Qatar Airways Pet Policy: Which Breeds Can Fly Onboard?

Traveling with pets is never simple, and one of the biggest concerns pet owners face is whether their animal’s breed will be accepted on the flight. There are certain breeds which Qatar Airways Pet Policy allows in the cabin, which can be transported in the air as checked baggage, and which must be carried as cargo.

This guide demystifies the situation by availing you information on which breeds can, which breeds cannot, and the preparation of your pet to make its flight stress-free and safe.

Quick Look at Qatar Airways Pet Breed Rules

• Cabin Approved: Cats, small dogs, and some birds (total weight ≤ 8 kg including carrier)

• Checked Baggage: Medium-size dogs and cats up to 32 kg (with kennel)

• Cargo Only: Large pets, snub-nosed breeds, exotic animals

• Service Dogs: Permitted in the cabin free of charge

• Restricted Breeds: Certain dogs and cats banned from cabin/checked baggage due to health risks

  
  

Pets That Can Fly in the Cabin

Qatar Airways allows smaller pets to travel in the cabin as long as they weigh no more than 8 kg with the carrier included. Examples include:

• Small Dog Breeds: Chihuahua, Pomeranian, Yorkshire Terrier, Maltese, Toy Poodle, Dachshund

• Cats: Domestic short-haired and long-haired cats like Siamese, British Short hair, or Rag doll

• Birds: Household birds (subject to destination country’s rules)

  
  

👉 Important: Only one carrier per passenger is permitted in the cabin.

Pets Accepted as Checked Baggage

If your pet is slightly larger but still within the 32 kg weight limit (including kennel), they may travel in the aircraft hold as checked baggage.

• Medium Dogs: Beagle, Cocker Spaniel, Shiba Inu, Border Collie

• Large Cats: Maine Coon and other big domestic cats that exceed the cabin allowance

The kennel must be IATA-approved, with good ventilation, and large enough for your pet to stand and turn comfortably.

Breeds That Face Restrictions

Certain pets, especially snub-nosed breeds (brachycephalic), are more vulnerable to breathing problems in-flight. Because of this, Qatar Airways restricts them from cabin or checked baggage travel.

Restricted Dog Breeds

• Bulldogs (English, French, American)

• Pugs (all varieties)

• Boxers

• Boston Terriers

• Shih Tzu

• Pekingese

Restricted Cat Breeds

• Persian

• Himalayan

• Burmese

• Exotic Short hair

These breeds can still travel, but only via Qatar Airways Cargo under special handling conditions.

Service Dogs and Special Cases

• Service Dogs: Qatar Airways accepts trained service dogs free of charge in the cabin.

• Falcons: As is the regional custom, falcons may be carried in Economy cabin in specific flights ( up to 6 falcons per airplane).

• Unusual Animals: Horses and little creatures, reptiles among others, have to pass through Qatar Airways Cargo.

  
  

Helpful Tips for Pet Travel on Qatar Airways

• Reserve Early: Spaces for pets in the cabin are very limited.

• Check Regulations: Import rules vary by country (Australia and New Zealand are especially strict).

• Take the Right Documents: Health certificate, vaccination proof and permits are required.

• Select the Appropriate Carrier: It must be crash-proof, and IATA compliant, and big enough to accommodate your pet comfortably.

• Clearly Labeled: You can stick your pet name and your contact number on the carrier.

  
  

FAQs About Qatar Airways Pet Policy and Breeds

Can Persian cats fly in the cabin on Qatar Airways?

No. Persian cats fall under snub-nosed breeds and must travel only via cargo.

Are French Bulldogs allowed?

French Bulldogs are not accepted in the cabin or as checked baggage. They are permitted only through cargo.

Which dogs can travel in the cabin?

Smaller breeds like Chihuahuas, Toy Poodles, Pomeranians, and Yorkshire Terriers usually qualify if under the 8 kg limit.

Can falcons travel onboard Qatar Airways?

Yes. Falcons are allowed in the Economy cabin on certain routes, though rules vary by destination.

Conclusion

The Qatar Airways Pet Policy is flexible except that restrictions by breed determine whether your pet will travel in the cabin, as a checked baggage or by cargo. Small-sized dogs, cats, and even birds are usually accepted on a board and large or snub-nosed breeds should be provided with special arrangements.

Early booking, confirming with Qatar Airways and checking upon the rules of destination will help you avoid last-minute stress.

And if you’d rather skip the hassle, Tours N Travel Pro can guide you through the booking process—from checking breed eligibility to preparing documents and reserving your pet’s spot. Call us at +1-866-679-5070 and let our experts handle the details while you focus on enjoying your trip.

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