Big trip, big planning energy.
Qatar Airways is one of those carriers where the rules matter before you even pack a bag, and the first thing to know: dogs do not fly in the cabin here. Nala rides cargo or hold, full stop. That changes the whole game plan, so lock it in early and build everything else around that one hard fact.
Qatar Airways's pet policy splits into cabin and cargo. This page summarizes the weight limits, fees, brachycephalic-breed restrictions, and carrier specifications for both modes — sourced from the airline's official pet pages.
How Qatar Airways handles your pet Each fact comes straight from the operator’s published policy. Tap the
🐕 Dog 🐈 Cat
In the cabin ✗ Not accepted
In the hold / cargo ✓ Accepted
Snub-nosed breeds Not accepted
Cabin policy Pets accepted ✗ Not acceptedPETC Pet in Cabin Not acceptable by QR, except Falcons. verified 2026-08-14 Hold & cargo policy Hold: Pets accepted ✓ AcceptedRequirements & guidelines Travel carriers & kennels Good to know Eligibility We accept domesticated dogs, cats and birds as checked baggage, either on your flight or on a separate one, provided that the animal is in good verified 2026-08-28 Hold: Snub-nosed breeds banned ✗ YesCertain breeds of Dogs and cats, including snub nosed shall not be accepted on Qatar Airways aircraft as checked baggage, as these animals, variably, are susceptible to increased risk of heat stroke (when exposed to… verified 2026-08-28 Hold: Snub-nosed breeds list Pug Boxer Boston Terrier Pekingese Shih Tzu Chow Chow Bullmastiff Cane Corso Dogue de Bordeaux Brussels Griffon Affenpinscher Japanese Chin Shar Pei Staffordshire Bull Terrier Mastiff Cats: Exotic Persian Shirazi Dogs: The following breeds of dogs and mixes will not be accepted for carriage on Qatar Airways including all snub or pug-nosed. Affenpinscher Bichon Frise Boston Terrier Boxer Brussels… verified 2026-08-28 Hold: Minimum age 12 weeks Puppies and Kittens are not acceptable when they are younger than 7 months for destination Doha or 12 weeks for all other destinations verified 2026-08-28 Hold: Advance booking notice 48 hours …to let us know you'll be travelling with an animal by submitting an online request or contacting us at least 48 hours before departure. verified 2026-08-13 Hold: Advance booking required ✓ YesAnimals accepted as checked baggage to be carried in the aircraft hold must be in a suitable container that is constructed in accordance with the requirements specified in the IATA Live Animals Regulations. **Note- Not… verified 2026-08-28 Hold: Heat embargo 21°C …variably, are susceptible to increased risk of heat stroke (when exposed to stress or temperatures above 21 degrees Centigrade). verified 2026-07-14 Hold: Nursing allowed ✓ YesGender Male Female Pet with suckling young Yes No Number of suckling young Pet is more than six weeks pregnant at the time of flight departure date Yes No Breed type Purebred Mixed breed Breed The selected breed is… verified 2026-08-21 Hold: Advance notice hours 48 hours the pet travel form or contact us at least 48 hours before departure to avoid any disruption to your travel plans. Please see the fees listed below. Other terms and conditions apply * Submit verified 2026-08-28 Hold: Max pets per carrier 2 animal is allowed per container, unless two animals are used to cohabitating: Maximum of two animals of comparable size up to 14kg each Maximum of three animals up to 6 months from the same litter, up to 14kg each In… verified 2026-08-28 Hold: Animals in heat accepted ✗ Noanimal is fit to travel and there is no risk of birth occurring during the journey. Certain breeds of Dogs and cats, including snub nosed shall not be accepted on Qatar Airways aircraft as checked baggage, as these… verified 2026-08-28 Hold: Pregnant animals accepted ✓ Yesresearch purposes Animals younger than twelve (12) weeks Fragile / weak animals Female animals with suckling young – carriage will only be permitted on the basis of a veterinary certificate stating that both mother and… verified 2026-08-28 Hold: Carrier size 120 cm The maximum weight allowed is 75kg per seat, and the maximum length is 120cm per seat. verified 2026-08-15 Hold: Max weight (pet + crate) 32 kg …animals travelling as checked baggage Size Total weight and dimensions* Additional baggage rate Medium Up to 32kg To/From Qatar: Read more Step 2: Get travel-ready Requirements & guidelines Requirements & guidelines… verified 2026-08-30 Hold: Crate must have/be hard-sided ok, water bowl, ventilated, IATA-compliant, absorbent liner, live-animal label, a carrier The maximum weight allowed is 75kg per seat, and the maximum length is 120cm per seat. verified 2026-08-15 Cargo: Pets accepted ✓ Acceptedbe booked as pets) Japanese Chin King Charles Spaniel Neapolitan mastiff Pekingese Pug (all breeds) Shar Pei Shih Tzu Valley Terrier The below list of dogs can be accepted only when carried as Cargo on Qatar Airways and… verified 2026-08-28 Cargo: Snub-nosed breeds banned ✗ YesCertain breeds of Dogs and cats, including snub nosed shall not be accepted on Qatar Airways aircraft as checked baggage, as these animals, variably, are susceptible to increased risk of heat stroke (when exposed to… verified 2026-08-28 Cargo: Snub-nosed breeds list Chow Chow Bullmastiff Cane Corso Staffordshire Bull Terrier Mastiff American Bull Dog American Pit Bull Terrier American Staffordshire Bull Terrier Bull Mastiff (English Mastiff) Bull Terrier Cane Corso Chow Chow Dogo Argentino English Mastiff Pitbull Presa Canario Stafforshire Bull… verified 2026-08-30 Cargo: Minimum age 12 weeks Please note that animals younger than 12 weeks, animals considered too weak to travel, female animals with suckling young, and For more detailed… verified 2026-08-14 Cargo: Advance booking required ✓ YesIf you’ve already travelled with an animal on Qatar Airways and you’re all ready to go, submit an online request below or contact us at least 48 hours before departure to let us know you'll be travelling with an animal verified 2026-08-25 Cargo: Booking method IATA …can be accepted only when carried as Cargo on Qatar Airways and all requirements are in compliance with the IATA Live Animal Regulations (LAR) container requirement 82. American Bull Dog American Pit Bull Terrier American… verified 2026-08-28 Cargo: Heat embargo 21°C …breeds) as they are susceptible to increased risk of heat stroke when exposed to temperatures above 21 degrees Centigrade, or when under stress. verified 2026-08-26 Cargo: Nursing allowed ✓ YesAmerican Bull Dog American Pit Bull Terrier American Staffordshire Bull Terrier Bull Mastiff (English Mastiff) Bull Terrier Cane Corso Chow Chow Dogo Argentino English Mastiff Pitbull Presa Canario Stafforshire Bull… verified 2026-08-21 Cargo: Pregnant animals accepted ✓ Yesresearch purposes Animals younger than twelve (12) weeks Fragile / weak animals Female animals with suckling young – carriage will only be permitted on the basis of a veterinary certificate stating that both mother and… verified 2026-08-28 Cargo: Max weight (pet + crate) 75 kg …Medium Up to 32kg To/From Qatar: USD 200/CAD 260 All other routes: USD 350/CAD 455 Large Between 32kg and 75kg To/From Qatar: USD 300/CAD 390 All other routes: USD 450/CAD 590 Other Total weight: greater than 75kg… verified 2026-08-30 Cargo: Crate must have/be hard-sided ok, water bowl, ventilated, Escape proof required, IATA-compliant, absorbent liner, live-animal label, a carrier traveling with a service animal 2.2 Age of SVAN Animals under 4 months of age may not travel as a service animal 2.3 Maximum allowed SVAN in cabin per passenger for flights to/from: Australia, Brazil, Canada, India,… verified 2026-08-28 Health & documents Health certificate required ✓ Yeshooded when carried in the passenger cabin They should be accompanied by valid health certificates and entry permit required by the countries of entry or transit, if applicable. verified 2026-08-12 Health certificate validity 10 days Health certificate: Your pet must be certified as fit to fly by a veterinarian within 10 days before their travel date. verified 2026-08-30 Microchip · Required ✓ Yesmust comply with following requirements: Dog must appear healthy and be at least 6 months old Dog must be microchipped Customers must complete following CDC Dog Import Form and carry evidence of the verified 2026-08-24 Quarantine · Approved facility required ✓ YesWhen 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… verified 2026-08-28 Health certificate · Issuer a veterinarian Health certificate: Your pet must be certified as fit to fly by a veterinarian within 10 days before their travel date. verified 2026-08-24 Rabies vaccination · Required ✓ Yesand safety of the people and animals against risk associated with dog-maintained rabies virus variant (DMRVV). Passengers need to take certain new steps which depend on where the dog has been in the past 6 months. All… verified 2026-08-28 Rabies vaccination · Min age at vaccination 12 weeks Age/Weight requirements The minimum age to fly as checked baggage on Qatar Airways is 12 weeks of age; however, the minimum age will depend on the pet import requirements of verified 2026-08-24 Health certificate valid within days · Health certificate valid within days 10 days Health certificate: Your pet must be certified as fit to fly by a veterinarian within 10 days before their travel date. verified 2026-08-25 Other rules Dangerous breeds banned ✗ YesQatar Airways does not accept Exotic and Persian (Shirazi) cats; Greyhound dogs with the exception of pets; Affenpinscher, Pugs, American Pit Bull Terrier, Bichon Frise, Bull dog (all breeds), Boston Terrier, Boxer, Brus verified 2026-07-20 Restricted breeds list Bull Terrier …450 1.4 Breeds of Dogs and Cats not acceptable for Carriage on QR Flights* Dog: Affenpinscher, American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Bichon Frise, Boston Terrier, Boxer, Brussels, Bull dog (all breeds),… verified 2026-08-25 Breed restrictions apply ✗ YesThe total dimension of the container (Length + Width + Height) must not be larger than 118 inches (300 cm) 1.1 Reservations : Passengers can either call a contact center or visit a city office to book AVIH, between 2… verified 2026-08-25 Pregnant animals accepted ✗ NoAnimals younger than 12 weeks, animals considered to weak to travel, female animals with suckling young, and cats or dogs more than 6 weeks pregnant are also not permitted on board. verified 2026-07-20 Assistance animals accepted ✓ YesPersonal 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. verified 2026-08-25 Service & assistance animals Pets accepted ✓ AcceptedQatar Airways accepts service dog(s) in the passenger cabin on specific regulated routes to accompany a passenger with a disability. verified 2026-07-14 Esa note Emotional support dogs do not qualify as service dogs and are not accepted in the cabin. Emotional support dogs do not qualify as service dogs and are not accepted in the cabin. verified 2026-07-14 Fee waived ✓ YesLive Animals Live Animals Service Dogs Service Dogs Acceptance Acceptance AVIH/SVAN AVIH/SVAN Live Animals Service Dogs Acceptance AVIH/SVAN Qatar Airways only accepts the following animals & birds within the passenger… verified 2026-08-30 Recognized ✓ Yesprovide customers ease of access for requesting a carriage of Animals in Hold, Service Animals, and Falcons on QR flights. The form will capture information related to processing of the request Type / breed of the pet… verified 2026-08-30 Cabin allowed ✓ YesLive Animals Live Animals Service Dogs Service Dogs Acceptance Acceptance AVIH/SVAN AVIH/SVAN Live Animals Service Dogs Acceptance AVIH/SVAN Qatar Airways only accepts the following animals & birds within the passenger… verified 2026-08-26 Esa recognized ✗ Noabove 21°C (69.8°F). Visit the ‘Restricted breeds’ page to learn more. Emotional support dogs do not qualify as service dogs and are not accepted in the cabin. Additional eligibility rules and regulations may apply… verified 2026-07-14 Forms required ✓ YesParagraph 18.6 (b) shall not apply; iii. You must provide the US DOT’s Service Animal Transportation Form on the date of travel attesting to your service dog’s health, behavior and training verified 2026-08-28 Max pets per passenger 1 b) Falcons : Conditions of Acceptance: Passenger(s) wishing to carry falcon(s) in the Aircraft cabin may do so only in Economy Class Only one falcon per passenger is allowed to be carried in the Economy class cabin… verified 2026-08-27 Breed restrictions snub nosed Certain breeds of Dogs and cats, including snub nosed shall not be accepted on Qatar Airways aircraft as checked baggage, as these animals, variably, are… verified 2026-08-28 Advance notice hours 4 hours Pre-flight preparation Feed your pet at least 4 hours before departure. verified 2026-08-30 Documentation required ✓ YesFees for animals travelling as checked baggage Size Total weight and dimensions* Additional baggage rate Medium Up to 32kg To/From Qatar: USD 200/CAD 260 All other routes: USD 350/CAD 455 Large Between 32kg and 75kg… verified 2026-08-13 Emotional support allowed ✗ NoEmotional support dogs do not qualify as service dogs and are not accepted in the cabin. verified 2026-07-14 In the cabin ✗ Not accepted
In the hold / cargo ✓ Accepted
Snub-nosed breeds Not accepted
Cabin policy Pets accepted ✗ Not acceptedPETC Pet in Cabin Not acceptable by QR, except Falcons. verified 2026-08-14 Hold & cargo policy Hold: Pets accepted ✓ Acceptedin order to inhibit the ability of the bird to fly while in the cabin Live animals accepted as check-in baggage must be harmless, domesticated pets. Animals accepted as checked baggage to be carried in the aircraft hold… verified 2026-08-26 Hold: Snub-nosed breeds banned ✗ YesCertain breeds of Dogs and cats, including snub nosed shall not be accepted on Qatar Airways aircraft as checked baggage, as these animals, variably, are susceptible to increased risk of heat stroke (when exposed to… verified 2026-08-28 Hold: Minimum age 12 weeks Animals younger than 12 weeks, animals considered to weak to travel, female animals with suckling young, and is the state-owned flag carrier airline for Qatar. verified 2026-08-30 Hold: Advance booking notice 48 hours …to let us know you'll be travelling with an animal by submitting an online request or contacting us at least 48 hours before departure. verified 2026-08-13 Hold: Advance booking required ✓ YesOur guide will help you plan a smooth journey for your animal companions, from travelling by cargo to Australia and New Zealand, to flying with your falcon in Economy Class. Travelled with pets before? If you’ve already… verified 2026-08-25 Hold: Nursing allowed ✗ Noanimal is fit to travel and there is no risk of birth occurring during the journey. Certain breeds of Dogs and cats, including snub nosed shall not be accepted on Qatar Airways aircraft as checked baggage, as these… verified 2026-08-28 Hold: Advance notice hours 48 hours the pet travel form or contact us at least 48 hours before departure to avoid any disruption to your travel plans. Please see the fees listed below. Other terms and conditions apply * Submit verified 2026-08-28 Hold: Pregnant animals accepted ✗ NoCats and dogs which are more than 6 weeks pregnant must not be accepted unless accompanied by a veterinary certificate certifying the animal is fit to travel and there is no risk of birth occurring during the journey. verified 2026-08-30 Hold: Max weight (pet + crate) 75 kg …Medium Up to 32kg To/From Qatar: USD 200/CAD 260 All other routes: USD 350/CAD 455 Large Between 32kg and 75kg To/From Qatar: USD 300/CAD 390 All other routes: USD 450/CAD 590 Other Total weight: greater than 75kg… verified 2026-08-30 Hold: Crate must have/be hard-sided ok, water bowl, ventilated, IATA-compliant, absorbent liner, live-animal label, a carrier Is the container made of strong/ rigid material? Has adequate handholds/lifting devices to facilitate handling and to prevent the handler from coming into proximity to the pet verified 2026-07-20 Cargo: Snub-nosed breeds banned ✗ YesCertain breeds of Dogs and cats, including snub nosed shall not be accepted on Qatar Airways aircraft as checked baggage, as these animals, variably, are susceptible to increased risk of heat stroke (when exposed to… verified 2026-08-28 Cargo: Minimum age 12 weeks Breed Pet meets the minimum age requirements. Note: Puppies and Kittens are not acceptable when they are younger than 7 months for destination Doha or 12 weeks for all other destinations. verified 2026-08-30 Cargo: Advance booking notice 48 hours …an animal on Qatar Airways and you’re all ready to go, submit an online request below or contact us at least 48 hours before departure to let us know you'll be travelling with an animal. verified 2026-08-26 Cargo: Advance booking required ✓ YesOur guide will help you plan a smooth journey for your animal companions, from travelling by cargo to Australia and New Zealand, to flying with your falcon in Economy Class. Travelled with pets before? If you’ve already… verified 2026-08-29 Cargo: Heat embargo 21°C cats is restricted as these animals are normally susceptible to increased risk of heat stroke when exposed to stress or temperatures above 21°C (69.8°F). Visit the ‘Restricted breeds’ page to learn more. verified 2026-08-28 Cargo: Nursing allowed ✗ Noby QR, except Falcons. SVAN Passenger with service animal Passenger with service animal in cabin (dog) Interline acceptance of AVIH on QR is not permitted, in case of transfer from OAL to verified 2026-08-28 Cargo: Pregnant animals accepted ✗ NoCats and dogs which are more than 6 weeks pregnant must not be accepted unless accompanied by a veterinary certificate certifying the animal is fit to travel and there is no risk of birth occurring during the journey verified 2026-08-12 Cargo: Max weight (pet + crate) 75 kg The weight of the container including the pet must not be greater than 75kg to be accepted as checked baggage verified 2026-07-14 Cargo: Crate must have/be hard-sided ok, water bowl, ventilated, Escape proof required, IATA-compliant, absorbent liner, live-animal label, a carrier Animals accepted as checked baggage to be carried in the aircraft hold must be in a suitable container that is constructed in accordance with the requirements specified in the IATA Live Animals Regulations. verified 2026-07-14 Health & documents Health certificate required ✓ Yesexcess baggage 3.3 Country restrictions and documents Falcons shall have a valid health certificate and entry permit according to the requirements of the countries of entry or transit. Refer to customs regulations Tunis… verified 2026-08-28 Health certificate validity 10 days Health certificate: Your pet must be certified as fit to fly by a veterinarian within 10 days before their travel date. verified 2026-08-30 Health certificate · Validity days 45 days modification will be made upon receipt of a valid death certificate and any extension of validity shall be for a period no longer than 45 days from the date of death. 3. verified 2026-08-28 Cargo bookings for Qatar Airways require a flight date at least 48 hours in the future. Reserve the animal's space no later than 48 hours before departure. Confirm the booking falls inside the accepted window of 48 hours to 60 days ahead. Missing the 48-hour minimum blocks the reservation. Set a calendar alert two full days before the flight and finalize the cargo slot.
Snub-nosed breeds face required extra handling on Qatar Airways. Verify the breed against the carrier's brachycephalic list before booking. Prepare the additional documentation and acceptance conditions the airline demands for flat-faced dogs. Route these breeds through cargo or hold, since cabin transport is not available. Confirm the specific brachycephalic requirement with the airline in writing ahead of the flight date.
So that's Qatar Airways, sorted. It takes a little front-loading, but once the cargo slot and the paperwork line up, the rest falls into place fast. Don't wing it from a forum thread. Head to Pawgo's plan-builder, drop in your route and your dog, and get a personalized plan that maps every requirement to your actual trip. Then go enjoy the adventure waiting on the other side.
Glossary
ISO chip ISO 11784/11785 — the universal microchip standard. FAVN Fluorescent Antibody Virus Neutralization — a rabies serology test required by rabies-free destinations. Brachycephalic Snub-nosed breeds (French Bulldogs, Pugs, Persians, Himalayans) with restricted airline acceptance due to heat-stress risk. AVIH Animal Vehicle In Hold — IATA's term for cargo pet shipment, with fees that vary by carrier and route.
