Bringing our dog to Qatar

It's not forbidden to touch dogs - but it is required to cleanse oneself afterwards. Dogs are permitted if they "serve a purpose" generally interpreted to provide a service, (herding, hunting, etc.)

A lot of people are afraid of or don't like dogs here because of the possibility of rabies amongst the feral population.

I have always lived in at least 95 - 99% Muslim neighbourhoods, the worst I've experienced is kids ringing the doorbell to make her bark. If possible, I would try to get a stand alone villa - then you don't have to worry about women like jjj75 mentioned.

It is important that the dog have access to AC especially in the summer months and always cool water.

It is tricky to be honest. Cat ownership most tolerate but even though I live on a mainly western compound, there is one person who is quite devout and I know she has made up stories about people who own dogs to get the owners either chucked off the compound or force them to give their dogs away and it has been unpleasant to witness (I do not own a dog myself but I have observed this from the sidelines).

Bring your dog if you have no alternative but be prepared to encounter some difficulties, least of all the weather.

Here's a Pet Relocator service if you don't want to deal with all the hassles and research ever-changing rules. My co-workers have used them.

http://www.qatarpetrelocators.com/index2.php

To avoid stoning, etc, just live in an ex-pat area/compound. Also, when in public, please keep your dog on a leash. Some people will not know how to interact with dogs as dogs are not common here. People may act defensively and the dogs may take that as aggression.

Good luck.

The stories from above are mostly true, just wanting to add my two cents:

In case it is not obvious, during the summer months the weather is so hot that you must be prepared to keep your dogs inside the house. The vets can tell you all about ignorant owners who have kept their dogs outside, only to find them dead when they returned. It is also worth noting that unless you are getting a good housing allowance (minimum 15k) you will find it difficult to find a house with a garden that has at least grass and a good fence (more for your dogs privacy than others convenience). I am a very fortunate exception because i found an old compound with 2 bedroom villas (with all the problems you would expect), but it had a garden (with trees!!), in Doha, all for just 8k! (That is a great price in Doha terms). It is also worth mentioning that I have heard of some pets getting stolen, but i am not aware if this is a common occurence.

I don't know why yurizacky thinks you can walk a dog in the park, every one i have ever been near with my dog, security guards have told me very quickly not to come in. THe only way to let the dog really run free is when you head out of town to less built up areas.

In general, i can only agree with the sentiment that most of the locals, and immigrant labourers around here don't have any understanding of pet owner relationships, and think of all animals generally as dirty livestock, and dogs in particular as dangerous. I can also agree that it is really annoying the way many children and adults will just bark at the dogs, because they have so little contact with them otherwise. I know there are many cultural and religious reference points for this, so it is unlikely to change very soon.

For the record, proud owner of a rescued doha special german shepard and a rescued cat.

I think alumnar and marycatherine has given you the necessary information for your doubts. Please note that this is an Islamic country and touching dogs are forebidden for Muslims (even though there are plenty who has got dogs as pets). Be careful to bring the dog to a public place where the public will get frustrated because of their religious point of view.

I dont think people will stone the dog and do harmful things to it if it is not troubling anybody. Get an accommodation with a backyard as said by alumnar and take him/her with you for a walk in the non busy areas and enjoy living with your pet. I would suggest not to let him wander outside at the sunset time to avoid such issues mentioned by mariecatherine.

HAVE SENT YOU A MESSAGE WITH THE DETAILS YOU NEED .

MARY CATH - love to taste your pussy Mary

I have lived here and other GCC countries for 10+ years with a Border Collie - I have never been stoned or any other abuse - however, the kids (and some really silly adults) will bark at her - which I can't figure out, she KNOWS how to do that.

Some cultures are very afraid of dogs and with some reason, in their home countries dogs are not pets and often may be rabid or dangerous because they are feral -I've run into a few of the latter myself, and I carry a stick with me because of it to protect my dog.

Black dogs (and mine is mostly black) are sometimes viewed with even more temerity. From one conversation (and I have no idea how true this is) black dogs and cats are sometimes seen as being the embodiment of "Jinn" or spirits or ghosts - supposedly Ginn can take the form of a black dog or cat at dawn or dusk (not really so far from Western views of black animals several hundred years ago - so it could be true).

My advice, pick and choose carefully if and when you allow your dog to run off leash and those areas are few and far between. Always assume anyone else in the vicinity is afraid of dogs and put it back on leash and maybe even leave - better to err on the side of caution. Never assume other dogs (whether on or off leash) are socialized no matter what the owner (if there is one) says - that can differ from culture to culture as well.

You can and will find dogs and dog owners who are happy to get along with you and your pup - you have to be very choosy.

stoned...thats funny..

religiously it is only that dogs are unhygienic..basically.

and they are...who ever heard of any dog being stoned in qatar??

black or not..u can easily keep ur dog here in qatar..without any fear..dear!

dont believe whatever u hear or read!!

You can bring your dog here in Qatar. But i think there are some papers that needs to be processed in order for you to bring your dog here. as long as your dog will not cause any trouble in your soon-to-be-neighborhood, i think there's nothing to worry about. you can even walk your dog in the park. c",)

oh my increase in Doha's Dog population

Dear Eileen, some people will never understand what it means to have pets. First of all you need to make sure yoir compound / accomodation allows pets. Once that is done and if you can decide where to live, make sure to get a place with a backyard / back garden. We have a Golden Retriever and a Saluki and have to walk our overfriendly dogs on a leash all the time as most people over here are either scared of them or not 'allowed' to touch pets due to their religious beliefs. We are not allowed to walk our pets in any public places. I live in Wakrah and take my dogs down to Wakrah beach regularly and so do many other people. If you would like to get in touch with me via private message, I would be happy to meet you after you arrive and we could get our dogs together for a 'playdate'. Dogfood/vaccinations/accessories are available at petshops and vets. You will need to 'register' your dog with the government vet after you arrive. Nothing else springs to mind right now, feel free to ask any questions you may have :-)

maybe you can try to contact QAWS (

http://www.qaws.org) i am sure they'd be happy to help you