Qatar Airways Pet Travel Policy (2026 Guide)
Qatar Airways does not permit companion dogs or cats in the passenger cabin (except service animals and falcons in Economy Class). Companion pets travel as checked baggage or manifest cargo in pressurized, temperature-regulated holds with transit care at Hamad International Airport (DOH).
Can I fly with a pet on Qatar Airways? No companion pets are permitted in the passenger cabin on Qatar Airways (only certified service animals are accepted). All companion dogs and cats must travel as manifest cargo via Qatar Airways Cargo (Live Animal Service).
Carrier Sizing & Dimension Mandates
Rigid plastic or fiberglass with metal bolts and nuts
Wooden crates and plastic side-latches are strictly rejected. The crate must feature 4-sided ventilation, attachable two-compartment food/water dishes accessible from the exterior, and allow the pet to stand fully upright with at least 5 to 7 cm (2–3 in) of ear clearance.
Qatar Airways Boarding & Flight Regulations
- ✓All companion pets travel in the temperature-controlled hold; cabin space is restricted to service animals and trained falcons.
- ✓Pet bookings must be notified to Qatar Airways at least 48 hours before departure.
- ✓Container must comply strictly with IATA Live Animal Regulations with metal fasteners and exterior water funnels.
- ✓Checked baggage pet fees range from $200 to $450 depending on weight and dimensions.
Brachycephalic (Snub-Nosed) & Restricted Breeds
Due to elevated risks of respiratory failure, heatstroke, and anatomical airway obstruction during flight changes in cabin pressure, airlines maintain strict breed restrictions:
Step-by-Step Booking Checklist for Qatar Airways
Reserve your flight booking on qatarairways.com.
Submit the Qatar Airways Pet Travel Request form with crate dimensions and pet weight at least 48 hours before flight.
Ensure veterinary health certificate, microchip, and destination import permits are verified.
Present pet at Hamad International Airport or departure station 3 to 4 hours before departure.
Frequently Asked Questions About Qatar Airways
Are dogs allowed in cabin on Qatar Airways?
No companion dogs are allowed in the cabin. Only certified service dogs for visual or hearing impairment and falcons (maximum 6 in Economy) are permitted in the cabin.
How does Qatar Airways care for pets during Doha layovers?
Pets in transit are transferred to the dedicated Live Animal Centre at Hamad International Airport, where veterinary staff inspect, water, and exercise them in climate-controlled environments.
What are Qatar Airways fees for flying a dog in the hold?
Checked baggage pet fees range from $200 for kennels up to 32 kg, to $350–$450 for crates between 32 kg and 75 kg.
Airport Layover Station
Hamad International Airport Live Animal Centre: A 4,200 m² state-of-the-art facility featuring 24/7 veterinary supervision, temperature-controlled isolation rooms, and walking areas.
Check IATA Crate Sizing
Airlines inspect crates at check-in with strict mathematical formulas (Snout-to-tail length + half leg height).
Launch Free Compliance Check→Upload Pet Documents
Upload vaccination records, microchip paperwork, or rabies titer certificates to check if they fulfill destination country laws before paying airline cargo deposits.
Instant OCR Document Scan↓