04 Sep Ten Steps to Export a Dog out of Qatar
The following information is not official and intended for general information only when exporting dogs out of Qatar.
These steps do-it-yourself home relocation may seem daunting, but it is easy.
First:
Check the regulations for import of lives animals for your country of destination:
http://www.iata.org/whatwedo/cargo/live-animals/pets/Pages/pets-countries-regs.aspx
For most all countries import requirements are similar, but each country has its own twist on the rules. Switzerland, for example, follows the EU regulations but unlike the EU will not allow animals that have cropped tails or ears to enter the country. Even if it is a rescue that underwent the mutilation to abuse or convention in the country of origin. This particular Swiss rule may be to prevent commercially bred animals that have cropped tails or ears entering the country as a “rescue.”
And while the UK is (or was ) a part of the EU, unlike the rest of the EU cats and dogs are not allowed to enter the country as accompanied baggage, but must enter as cargo and will be handled as cargo goods.
Most dogs leaving Qatar are destined for the UK or North America. Here the largest difference between requirements is that dogs leaving for the EU must have a Rabies titer test three months before departure, and this test can only be conducted a month after the initial rabies vaccine. If the pet tests negative (a rabies titer too low) the test can only be conducted again after a rabies booster, which will mean another three month wait. So no matter what – and especially for Europe or Australia — it is critical that if rabies shots be kept up to date and done early for any animal expected to leave for Europe. North America, however, requires only certification that the animal has received a rabies vaccine 30 days before departure.
Second:
Inform yourself on the required immunizations for the country of destination are up to date and that they are up to date. For example even though Qatar is technically not a rabies country, dogs leaving Qatar must have been inoculated against rabies. And while immunization against kennel cough is not required for a dog to enter the US, it is a good idea to have your dog vaccinated against this as most all States require.
You will receive from the vet a booklet documenting the inoculation records. This booklet will serve as the “Pet passport.” (Only an animal health certificate would be required for cats.)
In addition, to leave the country all animals must be microchipped. This unique chip number will be entered into the booklet. The chip can be scanned for identification of the pet.
Like your passport, your pet passport with all this information is a critical document to allow movement of the animal out of the country and into a new country.
Third:
Check the requirements of the airlines with which you will be travelling. All airlines follow the International Air Transport Association (IATA) rules, but like each country, each airline has their own take on the rules regarding size and weight. With Qatar Airways, for example, total weight of dog and crate must not exceed 32kg to fly as accompanied baggage. This information will be published on your airlines web site.
Fourth:
Secure an IATA approved travel crate for the dog and assure it is large enough. Requirements can be found here: http://www.iata.org/whatwedo/cargo/live-animals/pets/Pages/index.aspx
Importantly the dog should be able to stand in the crate with his head held in a normal upright position, to be able to turn around inside the crate and to lie down comfortably with legs not crammed up against the door or the crate.
Airlines are rightfully diligent in making sure that animals checked in are not in crates that may be too small for their journey. Do not try to save on buying a smaller crate with the idea that “Fido can survive it…” If the crate is too small they are likely not allowed to travel — and worse, might indeed not survive a crate that is too small.
Once you have the crate, prepare your animal to get used to it. Encourage that they sleep in it or go to it during the day. Put treats or toys into it to make it a “happy place.”
Fifth:
When you book your flight, let the airlines know that you will be booking your pet as well. They can either book at the same time, or will advise how to assure your pet is properly booked on your flight or as cargo. Some airlines, like Qatar airlines will require that the booking for the pet be done just a few weeks before the departure date and upon approval by the cargo department.
Sixth:
No sooner than 10 days before departure, you will need to secure a Veterinary Health Certificate from the Ministry of Environment, Department of Animal Resources. This will attest that the animal is in good health and has been examined and has no signs of infection or disease. The person flying with the animal will have to present themselves at the ministry with their passport and travel details.
If you choose to use a service (offered by some veterinary clinics and relocation services in Qatar) they will need a copy of your passport and travel itinerary as well as the “pet passport.”
Seventh:
A few days before the flight, you will also need to make sure that your pet has been treated for all internal and external parasites with, for example, Frontline for ticks and fleas and Sentinel Spectrum for worms. Your Veterinarian can advise and this information should be entered into the pet passport.
Eight:
Preparing for the flight. The crate will require a water bottle or dish. Both are acceptable. We have found that some dogs wind up chewing a soft dish, tied with plastic tie downs to the crate door, so a bottle is preferable if you can attain one in Qatar. If using a dish, freeze the water in the dish before attaching it. KLM will require a second dish for food, which is a good idea if your dog will be making a long journey with a stopover.
Toys and chews are not allowed in the crate. A blanket for comfort is required.
Experience shows that instead of using a puppy or “pee” pad for the likely accident in the crate, we like to use an old absorbent cotton towel under a synthetic blanket. The pads sold for this purpose often tear and are chewed up making a big fluffy mess for all.
Do not feed your animal a meal before the flight and keep food intake to the low side on the day of the flight. Make sure he or she has plenty of time for relief before taking off for the airport.
Use of sedatives or tranquilizers is highly discouraged and even forbidden by some airlines. They can have adverse effects on the dog. If the animal appears to be under drug sedation, it may not be allowed to fly with you.
Nine:
At the airport: Bring plastic tie downs, which can be purchased at any store selling electrical supplies. Get to the airport about three hours ahead as check in will take a little longer than regular check in.
If possible, allow your dog a last walk in a safe area and on a secure lead (in the parking areas) before entering the airport. Once in the airport and his or her crate, they will not be allowed out again until their destination.
After you have checked yourself and the dog in, security will be called to check the crate. At this time, you shall use the tie downs to secure the crate from opening. This assures that the crate is not tampered with during transport.
Ten:
Your pet will be taken to cargo by experienced and careful handlers. And if your pet is flying with you as accompanied baggage, you will meet him or her again at baggage claim at your destination. And believe it or not, and with all this care and preparation, they seem to do very well on their journey, better than their human companions!
Elaine Knuth
Desert Hound Express Foundation
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