Qatar Airways only allows falcons and trained service dogs to travel in the passenger cabin. Domesticated pets like dogs, cats, birds, and other animals can travel as checked baggage or air cargo. 

Qatar Airways pet policy requires that you: 

  • Book your pet at least 48 hours before departure.
  • Provide water and food for your pet in the container.
  • Ensure that the required health documents and certificates are in order.

Qatar Airways In-Cabin Pet Policy 

Below is a snapshot of Qatar Airways pet policy for in-cabin pets: 

  • Pets Allowed
    • Only 1 falcon per passenger is allowed in the Economy Class cabin.
    • Up to 6 falcons are permitted per aircraft, subject to the destination country’s regulations.
  • Pet Cost
    • Service dogs are allowed to travel for free with their owners.
    • The pet fee for falcons ranges from USD 115 – 630, depending on your route.
    • For route-wise pet cost, refer to the section titled Pet Fee.
  • Restrictions
    • Animal Restrictions. Pet dogs and cats are not permitted in the cabin. 
    • Route Restrictions. Falcons will not be accepted on flights to Tunis. 
  • Exceptions
    • Only trained service dogs are allowed in the cabin free of charge on select flights. 
    • The dogs must be trained to assist passengers with a disability.
    • On some routes, service dogs can travel free of charge in the aircraft hold as checked baggage. 
  • Pet Reservations. You must reserve at least 48 hours before departure. 

Qatar Airways Checked Baggage Pet Policy 

Qatar Airways pet travel policy allows you to transport your pet in the cargo section of the aircraft as excess checked baggage. The temperature and pressure in this section are the same as that in the passenger cabin. 

Below is an overview of the checked baggage pet policy followed at Qatar Airways:

  • Pets Allowed. Qatar Airways allows the following animals to travel as checked baggage:
    • Dogs 
    • Cats
    • Livestock
    • Tropical fish
    • Small mammals 
    • Birds

Other than space availability, there are no restrictions on the number of pets that can travel as checked baggage on Qatar Airways.

  • Pet Reservations. You must reserve 3 – 5 days before departure. 
  • Forms Required
    • Pet health certificate issued within 10 days of travel by a licensed vet.
    • Any documentation required by the destination country.
  • Pet Age. Pets must be at least 12 weeks old. 
  • Check-in
    • You must check in your pet at the passenger ticket counter and pay the pet fee.
    • Always check in early to ensure space for your pet. 
  • Pet Cost. The pet transportation cost will depend on the weight and size of the pet and its carrier. For details, refer to the section titled Pet Fee below.
    • Small and Medium Pets weighing up to 70lb/32kg, incl. pet carrier/crate
      • To/from Qatar: USD 200 
      • Other routes: USD 350
    • Large Pets weighing 70lb–165lb (32–75kg) incl. pet carrier/crate
      • To/from Qatar: USD 300 
      • Other routes: USD 450
    • Larger Pets weighing more than 165lb/75kg and pet carrier dimensions exceeding 300cm/118in (L + W + H)
      • Must be handled as air cargo
  • Restrictions
    • Animal Restrictions. Rodents like rats, mice, and marmots; and rabbits will not be accepted as checked baggage but can be transported as air cargo.
    • Route Restrictions
      • Cats and dogs will not be accepted as checked baggage on flights to Hong Kong, South Africa, Australia, or the United Kingdom. However, they can be transported as air cargo.
      • If connecting from another airline, the pet must travel separately as air cargo. 
    • Temperature Restrictions
    • Pets will not be accepted if the temperature (actual or forecast) at city in the itinerary is higher than 85°F (29.4°C) or less than 45°F (7.2°C). 
    • If the temperature is below 45°F, pets may be accepted after the submission of an acclimation certificate.
    • Aircraft Restrictions. Pets will not be accepted on the following aircraft due to cargo hold limitations:
      • Airbus 319
      • Airbus 320
      • Airbus 321
      • Airbus 321S 
      • Airbus 321H 
    • Other Restrictions. Refer to the section titled Breed Restrictions below
  • Pet Crate Requirements
    • The total weight of the pet crate plus pet must not exceed 165lb/75kg.
    • The total combined dimensions of the pet carrier (L + W + H) must not be more than 300cm/118in. 
    • All pet crates must comply with IATA regulations. 

Qatar Airways Cargo Pet Policy

Qatar Airways cargo pet policy accepts animals that are too large to travel as checked baggage (i.e., they exceed 165lb/75kg) or will not be accepted in the passenger cabin. 

  • Pets Allowed. Qatar Airways allows the following pets to be transported as air cargo:
    • Cats 
    • Dogs 
    • Horses
    • Livestock
    • Other animals 
  • Pet Reservations. Must be made through an authorized cargo agent. 
  • Inquiries and Assistance
  • Forms Required
    • Pet health certificate issued within 10 days of travel by a licensed vet.
    • Proof of vaccinations required by the destination country, if travelling internationally. 
    • Any other documentation required by the destination country, , if travelling internationally.
  • Temperature Restrictions
    • Pets will not be accepted if the temperature (actual or forecast) at city in the itinerary is higher than 85°F (29.4°C) or less than 45°F (7.2°C). 
    • If the temperature is below 45°F, pets may be accepted after the submission of an acclimation certificate.
  • Aircraft Restrictions. Pets will not be accepted on the following aircraft due to cargo hold limitations:
    • Airbus 319
    • Airbus 320
    • Airbus 321
    • Airbus 321S 
    • Airbus 321H 
  • Other Requirements. Pets on connecting flights from other airlines must travel separately as air cargo, and not as excess (checked) baggage. 

Breed Restrictions on Qatar Airways


Certain breeds of cats and dogs are not accepted due to a higher risk of heatstroke. They include:

Restricted Cat Breeds Restricted Dog Breeds 
Exotic breedsPersian catsValley Terrier Staffordshire Bull Terrier Shih Tzu
Shar Pei Pug (all) Presa Canario
Pitbull Terrier Pekingese Neapolitan mastiff
King Charles Spaniel Japanese Chin Griffon
French Terrier English Mastiff French Mastiff
Dogo Argentino Chow Chow                       Cane Corso
Bull Mastiff Bulldog (all breeds) Brussels
Boxer Boston Terrier Bichon FriseAffenpinscher American Pit Bull Terrier American Staffordshire Bull Terrier
Other Restrictions
Fragile or weak animals will not be accepted.Female pets with suckling offspring will not be accepted unless backed by a veterinary certificate that both mother and the offspring are fit for travel.Dogs and cats that are more than 6 weeks pregnant will not be accepted unless backed by a veterinary certificate that there is no risk involved and the animal is fit for travel.

Pet Crates and Carriers 

  • All pets must travel in a carrier/container. 
  • Minimum size requirements
    • Container length = Animal’s length + ½ leg length 
    • Container height = Animal’s height 
    • Container width = Animal’s shoulder width x 2
  • The container must be adequately sized and ventilated with holes.
  • The holes must be strong enough to prevent escape. 
  • The pet container must be IATA compliant and:
    • Must be lockable. 
    • Must be spacious enough for the pet to turn around when standing.
    • Must be adequately ventilated with holes. 
    • No part of the pet’s body (paws, nose, etc.) must stick out of the ventilation holes. 
  • Containers exceeding 300cm/118inches (L + W + H) must be transported as cargo.

Pet Fee

Pets traveling as checked baggage are subject to an excess baggage fee—whether or not you exceed your standard baggage allowance. The fees will be calculated on a per-container basis, depending on size (combined linear dimensions) and weight (pet carrier + pet), as shown below.

To/FromMedium Container up to 70lb/32kgLarge Container70-165lb (32-75kg)
QatarUSD 200USD 300
All other routesUSD 350USD 450

Pet Fee for In-Cabin Pets (Falcons)

To/fromAmericas, New Zealand, Australia, South Korea, Japan Europe, Far East, AfricaThe Middle East,
Indian subcontinent
Qatar*USD 440-450/QAR 1620USD 240/QAR 900 USD 115/QAR 450 
The Middle East,Indian subcontinentUSD 450 USD 270 USD 135 
Europe, Far East, AfricaUSD 630 USD 450 USD 270 
Americas, New Zealand, Australia, South Korea, JapanUSD 630 USD 630 USD 450 

Travelling with Service Dogs on Qatar Airways

Guide dogs can travel in the cabin free of charge

According to Qatar Airways pet policy, a service animal is a dog that has been trained to help people with disabilities (physical, sensory, intellectual, mental, or psychiatric) so that they can act with greater independence. Trained service dogs are allowed to travel free of cost in the aircraft cabin with their owners.

If your dog has not been formally trained to provide the services mentioned above—or is still under training—it must travel as a pet dog (as checked or cargo baggage) and not a service dog (in the cabin).

Below is a snapshot of Qatar Airways’ service dog policy:

  • Trained service dogs are allowed to travel free of charge only on flights to or from the United States, Europe, Norway, Switzerland, and Georgia. On other flights, they will be allowed to travel free of charge in the checked baggage section of the aircraft. 
  • Up to 2 service dogs per passenger are allowed to travel free of charge in the cabin on selected routes (where the country permits more than 1 dog in the cabin).
  • Must notify Qatar Airways at least 48 hours in advance.
  • Must comply with IATA Live Animals Regulations and other government regulations that apply.  
  • Health documentation and certifications required by the destination country must be in order. If traveling from/to the United States and the flight duration exceeds 8 hours, you must fill out and submit the following forms to Qatar Airways: 
  • The guide dog must be properly harnessed and must remain with the passenger at all times (on the lap or by the feet). 
  • The service dog must not occupy a seat, block any access, or the emergency escape route. 
  • You must check in for the flight at least 1 hour before the standard check-in time.
  • You must provide proof when booking or at airport check-in that: 
  • The service dog is fully trained 
  • The service dog is more than 4 months old 
  • The vaccination papers are in order
  • Required certifications (by the service dog’s veterinarian) are in place
  • The passenger must provide evidence that the service dog:
  • Will not need to relieve itself during the flight, or 
  • The service dog’s waste can be managed adequately without causing sanitation or health issues on the flight. The passenger must bring absorbent or other suitable material to prevent this.
  • If flying from/to the United States, the passenger must fill furnish the U.S. Department of Transportation Service Animal Relief Attestation form.

Other Requirements 

  • On the day of travel
    • Reach the airport at least 1 hour before the standard check-in time. 
    • Bring original copies of the required documentation because you will need to present them when you check in and when you arrive at your destination. 
    • Your service dog must be properly harnessed or leashed throughout the journey. 
  • During the flight 
    • Smaller dogs can sit on your lap but must remain properly harnessed or leashed at all times. 
    • Larger dogs must remain properly harnessed or leashed at all times and must be seated by your feet. 
    • You must comply with the health and sanitation requirements of the airline, especially if your dog needs to relieve itself.
    • Your dog must not obstruct the aisle section or any other area.

Frequently Asked Questions on Qatar Airways Pet Policy

Are pets allowed on Qatar Airways?

Qatar Airways allows falcons and service dogs to travel in the passenger cabin. Other animals such as domesticated dogs, cats, birds, and other animals can fly as checked baggage or air cargo. The temperature and pressure settings in the checked baggage hold and air cargo sections are the same as those in the passenger cabin.

Can I take my cat on Qatar Airways?

Yes, you can take your cat in the checked baggage section on Qatar Airways, but not with you in the passenger cabin where only falcons and trained service dogs are allowed. To be eligible for travel, your cat must not be an exotic breed or a Persian cat. 

Can I take my dog on Qatar Airways?

Yes, you can fly with your dog (cat, bird, or other animals) on Qatar Airways—but not in the passenger cabin. You can transport your dog in the checked baggage section of the aircraft if your dog’s weight (plus the weight of the pet crate) does not exceed 165lb/75kg and the combined dimensions of the pet crate do not exceed 300cm/118in. The temperature and pressure in the aircraft hold are the same as that in the passenger cabin. 

If your dog weighs more than 165lb/75kg and/or requires a larger pet crate than 300cm/118in (L + W + H), you must book your dog as air cargo baggage.

6 thoughts on “Qatar Airways Pet Policy”

  • Sabahat Nadeem says:

    Hi,
    My dog including crate is 75 kg.
    Will I be able to take it as checked baggage?
    If yes, will I be paying the fixed rate for 75 kg live animal including crate or qatar airways will charge me by each kilogram?
    Cargo manifest apply a formula to find out the weight of crate, which is H×L×W in cms = answer divided by 6000. Does this formula apply if I take my dog as excess baggage?

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