Importing a Pet Into Qatar

Moving to Qatar soon with your furry family members? This guide should help you with the import process

Posted on

20 October 2019

| Last updated on 20 October 2019

by Christine Sperr

A guide on how to import a pet into Qatar

Relocating to Qatar with your pet(s)? Here's a complete guide to help make the process smooth for you...

If you are a pet owner you know how unbearable it can be to consider moving overseas without them.

We recently relocated to Qatar and our furry companions - our dog and cat - just had to come with us.

Thankfully, with a planned approach, the stress of the process can be minimized.

Before you get started, it is pertinent to know that Qatar bans animal imports from certain countries. These countries are Russia, Ukraine, Jordan, Syria, and Lebanon. Other countries are limited to one pet per passport.

Banned dogs for import into Qatar

In addition to the above restrictions, there are specific breeds that are banned for importation into the country. The currently banned entry list includes the following:

American Staffordshire Terrier
American Pit Bull Terrier
Boerboel
Boston Terrier
Boxer
Bull Terrier
Bulldog
Chinese Shar-Pei
Doberman
Great Dane
Japanese Akita
Neapolitan Mastiff
Afghan Hound
Rottweiler
Staffordshire Bull Terrier

Steps for importing a pet into Qatar

With the above restrictions in mind, the following steps will help you get your pet ready to travel:

1. Microchip your pet

If not done already, you should microchip your pet. This is a quick procedure administered by your local vet. The microchip is encoded with a unique ID number, which can be read by any scanners used at a vet clinic or hospital, and it is inserted in the loose skin behind its shoulder blades.

2. Check your pet's vaccination history

Ensure you check the status of your pet’s vaccination history as the requirements for Qatar are as follows:

Dogs: Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvo, Leptospirosis, (DHLPP) and Rabies within the last 12 months or a minimum of 4 weeks before arrival.
Cats: Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, Panleukopenia (FVRCP), and Rabies within the last 12 months or a minimum of 4 weeks before arrival.

3. Obtain a rabies shot

Ensure your pet’s rabies shot is up to date and that the vaccination sticker is placed and recorded in your pet’s vaccination book. This book should also contain the microchip number for your pet.

4. Do the RATT blood test

This test must be administered 30 days after the rabies shot. The vet will draw a vial of blood and it will be shipped to an approved laboratory for the Rabies Antibody Test. The RATT certificate copy (an example of ours can be found here), along with a copy of your pet’s vaccination book, must be included with the import permit application, at the airline check-in and a copy should accompany the pet’s IATA approved carrier in transit.

It is important to note that several countries require a 90-day wait period after the blood has been drawn for the RATT before entry. It is highly recommended to accomplish this as soon as possible since most global destinations allow the results of the RATT to be valid for the duration of the pet’s life, as long as they have an annual rabies shot.

5. Get an International Health Certificate

An International Health Certificate should be issued within 10 days of departure. This is a health certificate that needs to be completed by your vet and sent to the applicable government office/ministry for the correct endorsement.

While you can try to coordinate this step independently, there are several pet relocation companies that can complete this step for you. Honestly speaking from experience, it is worth the fee as the process can be complex and / or cumbersome.

6. Get your import permit

Each pet is required to have an issued import permit for entry into Qatar (example of one for your reference here). Once again, it is highly advisable to utilize a pet relocation company. We worked with Qatar Vet Center and they were great.

7. Make sure your carrier is IATA Approved

Most airlines will only accept IATA approved carriers for transporting your pet. You will need to measure each pet and report their measurements to ensure the right fit.

If your pet cannot stand up without touching the ceiling or turn around in a complete circle comfortably, your pet may not be able to be released for flight. Ensure your pet is correctly fitted for their carrier and that you report the weight and dimensions of the carrier to the airline when booking their flight.

The below image should help you measure your pet correctly:

Pet crate size and measurements for Qatar import

How to measure your pet for their crate

A = length of the pet from tip of nose to root of tail
B = height from ground to top of leg or elbow joint
C = width across right and left shoulders
D = height of the pet in a natural standing position, from ground to the top of their head or tip of the ear in erect ear breeds*

*For a cat, you may find it easier to measure their height while they're sitting with an erect head

Please note: Qatar’s updated animal regulations have changed several times within the last year and there will undoubtedly be future tweaks, so it is imperative that you check with a pet relocation company or veterinarian clinic for the latest updates.

I hope this step-by-step process helps you to organise your pet's safe travel to Doha or Qatar overall in the near future.