Travelling with animals and birds
Travelling with animals and birds
We know how important your pets are to you, which is why we strive to extend our world-class service to your furry and feathered friends when they travel. Qatar Airways accepts domesticated dogs, cats and birds as checked baggage, either on your flight or on a separate one. To ensure the safety and welfare of your pet during transport, our guidelines adhere to the current International Air Transport Association (IATA) regulations.
If you plan to travel with your pet, please notify us at least 48 hours before departure so we can ensure compliance with the regulations of all countries you will fly to.
Travel regulations require you to make all necessary documentation for your pet available before travel. Such documents include their health certificate (signed by your veterinarian, indicating that the animal is fit to fly) and identification or pet passport.
You can now fill in an online form to submit a request for carriage of pets using the link below.
Submit a requestService dogs
On certain routes, Qatar Airways allows service dogs in the passenger cabin, free of charge, to accompany a passenger with a disability. On all other routes, service dogs will be accepted free of charge as checked baggage within the aircraft hold.
Not all countries allow service animals to arrive in the passenger cabin of the aircraft. Please contact us to verify any limitations that may exist for the countries in your itinerary.
Browse FAQsTravelling with pets as checked baggage
Domesticated dogs, cats and birds are accepted as checked baggage provided that the animal is in good health and all transport requirements are met.
- Service dog(s) can be transported in the cabin free of charge when travelling on specific routes.
- If a falcon is transported as checked baggage and not in the cabin, travelling cost of animals as checked baggage will apply.
For cost information, see our excess baggage page.
Health, breed or age restrictions
Qatar Airways does not permit transport of certain breeds of dogs and cats as these animals are normally susceptible to increased risk of heat stroke when exposed to stress or temperatures above 21°C (69.8°F).
Learn moreDoes your itinerary include other airlines?
Qatar Airways does not accept transporting animals transferring from flights operated by other airlines. However, transporting animals from Qatar Airways to other airlines is permitted.
If you plan to connect onwards after your Qatar Airways flight when travelling with your pet, you must ensure all the necessary arrangements are made with the carriers involved.
Travelling with our partners?
Find more information here if your journey includes a flight with one of our partners.
Travelling to the United States
All dogs, including trained service animals, must meet the CDC’s requirements when traveling to the United States. The requirements will change based on where your dog has been in the last 6 months and there are specific restrictions in place for dogs who have been in any high-risk country for dog rabies.
View more information on the CDC website.
Dogs travelling as Cargo may be subject to other requirements. Please contact your nearest Qatar Airways Cargo office for further information.
Travelling to Canada
Commercial dogs from high-risk countries for dog rabies will no longer be permitted entry into Canada. Personal or assistance dogs originating from high-risk countries for dog rabies will continue to be permitted entry provided all import and documentation requirements are met. View more information on the Canadian Government's website.
Due to local regulations, Qatar Airways only accepts animals travelling to or from Australia or New Zealand as Cargo.
For further information travelling from Australia or New Zealand, please contact your nearest Qatar Airways Cargo office.
When travelling to Australia, note that animals can only be transported through Melbourne (MEL). For further information, please contact Post Entry Quarantine Services at PEQservices@agriculture.gov.au or phone at 1800 900 090 or (61 3) 8318 6700 (from outside Australia)
In addition, please refer to the 'Visa and other requirements' section here to view customs restrictions that may apply for your journey.
