Cathay Pacific – Pet Policy

View Official Policy Page ↗

Quick Reference Table

*All checked/cargo pets must travel in IATA-compliant hard crate, and with required health, import/export, and in some cases CITES documentation. Max accepted weights/dims apply; overage must be shipped as manifest cargo by prior arrangement.

General Policy Overview

• PETS IN CABIN: Only certified guide/service/assistance dogs with eligibility and prior approval allowed. No general pets in the passenger cabin.
• PETS AS CHECKED BAGGAGE/HOLD: Dogs, cats, and most household birds accepted when traveling out of Hong Kong on eligible routes, subject to breed, crate, and paperwork requirements. Special arrangements required for certain species/routes.
• PETS AS MANIFEST CARGO: Large, restricted, or multiple pets, rabbits, exotics, and most birds/reptiles/fish require shipping as manifest cargo via qualified pet travel agent, especially for entry to Hong Kong, UK, UAE, NZ, and some other jurisdictions.
• BREED RESTRICTIONS: No travel for snub-nosed (brachycephalic) breeds (Bulldogs, Pugs, Boxers, Persians, etc.), fighting breeds, and certain aggressive dog types. See official list for specifics.

Pet-Specific Travel Guidance

• Dogs: No cabin travel unless service/assistance dog. All other dogs: crate/cargo only. Brachycephalic/aggressive breeds are banned. Health docs required, notify airline or pet travel agent in advance.
• Cats: No in-cabin option. Standard breeds allowed in hold/cargo (snub-nosed and certain breeds banned for safety). All need vet paperwork and import/export docs.
• Birds: Only household species accepted, some routes/species barred. Export/import permits and CITES rules apply. No in-cabin travel.
• Rabbits/Special Pets: Cargo arrangement via IPATA/ATA member agents only (pre-approval, documentation, route limits, vet certificates).
• Reptiles/Fish: Only specialist cargo agents can assist with transport, never accepted as baggage. Consult with the airline and agent/handler in advance for route and species eligibility.

Container, Weight & Sizing Requirements

• IATA-compliant hard crate (no wood or soft-sided accepted; no wire mesh). Rigid, escape/leak-proof, and labeled with owner and animal info.
• Pet and kennel/box combined under 32kg (70 lbs) and total 203cm (80in) or less for most routes; above this, air freight/manifest cargo only.
• Book at least 48 hours before departure; space limited and not guaranteed earlier than 1 month before travel date.

Required Documents

• Vet/health certificate, signed within regulatory time window
• Vaccination records (including rabies for dogs/cats)
• Import/export/quarantine permits as required by authorities
• Acclimation certificate if flying in temperatures outside 45–85°F (7–29°C)
• CITES certification for certain birds, reptiles, or rare animal species
• Booking confirmation and airline/agent acceptance

Woofly Tips

• Always double-check all breed/species bans, weight/dimension rules, and route eligibility before booking.
• Get your paperwork in order and book with Cathay or your agent as far in advance as possible.
• For travel from Hong Kong, use a recommended IPATA/ATA pet travel agent—see the list on the Cathay site.
• Label your crate inside and out with your name, contact, destination, pet’s name, and emergency contact.
• Always check the import, quarantine, and pet arrival rules for each country on your journey, not just your destination.