Bringing a pet to Qatar and keeping it here

Who this is for

Residents who want to bring a pet cat or dog into Qatar, or who already keep one here. Other animals, such as birds, ornamental fish, wild animals and livestock, need different permits, and falcons are handled separately.

Before you start

• An electronic microchip already implanted in your cat or dog.
• An up-to-date vaccination record, including rabies.
• The result of a rabies antibody blood test, taken at least 90 days before travel.
• Access to the Ministry of Municipality's online veterinary certificates and permits system, using the Individuals login.

Steps

1. Start early and check the latest rules

   Because of the 90-day wait after the rabies blood test, plan at least four months ahead. Requirements can change, so check them with the Ministry of Municipality's veterinary quarantine team before you book travel.

2. Microchip and vaccinate your pet

   The ministry's published requirements say dogs and cats must have an electronic microchip and a valid rabies vaccination. Cats should have the triple vaccine. Dogs should be vaccinated against distemper, parvovirus, hepatitis and leptospirosis. The animal may enter only while its vaccinations are still valid.

3. Do the rabies blood test, then wait 90 days

   A blood test showing rabies antibodies is required. Your pet must then wait 90 days from the date the blood sample was taken before it can travel. Keep the official lab result, as you will upload it with your application.

4. Apply for the cats and dogs import permit

   Apply through the Ministry of Municipality's online system for veterinary health certificates and import permits, choosing the Individuals login. Fill in the form and attach the vaccination certificate and blood test result. Your pet must travel with a valid permit, issued no later than 30 days before it arrives in Qatar. Large and dangerous dog breeds also need permission from the Ministry of Interior.

5. Arrange the flight

   Pets can arrive as cargo or as excess baggage, depending on the airline. Each airline sets its own rules on crates, health papers and booking, so contact your airline early. On arrival at Hamad International Airport, animals are kept in a special facility until clearance is complete.

6. Find a licensed vet

   Once your pet is home, register it with a vet for check-ups and booster vaccinations. You can check whether a vet holds a valid licence using the Ministry of Municipality's online veterinarian licence search.

7. Plan ahead for trips and moving away

   If you travel with your pet, the ministry offers a veterinary health certificate for exporting cats and dogs, and a separate permit for cats and dogs returning to Qatar. Apply for each through the same online system before you travel.

Useful numbers and apps

• Veterinary certificates and import permits system: support line +974 4426 1659 Source
• Veterinary certificates and import permits system: second support line +974 4426 1270 Source
• Ministry of Municipality call centre 184 Source

Good to know

• Hukoomi says dogs are generally not allowed in public places, including parks and the Corniche. Some beaches allow dogs on a leash at all times.
• Some dog breeds are restricted or not allowed into Qatar. Check your dog's breed with the ministry before you start.
• Make sure the microchip number is the same on every document, including the vaccination record and blood test result.
• Collars with tags and a microchip help reunite lost pets with their owners.
• The detailed requirements come from the ministry’s published permit page for Hayya Card holders and may differ for residents. Confirm them with the Ministry of Municipality’s veterinary quarantine team before you book travel.