Dogs

Again, double post, can't delete - boy do I feel stupid!

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They will miss the grass and the trees, not much you can do about that. However, if you pick up after your dogs, don't inflict their presence on those who aren't "dog" people and are genuinely caring about others around you, you won't have a problem.

Outside my home there is a small garden with plants and trees and grass and he can roll around and feel like he's a little "at home". Finding games and things he likes to do instead (like going to the beach at 5am) will help make up for the lack in other respects. There's a lot of other people here who take their dogs to the beach at that unholy hour to take advantage of (a) the cool temperatues and (b) the lack of people.

You'll find like minded people here. Just research carefully about transportation and permits.

Signature line > "You can't fix stupid"

Although walking on the streets is not much fun, there are some lovely beaches in Qatar. Zikreet is beautiful for a day out and dogs can run freely there. I just meant that people don't like it and there are some places where people will complain. It just means adapting and finding some good places near where you live. Dukhan, Al Khor and Messaid are better because the compounds are much more tolerant and you generally have more space. Its a 3 minute drive to the beach for me in Dukhan and I have a big garden for them as well. It just depends on whether you want to live and work in Doha. The schools in these compounds are all great.

Also, if you drive you would have to come via Saudi Arabia (and several other countries) that would require import permits for each one.

I take my dog for walks in my neighbourhood, on a leash. I have the usual little monstors barking at him(which I can never figure out, he KNOWS how to do that) but I'm usually out too early for them and they keep a good distance away.

I often visit vacant lots or beaches (again early) so that I can let him off leash and play fetch and run around - it's not a big deal. You may run into problems on a compound where you may have muslim and other neighbours (I have never had any problems, but I pick up after my dog and he doesn't bark) who may take exception to the animals - that can happen anywhere. Just assume that anyone you meet is terrified/disgusted by dogs and guide your own behaviour accordingly (avoid them). You should be fine.

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expatmanuk - the UK has very strict pet import rules. A country has to meet certain criteria in order for animals to be allowed to enter the UK from that country. Qatar is yet to sign up to this (despite heavy pressure to do so).

So that leaves you with a choice when you return to the UK - put the dog in quarantine for 6 months in the UK, or go and live somewhere for 6 months that has signed up to the UKs strict rules (eg. France).

Many people aren't aware of this and it comes as a shock when they try to return to the UK.

By the time you return it may no longer be an issue, but there's no guarantee of that. Plus life out here is never certain so you could end up returning sooner than you think.

A lot of people here dont have the concept as animals as pets and are revolted/terrified by it.

sure you can take fido for a walk but you shouldn't on the Corniche....first of all it is illegal and second it upsets others...also make sure pets are permitted in your accommodation

but apart from that you and fido should be fine.

Thanks Tallq - why the 6 month wait in Europe before they can re-enter UK? Might not be a problem anyway, no great plans to go back there in a hurry!

Hi Jasmine; thanks for the info. Forgive my ignorance, why can't they just go out on the street? Local laws? Why does Doha present more problems than elsewhere?

If I were to come I would seriously consider driving there from Poland - 5 days apparently, not bad as to UK takes 3, taking it slowly. I have a nice big Range Rover with plenty of room on the back for them, with aircon, so as yet don't see the point of selling it, flying them, buying another car...

Their Pet Passports for the EU are under way. Any ideas if this would be OK driving them in?

Thank you for the detailed reply, it makes at least THIS decision easier....

Ian.

Hi MaryCatherine; thanks for the info. Makes me feel a BIT better about bringing them, though worried they will miss grass and trees! Oh, how I worry about them... thanks for the help!

Also be aware that, as it currently stands, if you move to the UK from Qatar your dogs would have to go into quarantine for 6 months (or live in an EU country for 6 months).

I brought my deerhound from the UK 3 years ago and he has been fine. When it is too hot he refuses to get out of the car when we get to the beach. There are 2 western vets here and you can get decent food such as Royal Canin and Eukanuba. The only thing I think would be a problem is the walking, you can't just take your dog out on the streets or the corniche. I live in Dukhan so haven't encountered any problems but living in Doha means you have to plan where to go in advance. Shop around for flights, I paid £1,700 but could have paid less than half that but was too busy to research it.

Make sure you do Rabies vaccination 3 months before travel and while your at it get a EU Pet Passport made up, then you can fly into Europe with no quarantine. You need to get an Import Licence to bring the dog in, for that you need a scan or photocopy of the rabies vaccination and your ID. It's up to you whether you pay a relocater such as Doha Vets or QPR or clear customs yourself. If you are a teacher you may arrive during Ramadan, if so I would pay for a meet and greet service, I brought my dog during Ramadan and he had a long wait in a hot warehouse while everyone was waking up.

If you are living in Doha, it's a good idea to get your landlord or employers permission first.

On the whole, I am glad I brought my boy, apart from a pathological hatred of his flight box he doesn't seem to have been affected by the whole thing and was so pleased to see us. He doesn't mind the heat and is more bothered by the heavy rains but that only happens a couple of weeks a year.

Sorry I know you only asked what it's like for the dogs but I have typed all this now so I'll leave it in, all the best, JJ

I have had dogs here - and brought them from abroad like you will. First of all, choose your airline carefully. I recommend KLM because they really look after your animals.

Secondly, the paperwork - you can do it yourself but it's a lot easier and a whole lot less stressful using a pet relocator - I used Qatar Pet Relocators (they have a website) and was very pleased with them - there are others as well which I believe are also reliable.

I take my dog out very early in the mornings for his main exercise of the day - especially when the weather is hot to avoid the 50C+ temperatures. I also take cold bottles of water and a dish with me and give him regular drinks so that he can keep cooler. He goes for shorter walks later in the day and after the sun goes down as well.

Once the weather breaks (come October or so) it is much easier on the animals and you can venture out . My dog is also a house dog, he stays inside on the cool tiles with the AC going - if you live in a villa you can install a dog door so that the dog can get outside if need be while you are at work.

Hope that helps.

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