Pets and Animal Control The Ministry of Municipality and Environment (MME)'s Department of Animal Resources is the entity in charge of animal control and veterinary supervision and treatment of animal diseases. The Department issues import permits, and oversees the exportation, transfer and transit of pets across borders. Cats and Dogs There is licensing system for cats and dogs in Qatar. Dogs are generally not allowed in public places, including parks and the Corniche. Dogs are allowed on some beaches, provided that they are leashed at all times. Pet owners are encouraged to identify their pets through the use of tags, tattoos and microchips. The Department of Animal Resources at MME provides free programs to help in finding stray cats that carry identification tags. Both the police and Animal Resources are authorized to catch and handle stray dogs. Hamad General Hospital carries out dead pet cremations for QR1,000. Import a Pet To obtain an import license, visit one of the Department of Animal Resources' veterinary clinics on Al Matar Street in Al Rayyan area or Al Shamal to fill out an import request form and bring the following documents: A copy of ID card. A copy of the animal's current vaccination record (rabies certificate is required). In order to obtain approval, the age of pets must be above four months, and has been given its vaccinations at least 30 days before the date of travel. The import permit is valid for one month. Authorized pets may be imported as cargo or excess baggage. Hamad International Airport keeps incoming animals at a special facility before completing customs clearance. Banned Breeds The following breeds of dogs are not allowed to enter Qatar: American Staffordshire Terrier. Boerboel. Boston Terrier. Boxer. Bull Terrier. Bulldog. Chinese Shar-Pei. Doberman. Great Dane. Japanese Akita. Neapolitan Mastiff. Afghan Hound. Rottweiler. Staffordshire Bull Terrier. Animal Rescue Qatar Animal Welfare Society is a non-profit, and volunteer-based animal rescue shelter based in Doha. It implements an adoption program and helps pet owners in finding lost animals.
