PetTravelPass

Bringing a dog or cat from the United Arab Emirates to Qatar

Under Qatar's rules, pets from the United Arab Emirates are in the group “All countries”. A dog from the United Arab Emirates 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

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

  5. 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 the United Arab Emirates to Qatar?

The United Arab Emirates 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 the United Arab Emirates 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

Checked against official sources on 2026-10-28. Full rules: Qatar pet import rules.

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