Qatar Airways flying with pets

Does Qatar Airways accept passengers traveling with pets?

Pets may travel on Qatar Airways flights as excess baggage or in the passenger cabin, and the airline strives to extend its 5-star service to your furry and feathered friends. Passengers traveling with pets will not be able to connect from another airline to a Qatar Airways flight because pets will not be accepted as excess baggage. Pets can only be transported separately, as cargo, when connecting from another airline to Qatar Airways.

Which pets are accepted on Qatar Airlines flights in the passenger cabin and which in the baggage hold?

Only falcons and Service Dogs are accepted in the passenger cabin, but various restrictions may apply.

Domesticated dogs, cats, and birds can travel on the same flight as the passenger, as excess baggage. All other animals will only be transported as cargo.

For the safety of the animal, certain breeds of domestic dogs and cats that are susceptible to an increased risk of heat stroke are not accepted on Qatar Airways flights. These breeds include mainly pure breeds of snub-nosed dogs and cats (e.g. Burmese, Himalayan, Persian, American Staffordshire Terrier, Brussels Griffon, Chow Chow, English Bulldog, King Charles Spaniel, Pug, Shar-Pei, Shih Tzu, Tibetan Spaniel, Bulldog, Japanese Boxer, etc.).

Falcons in the Passenger Cabin

Falcons  are  accepted  only  in  the Economy  Class  cabin. There is a limit of one falcon per passenger and a limit of 6 birds allowed in the passenger cabin. Carriage of falcons in the passenger cabin on a Qatar Airways flight is not allowed on flights to/from Tunis.

Fees

Excess baggage fees apply for transporting falcons on Qatar Airways flights:

Pets in the Baggage Hold

Regarding health and age restrictions, Qatar Airways will not accept:

• Animals younger than 12 weeks.
• Fragile/weak animals.
• Female animals with suckling young unless a veterinary certificate, stating that mother and young are fit for travel, is provided.
• Female cats/dogs more than 6 weeks pregnant unless a veterinary certificate, stating that there is no risk of birth during the journey and also that the animal is fit for travel, is provided.

On Qatar Airways flights, there is no limit for the number of pets that can travel in the baggage hold. However, based on aircraft type, weight or space limitations may apply.

Pets must travel in containers, and the container must have ventilation openings, be of sufficient strength to prevent escape, and of an adequate size. If the container seems to be too small for the animal, Qatar Airways reserves the right to refuse transportation. Containers with total dimensions larger than 118 inches (300 cm) are transported only as cargo.

Passengers are responsible for providing enough food and water for the animal’s journey in the traveling container. However, Qatar Airways ground services team will provide food and fresh water for your animal if your journey includes a transit in Doha. Although it is not possible to access your pet during the journey, Qatar Airways ground staff will take care of your pet during your transfer in Doha:

• Animals will be allowed out of their kennels to walk and stretch.
• Animals will be observed for signs of sickness and stress.
• Kennels will be cleaned.
• Animals will be provided a larger, more comfortable kennel during transit.
• Food will be provided every 3-4 hours, up to 2 hours before departure.
• Water will be changed every hour.

Fees

Qatar Airways will charge an excess baggage fee for pets traveling as checked baggage. Regardless of whether or not you exceed your free checked baggage allowance, charges will be assessed per container, depending on its size (total linear dimensions) and weight:

• Medium – up to 32 kg.
• Large – 32-75 kg.

Service Dogs

One service dog, psychiatric service dog or emotional support dog per passenger will be accepted free of charge. Service Dogs are accepted in the passenger cabin on flights operated by Qatar Airways only on certain routes (e.g., to/from the US, the EU, Norway, Switzerland). On all other flights, Service Dogs may only travel in the baggage compartment, also free of charge.

Passengers who plan to travel with a Service Dog must notify Qatar Airways at least 48 hours before departure and check in at least 2 hours prior to departure (3 hours when departing from the US). Also, evidence that the accompanying dog will not need to relieve itself during the flight must be provided. Passengers must also bring absorbent material and provide evidence that they can manage the dog’s waste without creating any sanitation and health issues on the flight. Certification from a licensed mental health professional is required for emotional support or psychiatric service dogs.

Qatar Airways recommends the use of a safety harness during take-off, landing, or whenever the “fasten seat belt” sign is illuminated. If the Service Dog cannot be accommodated at your seat location, then you will be offered another seat if available on the aircraft. However, your Service Dog cannot affect the leg space in front of the passenger sitting next to you or obstruct an aisle or the emergency exit area.

More information here >>