When pets travel long-haul routes to destinations like New Zealand, Australia, and parts of Asia, a Doha layover via Qatar Airways is often the safest and most reliable option. Yet for many pet parents, the idea of a layover raises questions.
Where is my pet?
Are they checked on?
Are they left in their crate the entire time?
Here’s a transparent look at what actually happens during a Doha layover and why this route is trusted by leading international pet transporters worldwide.
Why Doha Is a Key Hub for International Pet Travel
Doha is not just a flight connection. It is a specialized global hub with dedicated animal care facilities designed specifically for long-haul international pet transport. For destinations with strict import requirements, including New Zealand and Australia, Doha provides a controlled, compliant, and humane transition point between flights.
Pets Are Removed From Their Crates During Longer Layovers
For layovers longer than three hours, pets are removed from their travel crates and transferred to a dedicated animal care facility in Doha.
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New Zealand routes: typically 10+ hours out of crate
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Other destinations: typically 3+ hours out of crate
This allows pets to rest, decompress, and recover between long flights rather than remaining crated the entire journey.
Private Kennel Care and Continuous Monitoring
While at the facility, pets are placed in individual kennels where they can safely rest between flights. During this time, they receive:
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Food and fresh water
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Potty breaks
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Continuous monitoring by trained animal-care staff
This environment is designed to reduce stress and support your pet’s comfort during international transit.
Veterinary Oversight and Biosecurity Handling
An on-site veterinarian checks pets during the layover to ensure their health and comfort before continuing to the next flight. This oversight supports both animal welfare and international travel requirements.
For New Zealand arrivals specifically, required crate seals are professionally unsealed and re-sealed by the official government veterinarian. Crates are cleaned as needed before pets continue their journey, ensuring compliance with strict biosecurity regulations.
Climate-Controlled Comfort From Takeoff to Touchdown
Your pet’s environment is carefully climate-controlled throughout the entire journey, including:
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The animal care facility
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Transport vehicles
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Holding areas
Temperature conditions are continuously managed to keep pets safe and comfortable between flights, even during long-haul routes.
Real Updates From Your Pet’s Journey
One of the most meaningful parts of this experience for pet parents is receiving real updates during transit. These updates provide reassurance that your pet is safe, cared for, and progressing smoothly through their journey.
For many families, these moments turn an anxious wait into a sense of connection, even while separated by thousands of miles.
A Proven, Trusted Route.
Starwood Pet Travel transports pets through Doha every week, with thousands of successful relocations to Australia, New Zealand, and Asia. This routing is widely used by leading international pet transporters for long-haul travel because it prioritizes safety, compliance, and animal welfare.