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Cathay Pacific Pet TravelCX

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FAQ about Cathay Pacific pet policy

Policy last updated: April 25, 2026

Accepted pets:🐱 Cat🐶 Dog

In-Cabin Travel

Not allowed

Pet cats and dogs are not permitted in the passenger cabin. Only accredited guide/assistance dogs are allowed in-cabin. All pet travel is handled via Cathay Cargo.

Cargo / Hold

Allowed
As checked baggage No
As freight Yes

Pet travel is handled exclusively through Cathay Cargo (Cathay Live Animal solution). From 1 September 2025, direct pet shipment bookings with Cathay Cargo will only be accepted from: IPATA or ATA members, IATA Accredited Freight Forwarders, or holders of a valid IATA Live Animals Regulations (LAR) training certificate. All shipments must comply with IATA Live Animal Regulations (IATA LAR). Cathay Pacific holds CEIV Live Animals certification.

Service Animals

Allowed
🐾Accepted species🐶 Dog
Must fit at passenger feet Yes
Advance notice required Yes
Documentation requiredAccreditation from Assistance Dogs International (ADI), Assistance Dogs Europe (ADE), or International Guide Dog Federation (IGDF)Original copies of all relevant documentation at check-in and destinationSpecial Permit from Hong Kong Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) if flying into or transiting via Hong Kong

Advance notice of at least 48 hours required for flights of 8 hours or more. Larger dogs must sit at the owner's feet; smaller dogs may sit on the owner's lap. Dog must be properly leashed or harnessed throughout the flight. Owner is responsible for the health and sanitation of the flight. Cathay Pacific reserves discretion to accept service animals subject to applicable laws and regulations.

🐱🐶

Species Rules

Service animals exempt Yes

Guide/assistance dogs are permitted in-cabin. Pet cats and dogs travel via cargo only. No information provided about cats and dogs being on the same flight.

Breed Restrictions

  • Brachycephalic (snub-nosed) breeds are subject to restricted acceptance via cargo. They are only accepted on specific routes (HKG-LHR, HKG-MEL, HKG-SIN) and only from January to May and October to December. The route LHR to HKG is temporarily unavailable for brachycephalic breeds. Brachycephalic shipments must be arranged through an IPATA-certified BOAS (snub-nosed) pet shipper.

Documentation Required

  • Compliance with destination country entry regulations
  • IATA Live Animal Regulations (IATA LAR) compliance
  • Booking must be made through an IPATA/ATA member, IATA Accredited Freight Forwarder, or holder of a valid IATA LAR training certificate (effective 1 September 2025)
What types of animals are permitted in the cabin?
Only accredited guide/assistance dogs are permitted in the cabin. Pet cats and dogs must travel via Cathay Cargo.
Can pets travel in the cargo hold, and what are the requirements?
Yes, pets travel via Cathay Cargo's Cathay Live Animal service. From 1 September 2025, bookings must be made through an IPATA or ATA member, IATA Accredited Freight Forwarder, or holder of a valid IATA LAR training certificate. All shipments must comply with IATA Live Animal Regulations.
Are there any breed restrictions for pets traveling in the cabin or cargo?
Brachycephalic (snub-nosed) breeds face restrictions. They are only accepted via cargo on specific routes (HKG-LHR, HKG-MEL, HKG-SIN) and only during January–May and October–December. The LHR-HKG route is temporarily unavailable for brachycephalic breeds. Shipments of brachycephalic animals must be arranged through an IPATA-certified BOAS pet shipper.
How do I book a flight for my pet, and can I do it online?
Pet shipments must be arranged through Cathay Cargo, and from 1 September 2025, bookings will only be accepted from IPATA/ATA members, IATA Accredited Freight Forwarders, or holders of a valid IATA LAR training certificate. Cathay Pacific recommends using an IPATA or ATA member pet travel agent. Pets travelling from Hong Kong can be booked through any agent via Cathay Live Animal.
Are there special requirements for international travel with a pet?
Yes. Pet travel must comply with all destination country entry requirements, which vary by country. Shipments must meet IATA Live Animal Regulations. From 1 September 2025, bookings must go through a qualified shipper (IPATA/ATA member, IATA Accredited Freight Forwarder, or valid IATA LAR certificate holder).
Is there a dedicated contact for pet travel inquiries?
For cargo/pet shipments, visit Cathay Cargo's website. For guide/assistance dog inquiries, contact Cathay Pacific Customer Care as early as possible before travel.

Source: Official pet policy page ↗