Pets

If you want to bring an animal into the country, it is quite easy but expensive and you must have the necessary paperwork.  Pets entering Qatar require an import permit from the Ministry of Agriculture.  Cats with proper documentation are allowed to enter with no difficulty, but some breeds of dogs, especially large dogs, like Boxers,  Bulldogs, Rottweilers, Great Danes and Dobermans are not admitted.  There is no quarantine upon arrival in Qatar.

Application forms for import permits may be obtained from the Ministry of Agriculture through a sponsoring employer.  A copy of the pet’s health certificate and vaccination record (from point of origin) must be submitted with the application dated no more than two weeks before the date of travel.  Cats and dogs must have all vaccinations up to date and must be vaccinated against rabies.

Begin making your arrangements from your home of record as soon as possible.  Air carrier restrictions often vary with the individual airline.  These may include restrictions on weather temperatures, as well as the type, size and weight of the animal.  Check with the airlines that serve your area.  Flying to Qatar in August when the weather is too hot in the summer may be a little uncomfortable for an animal, while travelling as well as getting initially settled.  KLM seems to be very good with animals. 

Some shipping agencies provided with the health certificate, vaccination record, photos (if it is dog), passport copies of the owners and flight details or airway bill do also arrange paperwork for the import of animals within two weeks.

You can buy pets here, however there are very few good pet shops in Qatar.   QAWS;  Qatar Animal Welfare Society, has a number of rescued animals waiting for a good home.

When leaving the country your pets need to be vaccinated against rabies and have all their vaccinations up to date.  You will have to check with the regulations of the destination country for the details required before the move.  A health certificate, almost always required, must be dated 7 days prior to the animal’s date of travel and is available at the government veterinary clinic for free.