Qatar Airways & Service Dogs
On certain routes, Qatar Airways will allow service dogs in the passenger cabin. This will be free of charge to accompany a passenger with a disability.
On all other routes, service dogs will be accepted free of charge as checked baggage within the aircraft hold.
Not all countries allow service animals/emotional support animals to arrive in the passenger cabin of the aircraft. Please contact the call center to verify any limitations that may exist for the countries in your itinerary.
Qatar Airways only permits service dog(s) on Qatar Airways operated flights and on specific regulated routes. All other categories of animals may be transported within the aircraft hold (AVI) after collection of the applicable charges.
Limit of 2 Dogs
If a country permits more than 1 dog to be carried in the cabin of aircraft, there will be a limit of up to 2 dogs per passenger.
Qatar Airways’ procedure on its acceptance of live animals complies entirely with the IATA Live Animals Regulations. In addition, any additional government regulations required by the country of origin, transit and destination.
Definition of Service Animal for Qatar Airways
The definition of service animal for Qatar Airways seems to be the same as the federal Americans with Disabilities Act definition used for public access rights.
A service animal is a dog, regardless of breed or type, which is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of a qualified individual with a disability, including a physical, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual, or other mental disability.
Documentation requirements:
- Passengers traveling with service dogs will need to have the health documentation and other certifications required by the destination country
- Passengers who will be traveling to and from the USA are required to complete the hardcopy or electronic version of DOT’s “U.S. Department of Transportation Service Animal Air Transportation Form” as well as U.S. Department of Transportation Service Animal Relief Attestation” as a condition of transportation (for flights over 8 hours)
Service Dog Containment
- Service dogs will need to fit on their human’s lap, or within its handler’s foot space on the Qatar air plane
- The service dog must be harnessed, leashed or otherwise tethered while onboard the aircraft and while in transit at Hamad International Airport
Responsibility of Service Dog Owners
- Animals do not normally require additional feeding for fairly long periods
- It is the responsibility of the dog owner to provide food and water for the animal
- Care will need to be taken to make sure the food and water containers are not overfilled in order to prevent spillage
- It’s recommend to use of a safety harness for the dog for use during take-off, landing, or whenever the ‘fasten seat belt’ sign is illuminated
Advance notice flying with service animals:
- Passengers must notify Qatar Airways at least 48 hours before departure
Check-in:
- Passengers can check-in online
- Passengers checking in at the airport must check-in for the flight 1 hour prior to the standard time
Proof that accompanying animal is a service dog:
Provide evidence at the time of reservation or at the time of check-in at the airport that the accompanying dog is:
- A service dog
- Fully trained
- Is at least four (4) months old (e.g. an identification card, other written documentation or tag)
- And other certifications by the service dog’s licensed veterinarian and current vaccination record
For flights to and from the USA, a signed hard copy of the “U.S. Department of Transportation Service Animal Air Transportation Form” is required.
Flight-length restriction:
Provide evidence that the accompanying dog will not need to relieve itself during the flight or that you can adequately manage the dog’s waste without creating any health and sanitation issue on the flight.
You will need to bring whatever absorbent, or other material, required for this purpose. You can help prepare your dog for your flight by exercisingand limiting fluid intake before your flight.
Flights to and from the U.S.
For flights to and from the U.S., passengers must provide the form “U.S. Department of Transportation Service Animal Relief Attestation” as a condition of transportation.
Age and weight restrictions:
Some age restrictions may apply for travel to a certain destination.
There is no weight restriction.
Where service dogs may not sit
- Service dogs cannot be seated where it may obstruct aisle or emergency exit area
- Or affect leg space in front of the passenger sitting next to you
If your service dog cannot be accommodated at your seat location, then the airline will offer you another seat if available on the aircraft.
More information:
For more information depending on your origin and destination, please refer to the travel information at this link: https://qatarairways.com/en/visa-and-passport-requirements.html
For enquiries contact your local offices, contact details can be found in the following link: https://qatarairways.com/en/help.html
Falcons on Qatar Airways
- You may carry one falcon in the Economy Class cabin of an aircraft
- Maximum of six falcons are permitted within the Economy Class cabin of any one aircraft (country regulations may apply)
- Qatar Airways reserves the right to refuse the transport of any animal if the container is too small
Health, Breed or Age Restrictions
Qatar Airways does not permit transport of certain breeds of dogs and cats that are susceptible to increased risk of heat stroke when they are exposed to stress or temperatures above 21°C (69.8°F).
Related Articles:
- Service Animal Workplace Accommodations & the ADA laws
- Service Dog Laws By U.S. State
- Service Animal In Training Laws By State
Sam is an experienced writer, advocate for people with disabilities and mental health, dog lover, artist, philosopher, and generally complicated human being.
