Relocating with Two Cats
By newCATinQATAR •
I will be flying from Cairo to Doha in mid-August. Will traveling with two cats in the intense heat of summer pose a danger to either of them? I would like to carry them with me on board, but worry they will have to be shipped as cargo. Is this dangerous for them? Also, what are the procedures for bringing two pets into Doha? Is it true that both need microchips and import/export papers? Is it an expensive process? Should I make arrangements now with a pet relocation company? If anyone with experience could advise me about this procedure, including good companies to contact or good airlines to fly with for pet transport, I would certainly appreciate it.
Go to www.qatarpetrelocators.com and fill in the online enquiry and they will get back to you within 48 hours with an import information pack which details everything needed to bring animals into Qatar, the various ways of bringing them and all the costs involved.
The good thing about Qatar Pet Relocators is that there are no hidden charges, they won't con you into doing un-necessary paperwork or vet treatments and they will always advise on the best route based on the welfare of the animals.
(Apologies for the answer split into 3 - QL won't show it all in one box!!)
Contact Qatar Pet Relocators as they will be able to help you with bringing them over although between June & September they will not accept any animals coming on daytime flights. They will need to travel on night flights as with all the best will in the world, there will be a period either side of the flight where they are on the tarmac (loading & unloadig).
The easiest (and cheapest) way to bring them is as accompanied baggage where you would check them in with your luggage. They would travel in the cargo hold and then be brought out to you whilst you are claiming your luggage in Doha.
You don't mention what breed of cats they are, but if they are any mix of persian (or anything with a flat face) they will not be accepted on Qatar Airways or Emirates.
Go to www.qatarpetrelocators.com and fill in the online enquiry and they will get back to you within 48 hours with an import information pack which details everything needed to bring animals into Qatar, the various ways of bringing them and all the costs involved.
The good thing about Qatar Pet Relocators is that there are no hidden charges, they won't con you into doing un-necessary paperwork or vet treatments and they will always advise on the best route based on the welfare of the animals.
Thanks JJ :D
Yes your cats will need import permits (not sure on export permits from Egypt though) and they do not need microchips to enter Qatar. They will need valid rabies vaccinations that are in date and were given more then 30 days before the flight.
Travelling in the cabin is extremely stressful for animals as they will be constantly disturbed by people moving, loud noises and bright lights. It'll be upsetting for both you and the cats as they will want to get out to be with you but you will not be allowed to open the cage. There are also very few airlines that will allow you to take your pets on board due to consideration of other passengers who may be allergic etc.
The cheapest and easiest way to bring your cats is as extra baggage (also known as accompanied baggage). You would book your 2 cats on your ticket and check them in with their paperwork along with your luggage. They will then be taken and kept in the special animal section of the cargo hold (temperature & light controlled) which is generally the least stressful place to transport an animal. Once you reach Doha, the cats will be brought out to you when you are collecting your luggage.
Contact Qatar Pet Relocators (www.qatarpetrelocators.com) and they will get back to you within 48 hours with an import information pack detailing what they will need to apply for an import permit. They will also be able to help with finding out what is needed from Egypt if you require assistance (even if they only tell you who to contact for answers!).
It is important that anyone travelling in the hot summer months makes sure their pets are on a night flight as the temperature is dramatically lower over night. Although the planes are temperature controlled, with all the best will in the world there will be a short period either side of the flight where the animals will be out on the tarmac during loading/un-loading and it is far more pleasant for them at night.
Qatar Pet Relocators will NOT handle any relocations between June & September where the animals are arriving during the day.
You don't mention what breed they are but if they are persians or persian mixes (or anything with a flat face) they will not be allowed to travel Qatar Airways or Emirates.
Hope that helps :D
Contact chelsea on QL, she will put you in touch with the best people
better get the pros to help you
there are many restrictions and it appears to be not as easy