USA (direct and connections via Doha) | Yes, free | 2 |
| EU member states | Yes, free | 1 (second dog travels in hold) |
| Georgia, Norway, Switzerland | Yes, free | 1 |
| Canada | Yes, free | 1 |
| Australia, Brazil, India | Yes, free | 1 (second dog travels in hold or cargo) |
| United Kingdom | Yes, free | 1 (psychiatric service dogs travel as manifest cargo) |
| Kuwait | Cabin only if arriving from USA | Maximum 3 service animals |
| All other destinations | Hold (AVIH) only | Varies by country |
Required Documentation for Service Dogs
- Service dog identification: Official service dog ID card, written documentation from a recognized service dog organization, or harness and tags with credible verbal assurance from the handler.
- Service dog certificate: Registration number and validity date, presented at reservation or check-in.
- For psychiatric service dogs: Certification from a licensed mental health professional on professional letterhead, signed and dated, not older than 1 year from the scheduled flight date. Must confirm the passenger has a recognized mental or emotional disability, the dog is needed during air travel or at the destination, and the passenger is under the care of the certifying professional. Must include the professional’s license type and state or jurisdiction.
- Health documentation: Health certificate issued within 10 days of travel, current vaccination records, and microchip documentation for USA entry.
For US-bound flights: Complete the DOT “U.S. Department of Transportation Service Animal Air Transportation Form” and the DOT “U.S. Department of Transportation Service Animal Relief Attestation.” Both forms are available at transportation.gov/individuals/aviation-consumer-protection/service-animals.
In-cabin rules for service dogs: The dog must remain on the floor at the passenger’s feet or on the passenger’s lap. Service dogs may not sit on seats, block aisles, or occupy exit rows. Dogs must remain leashed and harnessed at all times and must show no signs of aggression.
Advance notice: Minimum 48 hours before departure. Earlier notice is recommended for complex itineraries.
Fee: Free on all routes, whether traveling in cabin or in the hold.
Emotional Support Animals: No Cabin Access
Qatar Airways does not accept emotional support animals (ESAs) in the passenger cabin. ESAs are classified as standard pets and must travel as checked baggage in the hold or as manifest cargo, subject to all regular pet restrictions including weight limits, breed bans, temperature embargoes, and booking requirements.
This policy aligns with DOT rule changes effective 11 January 2021, which removed the requirement for airlines to accommodate ESAs as service animals. Qatar Airways applies this policy consistently across all routes worldwide, including US, EU, and all other destinations. If you’re considering emotional support dog certification, remember that ESAs have no special privileges on Qatar Airways.
ESA owners should follow the standard pet booking process described above and budget for applicable hold transport fees.
Required Documents: Complete Checklist
Health Certificate
Issued by a licensed veterinarian within 10 days of your departure date. Must state the pet is fit to fly and confirm current health status. Required for all pets on all routes.
Vaccination Records
Current vaccinations as required by the destination country. Rabies vaccination is mandatory for most international destinations. Specific requirements vary by country.
Microchip
Required for all dogs entering the USA under CDC requirements. Must be an internationally compatible ISO standard microchip that is scannable and readable.
CDC Dog Import Form (USA-bound only)
Mandatory for all dogs entering the USA. Submit online before travel and carry proof of electronic submission (printed receipt or phone display). Each dog requires a separate form. For detailed guidance on these requirements, see our new cdc regulations for dogs guide.
EU Pet Passport
Accepted for travel to and from EU member states and EU-compliant countries. Provides proof of vaccinations and health status.
AVIH Request Form
Submit online at qatarairways.com/en-us/help/submit-request-form/carriage-of-pets.html before travel. Captures pet type, breed, weight, container dimensions, and health documentation details.
Destination-Specific Import Permits
The customer is responsible for researching and obtaining all destination country import certificates, permits, and quarantine compliance documentation. Qatar Airways requires proof of these arrangements before check-in. Failure to provide required documentation results in denial of travel.
Schedule your veterinary appointment 12 to 14 days before departure. Health certificates expire quickly, and some destination countries require import permits that take additional processing time. Do not leave documentation to the last 48 hours.
Route-Specific Restrictions
Regular pets are never permitted in the cabin on any Qatar Airways route worldwide. This applies to all destinations without exception.
Destinations requiring mandatory cargo transport (not checked baggage):
- Australia: Cargo only; Melbourne (MEL) is the only permitted port of entry; post-entry quarantine required
- New Zealand: Cargo only due to local import regulations
Destinations with strict quarantine requirements affecting booking:
- Australia: Contact PEQservices@agriculture.gov.au or call 1800 900 090. For comprehensive guidance, see our avoiding pet quarantine in australia guide.
- United Kingdom: Check current DEFRA import requirements
- New Zealand: Import quarantine protocols apply
- Japan: Strict import requirements; verify with Japanese authorities before booking
Codeshare and interline limitations:
- Qatar Airways accepts pets only on Qatar Airways-operated flights
- Pets cannot connect from another airline onto a Qatar Airways flight; Qatar Airways will not accept incoming interline pet transfers
- Pets can connect from Qatar Airways onto a partner airline if that airline accepts them; the customer is responsible for arranging the connecting carrier’s pet acceptance separately
Transit through Doha (DOH):
- Layovers over 3 hours: Service animals receive extended care including walks, food, water, kennel cleaning, and stress monitoring
- Layovers under 3 hours: Monitoring only
As of 2024, Qatar Airways accepts pets in the hold on most routes worldwide, with the exception of destinations requiring mandatory cargo transport such as Australia and New Zealand. Confirm route-specific restrictions at the time of booking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring my dog in the cabin on Qatar Airways?
Small dogs are not permitted in the cabin on Qatar Airways. Only service dogs and falcons are allowed in the passenger cabin. Service dogs fly free in the cabin on direct flights to and from the USA, EU member states, and select other countries including Georgia, Norway, and Switzerland. All other dogs, regardless of size, must travel as checked baggage in the hold or as manifest cargo. Dogs must be at least 12 weeks (3 months) old, booked by phone or online request form, and meet all documentation requirements.
What are Qatar Airways carrier size requirements for pets?
Qatar Airways requires hard-sided IATA-compliant kennels for all hold travel. Soft-sided carriers are not accepted. Carrier dimensions are calculated using the IATA formula: length equals animal body length plus half the leg length; width equals shoulder width multiplied by 2; height equals standing height plus bedding thickness. The maximum total dimensions are 300 cm (118 in) in any direction. Ventilation openings must not exceed 25 mm x 25 mm (1 in x 1 in) for dogs and 19 mm x 19 mm (0.75 in x 0.75 in) for cats. For more carrier options, check our best dog crates for travel guide.
How much does Qatar Airways charge for pet transport?
Pet fees for checked baggage hold transport are: $200 USD one-way for pets up to 32 kg (70.4 lbs) on routes to or from Qatar; $350 USD one-way for the same weight on all other routes; $300 USD one-way for pets 32 to 75 kg (70.4 to 165 lbs) on routes to or from Qatar; $450 USD one-way for the same weight on all other routes. Fees are collected at airport check-in. Pets over 75 kg (165 lbs) require manifest cargo; contact Qatar Airways Cargo directly for pricing. Service dogs travel free on all routes. Qatar Airways charges pet fees that vary significantly between Gulf region routes and intercontinental flights; contact Qatar Airways directly for current pricing confirmation before booking. For comparison with other carriers, see our emirates pet policy guide.
Does Qatar Airways transport brachycephalic breeds?
No. Qatar Airways does not accept brachycephalic (snub-nosed) breeds in the cabin, in the hold as checked baggage, or as manifest cargo. Banned dog breeds include: Affenpinscher, Boston Terrier, Boxer, all Bulldog breeds, Brussels Griffon, Bichon Frise, Cane Corso, Chow Chow, Dogo Argentino, Dogue de Bordeaux (French Mastiff), English Mastiff, Bull Mastiff, Japanese Chin, King Charles Spaniel, Neapolitan Mastiff, Pekingese, Pug (all breeds), Shar Pei, Shih Tzu, and others. Banned cat breeds include: Burmese, Exotic, Persian, and Shirazi. These breeds cannot travel on Qatar Airways under any circumstances. For more information about flying with flat-faced breeds, see our french bulldogs flying on planes guide.
Can I book my pet online through Qatar Airways?
No. Pet bookings cannot be completed through the standard online booking process. You must either submit the official pet request form at qatarairways.com/en-us/help/submit-request-form/carriage-of-pets.html, call a Qatar Airways contact center, or visit a Qatar Airways city office in person. Booking must be completed a minimum of 48 hours before departure and no more than 60 days in advance. Your passenger ticket must be booked and confirmed before submitting a pet request.
What documents do I need to fly my pet on Qatar Airways?
Required documents for all pets: a valid health certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian within 10 days of departure, and current vaccination records including rabies for most international destinations. Additional requirements by destination: USA-bound travel requires a completed CDC dog import form (submitted online before travel) and an ISO-compatible microchip for all dogs. EU travel accepts an EU pet passport as proof of vaccinations. Australia requires post-entry quarantine documentation; contact PEQservices@agriculture.gov.au. All destination country import permits and quarantine compliance documents are the customer’s responsibility. Qatar Airways will deny travel if required documentation is not presented at check-in. For comprehensive preparation tips, see our dog travel essentials guide.
This article references the official Qatar Airways pet policy at qatarairways.com/en-us/baggage/animals.html, the US Department of Transportation service animal guidelines at transportation.gov/animals, and IATA Live Animals Regulations at iata.org/en/you/safety-and-security/live-animals/. Policy details were last verified in March 2024. Airline pet policies change frequently, and fees, weight limits, breed restrictions, and route-specific rules are subject to update without notice.
This article is for informational purposes only. Airline pet policies change frequently. Always verify current requirements directly with Qatar Airways before booking.
