If you’re used to flying pets on a U.S. carrier, the Qatar Airways pet policy will surprise you: there is no cabin option at all for ordinary pets. Dogs and cats travel only as checked baggage or as cargo — the only living things allowed in the passenger cabin are a single falcon per passenger and certain service dogs on specific routes.
Current as of 2026: Airline policies can change without notice. Confirm directly with Qatar Airways before booking — this guide reflects only what could be independently confirmed on Qatar Airways’ own site.
There’s No Cabin Option for Pets
This is the single most important thing to know before booking. Qatar Airways never carries ordinary pets — dogs, cats — in the passenger cabin. The only cabin exceptions are one falcon per passenger in Economy Class (not permitted on flights to/from Tunis), and certain service dogs accompanying a passenger with a disability, on specific regulated routes. If you’re expecting to keep your pet with you the way you might on Delta or United, plan for checked baggage or cargo instead.
Checked Baggage vs. Cargo
Most pets within standard size and weight limits, traveling with their owner on an all-Qatar-Airways itinerary, travel as checked baggage (called AVIH — Animal in Hold). Cargo becomes mandatory, not optional, in several situations:
- The pet is non-domestic or traveling unaccompanied.
- The kennel exceeds 300cm in total dimensions or the pet exceeds 75kg.
- The trip is to or from Australia or New Zealand — local regulations require cargo on these routes regardless of the pet’s size.
- The itinerary connects to another airline — Qatar Airways won’t carry a pet as checked baggage across an interline connection.
Checked-baggage bookings are made by calling a contact center or visiting a city office, between 2 and 30 days before departure.
Fees
| Size | Weight | To/From Qatar | All Other Routes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Medium | Up to 32kg | $200 | $350 |
| Large | 32–75kg | $300 | $450 |
| Over limit | Over 75kg or 300cm | Must ship as cargo | Must ship as cargo |
Falcons in the Economy cabin carry a separate per-route fee, reported at roughly $115–$630 depending on route — the exact lower bound isn’t consistently confirmed, so treat this as an estimate rather than a fixed figure. Service dogs travel free of charge.
Temperature Restrictions
Qatar Airways states that certain breeds are restricted because they’re more susceptible to heat stroke at temperatures above 21°C (69.8°F). This is framed as the reason specific breeds are barred from the hold, not as a general seasonal embargo covering every pet on every route. A commonly cited cold-weather threshold couldn’t be confirmed on Qatar Airways’ own site — don’t treat it as official policy.
Breed Restrictions
Qatar Airways’ own site confirms a short list of restricted breeds: Pugs, Bulldogs, Boxers, and Boston Terriers for dogs, and Exotic and Persian breeds for cats. A much longer list circulates elsewhere online, but it couldn’t be confirmed against Qatar Airways’ own pages, so this guide only states what the airline itself has published. Some restricted breeds, including Pit Bulls, are barred from checked baggage specifically but can still travel as cargo. Check Qatar Airways’ own restricted-breeds page directly for the complete, current list before booking.
CDC Requirements for Dogs Entering the U.S.
Qatar Airways maintains its own advisory walking travelers through CDC’s dog-import requirements: dogs must appear healthy, be at least 6 months old, and be microchipped, with a completed CDC Dog Import Form required per dog. See Rabies Vaccination Requirements for International Pet Travel for the full federal picture. Qatar Airways also notes that no refund or no-show waiver applies to a pet booking regardless of the dog’s origin, so confirm your documentation well before travel.
Related Guides
Rabies Vaccination Requirements for International Pet Travel
Choosing Cabin vs. Cargo for International Pet Travel
Importing Brachycephalic (Flat-Faced) Dogs
American Airlines Pet Policy
Pet Travel Glossary
