I am moving and want to bring my two cats

Niki, your two little sweeties will not have to be quarantined when you go back to the US. And, Moonbeam, thank you for such good information!

http://www.freewebs.com/qatarpets/forpetownersinqatar.htm

Pets entering Qatar require an import permit from the Ministry of Agriculture, however some breeds of dogs, especially large dogs, are not admitted.

Application forms for import permits can be obtained from the Ministry of Agriculture through a sponsoring employer. You will need to submit a copy of the pet's health certificate and vaccination record with the application.

Please see: http://www.qatarpetrelocators.com/importexport.php

Here you will find detailed information to assist you in preparing to move your pet. It's always better to have someone on the other end, helping you out.....I cannot stress this enough! When I first moved to Bahrain with my cat years ago, I ended up trusting informtion given to me by our company, and when I landed in bahrain, they confiscated my cat and put him into quarantine. So save yourself the tears that I endured.......and be thorough.

My dogs travelled into Qatar as Excess baggage, thanks to my Mother making the trip. This does not mean that they travel in the cabin with you though. They travel in the hold in the same way as when they travel as cargo. The difference lies in procedure, that is all. Depending upon your point of origin, travelling by cargo costs more. This is particularly true from and to the United States, as there is a flat fee for animals travelling as excess baggage.

Some airlines allow very small dogs or cats into the cabin with you providing you pay the fare. Just check out all your options first. Cargo has it's benefits too. Less hassle on your part, as the pet relocators will handle everything; and depending upon your route, some airports (eg Frankfurt) have a special facility to allow your pets rest time, a meal, some play and even grooming. These things need to be arranged in advance, so again, check with the pet relocators.

I am not sure what the procedure is if they travel as cargo, as I've never done it, but as excess baggage they are checked in just like your regular luggage. They are then loaded last on the plane, so that they can be offloaded first.

Please also note that in certain countries all animals must enter the country as cargo and cannot travel as excess luggage - regardless of whether you arrive in the country on the same flight as your animal(s) or not. This, for example, applies to all dogs traveling from to South Africa, as well as to all animals traveling from to the United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand and other countries imposing quarantine restrictions for animals.

For long-haul cargo shipments I recommend using Lufthansa. British Airways is also very good, but until Qatar becomes recognised under the EU Pet Passport Scheme, I would avoid going through the U.K.. Both airlines have dedicated Animal Reception Centers (London Heathrow and Frankfurt International Airports respectively), which will take good care of your four-legged friend during the stopover.

If your pet has to travel by Cargo, then my advice is that you contact a Pet Relocator. Cargo procedures are not simple and require planning.

Other Links for International Travel

www.iata.org International Airline Transport Association (IATA)

www.ipata.com Independent Pet and Animal Transportation Association International (IPATA)

http://www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/quarantine/pets/regulation/eu_reg.htm - DEFRA EU Regulation on the non-commercial movement of pet animals

Another good site is: http://www.pettravel.com/

Although, please bear in mind that sometimes information on the internet can be somewhat outdated; so it is always best to check with local resources that can be trusted (Vet, embassies, pet relocators) prior to your move to be sure that you have all the most up to date info.

We got loads of cats already in Qatar so its simple and cheaper to drown your 2 and take ur pick upon arrival! Voila! problem solved!

I brought over a dog and cat and there were no problems getting them here on KLM airlines. It sounds like each airline may have different procedures. All that was needed were up to date vet papers showing that the pets had their vaccines. My vet, in the US, said that the paperwork had to be dated 10 days prior to departure time.

For peace of mind, I contacted the Qatar Embassy prior to leaving and they assured me that all that was needed were papers from the vet showing the pet was current with their vaccinations.

KLM did not require that the pets be dropped off a day earlier than my departure date. Call your vet and the airline for specifics. May you and your four legged family members have a great trip! cynbob

lady! you got talent !!!

well ... ur gonna have to pay much to bring them.

just bring the cats paper from the veterinary to have proof that they are medically safe. Luftanza office will take them before one day and prepare them for the trip.!!