Bringing a dog or cat from Germany to Qatar
Under Qatar's rules, pets from Germany are in the group “All countries”. A dog from Germany needs a microchip, a rabies vaccine, a rabies titer test, an import permit and an official health certificate. There is no quarantine if every rule is met. Plan for 30 days from the first vaccine to arrival.
About Qatar: An import permit from the Ministry of Municipality (valid about one month) and a rabies titer result are needed for all cats and dogs. Qatar keeps a long list of restricted large and bull-type dog breeds.
All countries Permit and long wait
- Titer test
- Required
- Wait after blood test
- —
- Import permit
- Required
- Quarantine
- None if rules are met
Minimum preparation: 30 days from the first rabies vaccine to arrival.
Step by step
Microchip and vaccinate
ISO microchip, then rabies vaccine at least 30 days before travel. Dogs also need distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus and leptospirosis; cats need the core feline vaccines.
Rabies titer test
Blood test (FAVN/RFFIT) at an accredited lab showing at least 0.5 IU/ml, sampled no more than 12 months before shipment.
Apply for the import permit
Apply to the Ministry of Municipality (online service 'Permit to Import Cats and Dogs') with your ID and the vaccination and titer records. The permit is valid about one month.
Restricted breeds: get a Ministry of Interior permit
Large or dangerous dog breeds need a special permit from the Ministry of Interior, and some breeds are refused.
Official health certificate
Original official veterinary health certificate from your country's veterinary authority accompanying the pet. Pets fly as checked baggage or cargo into Hamad International Airport.
Documented pets are held at the Hamad Airport animal facility only until cleared. Under Veterinary Quarantine Law No. 14 of 2003, pets that fail inspection can be quarantined (up to 6 months for dogs) or refused.
Good to know
- Cats
- Same permit and titer process. Cats need feline core vaccines; no breed restrictions.
- Banned breeds
- 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
- How many pets
- Not specified.
- Parasite treatment
- Not specified.
- Arrival
- Hamad International Airport; pets arrive as checked baggage (excess baggage) or cargo, not in cabin (except eligible service dogs).
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to bring a dog from Germany to Qatar?
Germany counts as "All countries" for Qatar. Starting from a pet with no rabies vaccine, the minimum is 30 days: rabies vaccine, a blood test at least 30 days later, then the waiting period before arrival.
Does my pet need a rabies titer test to travel from Germany to Qatar?
Yes. The blood sample must be taken at least 30 days after the rabies vaccine.
Will my pet be quarantined in Qatar?
Not if every rule is met. Documented pets are held at the Hamad Airport animal facility only until cleared. Under Veterinary Quarantine Law No. 14 of 2003, pets that fail inspection can be quarantined (up to 6 months for dogs) or refused.
Do I need an import permit?
Yes. Qatar requires an import permit.
Are the rules the same for cats?
Same permit and titer process. Cats need feline core vaccines; no breed restrictions.
Sources
- Australia DAFF MICoR - Qatar dogs (government, secondary; 2019 permit conditions)
- UK APHA - Notes for guidance 3920, dogs and cats to Qatar, revised 30 Oct 2023 (government, secondary)
- Qatar Living - Bringing your pet to Qatar, Aug 2026 (non-government, secondary)
- The Peninsula Qatar handbook - Pets (non-government, secondary)
Checked against official sources on 2026-10-28. Full rules: Qatar pet import rules.