QA

Importing Your Pet to Qatar

Moderate to import
Verification date not recorded. Confirm current requirements with the destination authority.
Prepared by , International Animal Health Consultant

No dog or cat may enter Qatar except under the terms of an import permit, and the animal must meet any conditions written in that permit. Qatar’s government portal, Hukoomi, says the Department of Animal Resources issues pet import permits; its 2020 article places that department under the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MECC), while the newer Hayya card visitor service names the Ministry of Municipality.

Qatar publishes one set of conditions for dogs and cats, with no grouping by origin country. Every pet needs an electronic microchip, a valid rabies vaccination and a rabies antibody blood test (RSNT). Dogs must also be vaccinated against canine distemper, parvovirus, hepatitis and leptospirosis, and cats must have the triple (feline core) vaccination.

Animals arriving at Hamad International Airport are held at a special facility until customs clearance is complete. Hukoomi says permitted pets may come in as cargo or as excess baggage.

Import Requirements

Every requirement below is taken from an official government page, and each one links to the page it comes from. The rules were last checked on 2 October 2026. They can change, so check the linked page again before you book.

Who is in charge

  • Qatar's Hukoomi government portal names the Ministry of Municipality as the body that issues entry permits and veterinary health certificates for pets (stated for the Hayya card visitor service). Applies to pets of visitors holding a Hayya card.
    Request pet import permits for Hayya card holders, checked 2 October 2026
  • Per Australian DAFF Micor guidance for exports to Qatar (entry last reviewed 9 March 2021, last updated 8 April 2021, conditions taken from a Qatari import permit issued in 2019; used where Qatar's own Hukoomi pages, read in Chrome on 2 October 2026, are silent or less detailed): the import permit is obtained online or from the Qatari Ministry of Municipality and Environment (a former ministry name; Hukoomi's Hayya card service now names the Ministry of Municipality).
    Micor live animals: Qatar, dogs, checked 2 October 2026
  • Per UK APHA guidance notes 3920NFG (revised 30 October 2023, but stating they reflect Qatar's import requirements as at July 2014): the permit is obtained from the Department of Municipal Affairs and Agriculture, Animal Health Affairs, Doha (an older department name; Hukoomi's Hayya card service now names the Ministry of Municipality, while Hukoomi's 2020 article names the Department of Animal Resources under the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change).
    3920NFG guidance notes, export of dogs and cats to Qatar, checked 2 October 2026
  • The Department of Animal Resources issues pet import permits and oversees the export, transfer and transit of pets (Hukoomi article 'Pets and Animal Control', dated 8 September 2020, read in Chrome; the article places it under the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, whereas the newer Hukoomi Hayya card service page names the Ministry of Municipality for that visitor service only).
    Pets and Animal Control (body text not rendered to automated fetch), checked 2 October 2026

Where your pet travels from

GroupWhat appliesOrigins
All originsQatar publishes one set of permit conditions for dogs and cats, with no grouping by origin country. SourceAll countries
  • The Hukoomi Hayya card service lists one set of permit conditions for dogs and cats, with no origin groups or country lists (Hukoomi service 'Request Pet Import Permits for Hayya Card Holders', Ministry of Municipality, published 23 October 2022, read in Chrome); Hukoomi's 2020 general article 'Pets and Animal Control' likewise gives one set of import conditions with no origin groups. Applies to dogs and cats imported under the Hayya card visitor permit service, all origins (Hukoomi's 2020 general article likewise has no origin groups).
    Request Pet Import Permits for Hayya Card Holders (English, published 23 October 2022), checked 2 October 2026

Import permit

  • Per UK APHA guidance notes 3920NFG (revised 30 October 2023, but stating they reflect Qatar's import requirements as at July 2014): no dog or cat may enter Qatar except under the terms of an import permit.
    3920NFG guidance notes, export of dogs and cats to Qatar, checked 2 October 2026
  • Per Australian DAFF Micor guidance for exports to Qatar (entry last reviewed 9 March 2021, last updated 8 April 2021, conditions taken from a Qatari import permit issued in 2019; used where Qatar's own Hukoomi pages, read in Chrome on 2 October 2026, are silent or less detailed): an import permit is required, and the animal must meet any conditions written in the permit.
    Micor live animals: Qatar, dogs, checked 2 October 2026
  • The import permit is valid for one month (Hukoomi article 'Pets and Animal Control', dated 8 September 2020, read in Chrome).
    Pets and Animal Control (body text not rendered to automated fetch), checked 2 October 2026
  • Dogs and cats must arrive with a valid permit dated no more than 30 days before arrival (Hukoomi service 'Request Pet Import Permits for Hayya Card Holders', Ministry of Municipality, published 23 October 2022, read in Chrome). Applies to dogs and cats imported under the Hayya card visitor permit service, all origins.
    Request Pet Import Permits for Hayya Card Holders (English, published 23 October 2022), checked 2 October 2026

Microchip

  • Per Australian DAFF Micor guidance for exports to Qatar (entry last reviewed 9 March 2021, last updated 8 April 2021, conditions taken from a Qatari import permit issued in 2019; used where Qatar's own Hukoomi pages, read in Chrome on 2 October 2026, are silent or less detailed): dogs and cats without a microchip are not allowed to enter Qatar.
    Micor live animals: Qatar, dogs, checked 2 October 2026
  • Dogs and cats must carry an electronic microchip (Hukoomi service 'Request Pet Import Permits for Hayya Card Holders', Ministry of Municipality, published 23 October 2022, General Terms, read in Chrome). Applies to dogs and cats imported under the Hayya card visitor permit service, all origins.
    Request Pet Import Permits for Hayya Card Holders (English, published 23 October 2022), checked 2 October 2026

Rabies vaccination

  • Per Australian DAFF Micor guidance for exports to Qatar (entry last reviewed 9 March 2021, last updated 8 April 2021, conditions taken from a Qatari import permit issued in 2019; used where Qatar's own Hukoomi pages, read in Chrome on 2 October 2026, are silent or less detailed): rabies vaccination must be given at least one month before shipment and the animal must enter within 11 months of the vaccine's validity.
    Micor live animals: Qatar, dogs, checked 2 October 2026
  • Per Australian DAFF Micor guidance for exports to Qatar (entry last reviewed 9 March 2021, last updated 8 April 2021, conditions taken from a Qatari import permit issued in 2019; used where Qatar's own Hukoomi pages, read in Chrome on 2 October 2026, are silent or less detailed): the vaccination certificate must show the vaccine sticker with batch number, dates, expiry and manufacturer.
    Micor live animals: Qatar, dogs, checked 2 October 2026
  • Per UK APHA specimen certificate 3920EHC version 4: rabies vaccination with a licensed product not less than 30 days before export; a separate vaccination certificate is attached. Applies to dogs and cats exported from the United Kingdom.
    3920EHC version 4 specimen certificate, checked 2 October 2026
  • The dog or cat must be vaccinated against rabies, and may enter only while the vaccination is valid (Hukoomi service 'Request Pet Import Permits for Hayya Card Holders', Ministry of Municipality, published 23 October 2022, read in Chrome). Applies to dogs and cats imported under the Hayya card visitor permit service, all origins.
    Request Pet Import Permits for Hayya Card Holders (English, published 23 October 2022), checked 2 October 2026
  • Approval requires the vaccinations to have been given at least 30 days before the date of travel (Hukoomi article 'Pets and Animal Control', dated 8 September 2020, read in Chrome).
    Pets and Animal Control (body text not rendered to automated fetch), checked 2 October 2026

Rabies titre test

  • Per Australian DAFF Micor guidance for exports to Qatar (entry last reviewed 9 March 2021, last updated 8 April 2021, conditions taken from a Qatari import permit issued in 2019; used where Qatar's own Hukoomi pages, read in Chrome on 2 October 2026, are silent or less detailed): a rabies neutralising antibody test from an accredited laboratory showing at least 0.5 IU/ml, done not more than 12 months before shipment.
    Micor live animals: Qatar, dogs, checked 2 October 2026
    Official sources differQatar's Hukoomi Hayya card service page (https://hukoomi.gov.qa/en/services/request-pet-import-permits-for-hayya-card-holders, published 23 October 2022, read in Chrome 2 October 2026) requires an RSNT blood test and a 90-day wait from the blood sample date before travel for Hayya card holders; recorded in this file. Plan on 90 days for every importer unless the permit says otherwise.
  • Per Australian DAFF Micor guidance for exports to Qatar (cats page first published 12 April 2021, conditions taken from a Qatari import permit issued in 2019; used where Qatar's own Hukoomi pages, read in Chrome on 2 October 2026, are silent or less detailed): permit conditions may include a waiting period after the antibody test before the animal may travel; the length is not stated.
    Micor live animals: Qatar, cats, checked 2 October 2026
    Official sources differQatar's Hukoomi Hayya card service page (https://hukoomi.gov.qa/en/services/request-pet-import-permits-for-hayya-card-holders, published 23 October 2022, read in Chrome 2 October 2026) requires an RSNT blood test and a 90-day wait from the blood sample date before travel for Hayya card holders; recorded in this file. Plan on 90 days for every importer unless the permit says otherwise.
  • A rabies antibody blood test (RSNT) is required (Hukoomi service 'Request Pet Import Permits for Hayya Card Holders', Ministry of Municipality, published 23 October 2022, read in Chrome). Applies to dogs and cats imported under the Hayya card visitor permit service, all origins.
    Request Pet Import Permits for Hayya Card Holders (English, published 23 October 2022), checked 2 October 2026
  • The pet must wait 90 days from the date the blood sample was taken before travelling (Hukoomi service 'Request Pet Import Permits for Hayya Card Holders', Ministry of Municipality, published 23 October 2022, read in Chrome). Applies to dogs and cats imported under the Hayya card visitor permit service, all origins.
    Request Pet Import Permits for Hayya Card Holders (English, published 23 October 2022), checked 2 October 2026

Health certificate

  • Per Australian DAFF Micor guidance for exports to Qatar (entry last reviewed 9 March 2021, last updated 8 April 2021, conditions taken from a Qatari import permit issued in 2019; used where Qatar's own Hukoomi pages, read in Chrome on 2 October 2026, are silent or less detailed): dogs and cats must travel with a valid original official veterinary health certificate.
    Micor live animals: Qatar, dogs, checked 2 October 2026
  • Per UK APHA specimen certificate 3920EHC version 4: clinical examination not more than 48 hours before export, finding the animal free from clinical signs of infectious or contagious disease including distemper, rabies and external parasites. Applies to dogs and cats exported from the United Kingdom.
    3920EHC version 4 specimen certificate, checked 2 October 2026
  • Per UK APHA specimen certificate 3920EHC version 4: the certificate is valid for 14 days from signature. Applies to dogs and cats exported from the United Kingdom.
    3920EHC version 4 specimen certificate, checked 2 October 2026
  • Per UK APHA guidance (GOV.UK page updated 6 May 2026): exporters in England, Scotland and Wales apply online for export health certificate 3920; Northern Ireland applies to DAERA. Applies to dogs and cats exported from the United Kingdom.
    Export cats and dogs to Qatar: certificate 3920, checked 2 October 2026

Other vaccines and tests

  • Per Australian DAFF Micor guidance for exports to Qatar (entry last reviewed 9 March 2021, last updated 8 April 2021, conditions taken from a Qatari import permit issued in 2019; used where Qatar's own Hukoomi pages, read in Chrome on 2 October 2026, are silent or less detailed): dogs not vaccinated against rabies, canine distemper, parvovirus, infectious hepatitis and leptospirosis are not allowed to enter.
    Micor live animals: Qatar, dogs, checked 2 October 2026
  • Per Australian DAFF Micor guidance for exports to Qatar (entry last reviewed 9 March 2021, last updated 8 April 2021, conditions taken from a Qatari import permit issued in 2019; used where Qatar's own Hukoomi pages, read in Chrome on 2 October 2026, are silent or less detailed): cats not vaccinated against rabies and the tri-cat vaccine (feline core vaccines) are not allowed to enter.
    Micor live animals: Qatar, dogs, checked 2 October 2026
  • Dogs must be vaccinated against canine distemper, parvovirus, hepatitis and leptospirosis (Hukoomi service 'Request Pet Import Permits for Hayya Card Holders', Ministry of Municipality, published 23 October 2022, read in Chrome; the English page says 'Hepatitis C', the Arabic page says infectious hepatitis, matching the DAFF Micor wording). Applies to dogs imported under the Hayya card visitor permit service, all origins.
    Request Pet Import Permits for Hayya Card Holders (English, published 23 October 2022), checked 2 October 2026
  • Cats must have the triple (feline core) vaccination (Hukoomi service 'Request Pet Import Permits for Hayya Card Holders', Ministry of Municipality, published 23 October 2022, read in Chrome). Applies to cats imported under the Hayya card visitor permit service, all origins.
    Request Pet Import Permits for Hayya Card Holders (English, published 23 October 2022), checked 2 October 2026

Parasite treatment

  • Not listed: the permit conditions list on the Hukoomi Hayya card service (age, rabies vaccination, triple vaccination for cats, dog core vaccines, RSNT and 90-day wait) contains no parasite treatment (Hukoomi service 'Request Pet Import Permits for Hayya Card Holders', Ministry of Municipality, published 23 October 2022, read in Chrome). Applies to dogs and cats imported under the Hayya card visitor permit service, all origins.
    Request Pet Import Permits for Hayya Card Holders (English, published 23 October 2022), checked 2 October 2026
  • Not listed: Hukoomi's import section lists only the documents (ID copy, vaccination record with rabies certificate) and the approval conditions (age above four months, vaccinations at least 30 days before travel); no parasite treatment is listed (Hukoomi article 'Pets and Animal Control', dated 8 September 2020, read in Chrome).
    Pets and Animal Control (body text not rendered to automated fetch), checked 2 October 2026

Quarantine

  • Per Australian DAFF Micor guidance for exports to Qatar (entry last reviewed 9 March 2021, last updated 8 April 2021, conditions taken from a Qatari import permit issued in 2019; used where Qatar's own Hukoomi pages, read in Chrome on 2 October 2026, are silent or less detailed): under Qatar's Veterinary Quarantine Law No. 14 of 2003, dogs and cats are quarantined for at least six months, or refused entry, if the veterinary authority is not satisfied with their health or certificates. No routine quarantine is stated for compliant animals.
    Micor live animals: Qatar, dogs, checked 2 October 2026

Arrival points and notice

  • Animals arriving at Hamad International Airport are held at a special facility until customs clearance is complete (Hukoomi article 'Pets and Animal Control', dated 8 September 2020, read in Chrome). No Qatari page read lists designated entry points or an advance notice period.
    Pets and Animal Control (body text not rendered to automated fetch), checked 2 October 2026

Minimum age

  • Per Australian DAFF Micor guidance for exports to Qatar (entry last reviewed 9 March 2021, last updated 8 April 2021, conditions taken from a Qatari import permit issued in 2019; used where Qatar's own Hukoomi pages, read in Chrome on 2 October 2026, are silent or less detailed): dogs and cats under four months old are not allowed to enter.
    Micor live animals: Qatar, dogs, checked 2 October 2026
    Official sources differQatar's Hukoomi Hayya card service page (https://hukoomi.gov.qa/en/services/request-pet-import-permits-for-hayya-card-holders, published 23 October 2022, read in Chrome 2 October 2026) says dogs and cats must be over 7 months old for the Hayya card visitor service. The 4-month rule is also stated by Hukoomi's general article (8 September 2020). Confirm the age with the Ministry when a pet is between 4 and 7 months old.
  • Per UK APHA specimen certificate 3920EHC version 4: the animal must be not less than 4 months old. Applies to dogs and cats exported from the United Kingdom.
    3920EHC version 4 specimen certificate, checked 2 October 2026
    Official sources differQatar's Hukoomi Hayya card service page (https://hukoomi.gov.qa/en/services/request-pet-import-permits-for-hayya-card-holders, published 23 October 2022, read in Chrome 2 October 2026) says dogs and cats must be over 7 months old for the Hayya card visitor service. The 4-month rule is also stated by Hukoomi's general article (8 September 2020). Confirm the age with the Ministry when a pet is between 4 and 7 months old.
  • Dogs and cats must be over 7 months old (Hukoomi service 'Request Pet Import Permits for Hayya Card Holders', Ministry of Municipality, published 23 October 2022, read in Chrome). Applies to dogs and cats imported under the Hayya card visitor permit service, all origins.
    Request Pet Import Permits for Hayya Card Holders (English, published 23 October 2022), checked 2 October 2026
  • Approval requires pets to be above four months old (Hukoomi article 'Pets and Animal Control', dated 8 September 2020, read in Chrome).
    Pets and Animal Control (body text not rendered to automated fetch), checked 2 October 2026
    Official sources differQatar's Hukoomi Hayya card service page (https://hukoomi.gov.qa/en/services/request-pet-import-permits-for-hayya-card-holders, published 23 October 2022, read in Chrome 2 October 2026) says dogs and cats must be over 7 months old for the Hayya card visitor service. The 4-month rule is also stated by Hukoomi's general article (8 September 2020). Confirm the age with the Ministry when a pet is between 4 and 7 months old.

How many pets

  • MECC's 'Import Non-CITES Animal Permission' service (Hukoomi, for citizens and residents) sets an annual limit on how many of each non-CITES animal type a user may import; once reached, no more of that type until the limit resets the next year. The number is not published and dogs and cats are not named on these MECC pages (read in Chrome 2 October 2026). The Hayya card service and Hukoomi's 2020 article give no number. Confirm the current limit with MECC. Applies to animals imported by citizens and residents through MECC non-CITES import permissions.
    Import Non-CITES Animal Permission, checked 2 October 2026

Banned and restricted breeds

  • Per Australian DAFF Micor guidance for exports to Qatar (entry last reviewed 9 March 2021, last updated 8 April 2021, conditions taken from a Qatari import permit issued in 2019; used where Qatar's own Hukoomi pages, read in Chrome on 2 October 2026, are silent or less detailed): dangerous and aggressive dog breeds need a special permit from the Ministry of Interior to enter Qatar.
    Micor live animals: Qatar, dogs, checked 2 October 2026
  • Per UK APHA guidance notes 3920NFG (revised 30 October 2023, but stating they reflect Qatar's import requirements as at July 2014): large and dangerous dogs need a special permit from Qatar's Ministry of Interior.
    3920NFG guidance notes, export of dogs and cats to Qatar, checked 2 October 2026
  • These dog breeds may not enter Qatar: American Staffordshire Terrier, Boerboel, Boston Terrier, Boxer, Bull Terrier, Bulldog, Chinese Shar-Pei, Doberman, Great Dane, Japanese Akita, Neapolitan Mastiff, Afghan Hound, Rottweiler, Staffordshire Bull Terrier (Hukoomi article 'Pets and Animal Control', dated 8 September 2020, read in Chrome). The list is from 2020: confirm it is still current with the Ministry before quoting it to a client.
    Pets and Animal Control (body text not rendered to automated fetch), checked 2 October 2026
  • Large and dangerous dog breeds need permission from the Ministry of Interior (Hukoomi service 'Request Pet Import Permits for Hayya Card Holders', Ministry of Municipality, published 23 October 2022, read in Chrome, Arabic version). No Qatari page read defines which breeds count as large or dangerous beyond the banned list above. Applies to dogs imported under the Hayya card visitor permit service, all origins.
    Request pet import permits for Hayya card holders, checked 2 October 2026

How your pet may travel

Official fees

  • Not required: the Hukoomi Hayya card pet import permit service charges no fee (Hukoomi service 'Request Pet Import Permits for Hayya Card Holders', Ministry of Municipality, published 23 October 2022, read in Chrome). Applies to dogs and cats imported under the Hayya card visitor permit service, all origins.
    Request Pet Import Permits for Hayya Card Holders (English, published 23 October 2022), checked 2 October 2026
  • Not required: Hukoomi's 'Owning Heritage Animals and Pets' life moment for citizens and residents lists its fees as Free, and its FAQ says all its services are free. Its services include MECC's import and export permissions for animals not covered by CITES; dogs and cats are not named on these MECC pages. Applies to animals imported or exported by citizens and residents through the Hukoomi 'Owning Heritage Animals and Pets' services.
    Life moment: Owning Heritage Animals and Pets, checked 2 October 2026

Other conditions

  • Qatar has a licensing system for cats and dogs (Hukoomi article 'Pets and Animal Control', dated 8 September 2020, read in Chrome). Applies to dogs and cats kept in Qatar.
    Pets and Animal Control (body text not rendered to automated fetch), checked 2 October 2026
  • Hukoomi's 'Owning Heritage Animals and Pets' life moment for citizens and residents gathers the animal services, including MECC's online import and export permissions for animals not covered by CITES and animal registration (dogs and cats are not named on these MECC pages; read in Chrome 2 October 2026). Applies to animals imported or exported by citizens and residents through the Hukoomi 'Owning Heritage Animals and Pets' services (dogs and cats not named).
    Life moment: Owning Heritage Animals and Pets, checked 2 October 2026
  • Hayya card visitors must take their pets with them when they return to their own country (Hukoomi service 'Request Pet Import Permits for Hayya Card Holders', Ministry of Municipality, published 23 October 2022, General Terms, read in Chrome). Applies to dogs and cats imported under the Hayya card visitor permit service, all origins.
    Request Pet Import Permits for Hayya Card Holders (English, published 23 October 2022), checked 2 October 2026

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Import permit for Qatar

Hukoomi’s 2020 article says the import permit is valid for one month, and the Hayya card service says pets must arrive with a valid permit dated no more than 30 days before arrival. Hukoomi says approval requires the vaccinations to have been given at least 30 days before the date of travel.

For the antibody test, the Hayya card service sets a 90-day wait from the date the blood sample was taken before the pet travels. The Australian export guidance, based on a 2019 Qatari permit, adds that the test must come from an accredited laboratory, show at least 0.5 IU/ml and be done not more than 12 months before shipment. Plan on the 90-day wait unless your permit says otherwise.

Hukoomi’s 2020 article sets the minimum age at four months, but the Hayya card service says dogs and cats must be over 7 months old. If your pet is between 4 and 7 months old, confirm the age rule with the Ministry before you book.

Which pets are permitted in Qatar

Hukoomi’s 2020 article lists dog breeds that may not enter Qatar: American Staffordshire Terrier, Boerboel, Boston Terrier, Boxer, Bull Terrier, Bulldog, Chinese Shar-Pei, Doberman, Great Dane, Japanese Akita, Neapolitan Mastiff, Afghan Hound, Rottweiler and Staffordshire Bull Terrier. The list dates from 2020, so confirm it with the Ministry before you plan around it.

Large and dangerous dog breeds also need permission from Qatar’s Ministry of Interior. No Qatari page defines which breeds count as large or dangerous beyond the banned list, so ask before booking if your dog could fall into that group.

Qatar also runs a licensing system for cats and dogs once they live there.

Frequently Asked Questions

No routine quarantine is stated for compliant animals. Australian export guidance, citing Qatar’s Veterinary Quarantine Law (Law 14 of 2003), says dogs and cats are quarantined for at least six months, or refused entry, if the veterinary authority is not satisfied with their health or certificates.

Yes. Hukoomi’s Hayya card service requires a rabies antibody blood test (RSNT), followed by a 90-day wait from the date the blood sample was taken before the pet travels. Qatar sets no origin groups, so this applies wherever your pet is coming from.

Yes. No dog or cat may enter Qatar except under the terms of an import permit. Hukoomi says the permit is valid for one month, so time the application around your travel date.

Yes. Cats need the same microchip, rabies vaccination and antibody test as dogs, plus the triple (feline core) vaccination. The banned breed list covers dogs only.

Dogs and cats must travel with a valid original official veterinary health certificate. From the UK, APHA’s certificate 3920EHC is valid for 14 days from signature and needs a clinical examination not more than 48 hours before export.

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