Qatar Airways Pet Policy for Dogs
What dog owners need to know about Qatar Airways checked-pet rules, service dog exceptions, fees, breed limits, and booking steps for 2026.
Qatar Airways Pet Policy Overview
Qatar Airways does not accept pet dogs in the passenger cabin. Pet dogs generally travel as checked baggage in the aircraft hold on eligible QR-operated flights, while trained service dogs may travel in cabin only on specific regulated routes.
Qatar Airways accepts domesticated dogs as checked baggage on most eligible routes, subject to country rules, aircraft space, kennel compliance, and breed restrictions. Pets are not included in the passenger's free baggage allowance and are charged separately. Qatar Airways does not accept animals connecting from flights operated by other airlines as checked baggage, though animals traveling on Qatar Airways may connect onward if separate arrangements are made with the other airline. Falcons are the only non-service animals allowed in the passenger cabin.
Last updated: 2026-03-25
How to Book Your Dog on Qatar Airways
Confirm your route is eligible: Qatar Airways carries pet dogs as checked baggage on most QR-operated flights, but not in the passenger cabin. Check destination, transit, and import rules first because country restrictions can override airline acceptance.
Check your dog's eligibility: Your dog must be healthy, properly vaccinated, old enough to travel, and not on Qatar Airways' restricted-breed list. Puppies under 12 weeks are not accepted as pets.
Choose an IATA-compliant kennel: The kennel must be secure, ventilated, and large enough for your dog to stand, turn, and lie down comfortably. You will need the kennel's length, width, height, and the total weight of dog plus kennel for the request.
Submit the request early: File Qatar Airways' online animal-carriage request form or contact Qatar Airways at least 48 hours before departure. Qatar Airways indicates requests are generally accepted only when travel is between 60 days and 1 day away, and only for QR-operated flights.
Wait for confirmation: Space for animals in the hold is limited and must be approved in advance. Do not assume your dog is booked until Qatar Airways confirms acceptance.
Prepare documents: Bring vaccination records, health certificates, pet passport if applicable, and any import/export permits required by origin, transit, or destination authorities.
Pay the applicable pet charge: For checked-baggage dogs, Qatar Airways charges by total weight and route category. Up to 32 kg total is charged at the medium rate; 32 to 75 kg total is charged at the large rate. Heavier or oversized shipments must move as cargo.
Arrive early at the airport: Qatar Airways advises arriving at least 2 hours before departure so staff can complete the pet check-in process.
At check-in, present the dog and kennel: Staff will verify the kennel, paperwork, route compliance, and payment. The dog will then be accepted for transport in the aircraft hold if all conditions are met.
For service dogs only: If you are traveling with a trained service dog, cabin travel is free only on specific regulated routes and requires advance notice and route-specific documentation. On routes where in-cabin service dog carriage is not permitted, the dog may need to travel in the hold under Qatar Airways' rules.
Qatar Airways vs Other Airlines
| Feature | Qatar Airways | Delta Air Lines | Turkish Airlines |
|---|---|---|---|
| In-Cabin Fee | Pet dogs not allowed in cabin; service dogs only on specific regulated routes, free | USD 200 each way for pets in cabin on eligible routes | Fee varies by route; use Turkish Airlines pet fee calculator |
| Cargo Fee | Checked baggage: USD 200/300 to or from Qatar; USD 350/450 on other routes depending on total weight; over 75 kg as cargo | Checked baggage only for active U.S. military/FSO cases; otherwise larger pets via Delta Cargo | Hold fee varies by route and weight category; calculator required |
| Weight Limit | Up to 75 kg total as checked baggage | Up to 100 lb / 45 kg maximum kennel weight in cited international guidance | 8 kg in cabin including carrier; up to 50 kg total in hold including carrier |
| Carrier Size | No pet-in-cabin carrier allowed; hold kennel must meet IATA rules; over 300 cm total dimensions goes as cargo | Varies by aircraft/kennel type; larger pets may require cargo | Cabin carrier max 23 x 30 x 40 cm; hold kennel max 75 x 75 x 125 cm |
| Breeds Restricted | Yes; certain snub-nosed and listed breeds restricted from checked-baggage carriage | Yes; snub-nosed dogs excluded from checked baggage | Yes; some breeds with respiratory problems and certain dog breeds restricted |
| Booking Method | Online request form or contact Qatar Airways at least 48 hours before departure | Add pet reservation in advance; military/FSO checked pets via Delta Cargo/customer service | Book per Turkish Airlines pet rules and calculate fee online before travel |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my dog fly in the cabin on Qatar Airways?
No. Qatar Airways does not allow pet dogs in the passenger cabin. The main exception is trained service dogs on specific regulated routes, which may travel in cabin free of charge if all requirements are met.
How much does Qatar Airways charge to fly a dog?
For dogs traveling as checked baggage, Qatar Airways lists medium pets up to 32 kg total at USD 200 to or from Qatar or USD 350 on other routes. Large pets from 32 to 75 kg total cost USD 300 to or from Qatar or USD 450 on other routes. Heavier or oversized shipments must travel as cargo.
What is the weight limit for a dog on Qatar Airways?
As checked baggage, the combined weight of the dog and kennel can be up to 75 kg. If the total exceeds 75 kg, the dog must travel as cargo instead of checked baggage.
How do I book my dog on Qatar Airways?
Submit Qatar Airways' online animal-carriage request form or contact the airline at least 48 hours before departure. You will need your itinerary, breed, kennel dimensions, total weight, and required health and travel documents.
Are there breed restrictions for dogs on Qatar Airways?
Yes. Qatar Airways restricts certain breeds, including many snub-nosed dogs and several listed breeds such as pit bull types, bulldog breeds, pugs, boxers, chow chows, mastiffs, Shih Tzus, and others. Restricted dogs may be refused as checked baggage and may need cargo handling or may not be accepted at all depending on the route and conditions.
How early should I arrive at the airport with my dog?
Qatar Airways advises arriving at least 2 hours before departure so airport staff can complete the pet check-in process and verify the kennel and documents.
Can my dog connect from another airline onto Qatar Airways?
Usually no for checked-baggage acceptance. Qatar Airways states it does not accept animals that are connecting from flights operated by other airlines as checked baggage. If your itinerary involves another carrier, you may need separate arrangements.
What paperwork does my dog need to fly on Qatar Airways?
You should expect to provide vaccination records, health certificates, and any import, export, or transit permits required by the countries on your itinerary. Requirements vary by route, so check government rules as well as Qatar Airways' policy.