Qatar, being a conservative country, has its own rules and regulations regarding animals. Certain animals that would have been freely wandering in your motherland, cannot do so in Qatar. Certain breeds of animals are banned in Qatar.

If you’re an animal lover and can’t spend a day without your pets, then you should know these facts regarding animals and pets in Qatar.

#- There is a licensing system that prevails in Qatar for dogs and cats.

#-In fact, dogs aren’t generally allowed in the public here, even in parks or around the Corniche. However, there are some beaches where you could take your dog provided it’s leashed always.

#-Owners of pets are advised to 'Id' their animals, using tags, tattoos and microchips. The Department of Animal Resources even offers a free trap, neuter and return programme to cats that are being microchipped.

#- Both the Police and the Animal Resources have all the rights to catch and handle stray animals in Qatar.

#- Keen to import a pet into Qatar? Then you should first obtain an import license. These are the rules regarding an import license for pets-

1-      Visit one of the Department of Animal Resources' veterinary clinics on Al Matar Street, Al Rayyan or Al Shamal.

2-      Bring in a copy of your (the owner’s) id and a copy of the animal’s current vaccination record. (Rabies certificate is required)

3-      Fill up an import request form.

4-      To be eligible for the license, the pet must be more than 4 months old and must have received its vaccination at least 30 days before the date of travel.

5-      The import permit is valid for 1 month and authorized pets may be imported as cargo or excess baggage.

However, not all animals can enter the country. The following breeds of dogs are banned to enter Qatar-

1-      American Staffordshire Terrier

2-      Boerboel

3-      Boston Terrier

4-      Boxer

5-      Bull Terrier

6-      Bulldog

7-      Chinese Shar-Pei

8-      Doberman

9-      Great Dane

10-   Japanese Akita

11-   Neapolitan Mastiff

12-   Afghan Hound

13-   Rottweiler

14-   Staffordshire Bull Terrier

#-Also Hamad General Hospital offers pet cremations for QR 1,000.

#-The Qatar Animal Welfare Society is a non-profit volunteer organization that could help with adoption programmes and can support pet owners with their lost and found efforts.

Do you know of anything more that to add to the list? If so, comment below.

(Cover pic courtesy: nromagna)