The Ministry of Municipality’s Department of Animal Resources is in charge of animal control and veterinary supervision of animal diseases. The department issues import permits, and oversees the exportation, transfer and transit of pets across borders. There are strict controls on the movements of endangered species. The Municipality’s Department for Animal Resources operates a large veterinary clinic in Al Rayyan. For the Main Veterinary Clinic call 4426 1656, or apply online to request an appointment via the Ministry of Municipality: 184, hukoomi.gov.qa

There are free vaccination and trap/neuter/return services for cats and dogs. All animals should be microchipped – the department offers this service, as do all the veterinary clinics in Qatar. 

Cremation: Must be arranged through your veterinarian.

Importing a Pet

Pets may be imported as cargo or excess baggage. If you ship your pet as cargo, it will go to a special facility for pets where it will be cared for until it clears customs. However you choose to import your pet, you will need a permit from the Department of Animal Resources. You can get this up to two weeks before the date of travel and it is valid for one month. To get an import permit, your pet must:

  • Be more than four months old.
  • Have a certificate issued from an accredited laboratory not less than three months and not more than 12 months prior to the date of entry that shows the serum neutralisation test against rabies of more than 0.5 IU/ml.
  • Have a health certificate issued by a competent authority from the country of import.
  • Have a vaccination document or passport which must include the microchip number, date of birth and required vaccinations and treatments. 

As you cannot obtain an import permit from outside the country, it is recommended that you use one of Qatar’s pet relocation specialists to handle the importation.

The above requirements are current but may be subject to change at any time. 

Short-nosed cats and dogs (eg Persians and pugs) are embargoed on many airlines, including Qatar Airways. Your pet’s travel kennel must comply with the IATA regulations, iata.org. Some dog breeds are banned in Qatar – check with a pet relocator specialist or visit portal.moi.gov.qaDogs less than 4 months are not allowed to enter the country. Only one dog per year is allowed to import for individuals.

Required documents for obtaining import permit

  • Copy of vaccination document or pet passport. This must include microchip number, date of birth and vaccination details (type of vaccine, manufacturing company, batch number, vaccination date and vaccination labels. The required vaccinations are: Canine Distemper Virus (CDV), Canine Parvo Virus, Infectious Canine Hepatitis, Leptospirosis (ICTOHAEMORRAGEA-CANICOLA) and Rabies. For rabies, the first vaccination must be taken before three months of age. The dog should travel after one month from the date of vaccination. The validity of vaccination is 12 months or according to the instructions of manufacturing company.
  • Official health certificate from the relevant authority of the exporting country, issued two weeks prior to travel. The health certificate should carry the micro-chip number and state that the dog is fit for shipping and free from contagious infection.
  • Serum Neutralisation Test (RSNT) certificate issuance date should be within 90 days prior to the date of travel. The result should indicate that the the readings are at a level equivalent to or greater than half of the international unit (0.5 IU/ml).

Exporting a Pet

All pets must be vaccinated against rabies and must be microchipped. You will then need to arrange rabies serology tests to obtain the necessary certification. 

You are strongly advised to check all health requirements and regulations with relevant government authorities and the relevant country well ahead of time, up to six months. Contact your local vet, animal support organisation and pet relocator specialist in Qatar and refer to the relevant countries’ government website. 

Airlines require a health certificate, obtainable from the Animal Resources Department. You will need to take your pet for an examination and show current vaccination records. The export document is valid for seven days. Present it at the QNT Office in the Cargo Section at Hamad International Airport at least five days before you wish your pet to travel and book a flight there. You will need to pay the full fare plus handling charges at this stage. Your pet needs a travel kennel that complies with the airline’s regulations.

As regulations and requirements relating to the import and export of pets are subject to change, it is recommended that you contact Privilege Pet Travel & Services privilegepettravel.com or any other pet relocation service or specialist.

Recommended vet clinics:

Advanced Veterinary Clinic 4443 5357, avcdoha.com

Canadian Veterinary Hospital 4411 8850, canvethospital.com

Dr Faris Al Timimi Clinic 4408 1492, Facebook

Dragon Animal Care Center 4441 1866, dragons.qa

L’Arche Vet Clinic  4421 1111, 800 0111, larchevet.com

Parkview Pet Center 4417 1560, parkviewpetcenter.com

Pets Care Veterinary Center  3322 7664, 5000 7045, petscare-qa.com

Qatar Vet Center 4016 1366, 4498 9620, qvcpetshop.com

Royal Vet Clinic 4017 5721, 7000 3156, Facebook