Airline pet policy

Cathay Pacific pet policy

Cathay Pacific takes dogs, cats, rabbits and ferrets as cargo, but not in the cabin or as checked baggage on the routes we cover. 3 of 6 policy rows still need the airline's confirmation before you book.

Policy checked Oct 26, 2026Source: Cathay Pacific By the CollarPass team
In cabinNot acceptedNot carried on the routes we cover.Read the route rules Checked baggageNot acceptedNot carried on the routes we cover.Read the route rules CargoConfirm before bookingDogs, cats, rabbits and ferretsSee the route rules below.Read the route rules

In the cabin

Pets in the cabin travel in a carrier under the seat in front of you. The rows below are per route, so check yours.

Dogs, cats, rabbits and ferrets

Not accepted

Apart from service dogs, Cathay Pacific doesn't allow pets in the cabin; they must travel as cargo.

Sources: Are pets allowed in the cabin? · Checked Oct 26, 2026

As checked baggage

Pets in the hold as checked baggage check in with you at the desk and fly on the same flight.

Dogs, cats, rabbits and ferrets

Not accepted

Cathay Pacific doesn't take pets as checked baggage; they fly with Cathay Cargo.

Sources: Travelling with animals · Checked Oct 26, 2026

As cargo

Pets flying alone go as cargo, usually through the airline’s freight arm, with different drop-off and collection rules.

Dogs and cats

Confirm before bookingSnub-nosed breeds and from Hong Kong to United Kingdom

Cathay Cargo accepts certain snub-nosed cats and dogs from Hong Kong to London Heathrow only, from January to May and October to December, booked through an IPATA-certified BOAS pet shipper.

  • At least 8 weeks old
  • No flights in Jun–Sep

Before you fly: Book through an IPATA-certified BOAS pet shipper.

  • Wooden and folding kennels are not accepted; the kennel needs an open water bowl fixed inside and refillable from outside.
Confirm with the airline before booking

Cathay Cargo takes only 'certain' snub-nosed breeds and doesn't list them on this page. Ask your shipper whether your pet's breed qualifies.

Sources: Travelling with animals · Pet travel · Checked Oct 26, 2026

Not acceptedSnub-nosed breeds only

Cathay Cargo only takes snub-nosed cats and dogs from Hong Kong to London Heathrow; London to Hong Kong is suspended for them until further notice.

Sources: Travelling with animals · Checked Oct 26, 2026

Confirm before booking

Cathay Pacific carries pets only as cargo, through Cathay Cargo’s "Cathay Live Animal" service. Since 1 September 2025 Cathay Cargo takes direct pet bookings only from IPATA or ATA members or holders of an IATA Live Animals Regulations certificate. Puppies and kittens under 8 weeks are not accepted.

  • At least 8 weeks old

Fees: Quoted by the agent; no price is published.

Before you fly: Book through a pet travel agent who is an IPATA or ATA member or holds an IATA Live Animals Regulations certificate; from Hong Kong any agent can book. Cathay suggests securing the pet’s space before your own ticket.

  • Wooden and folding kennels are not accepted; the kennel needs an open water bowl fixed inside and refillable from outside.
Confirm with the airline before booking

Cathay's page doesn't show how far ahead the pet booking is confirmed. Ask your agent before booking your own flight.

Sources: Travelling with animals · Pet travel · Checked Oct 26, 2026

Rabbits and ferrets

Confirm before booking

Cathay Pacific carries pets only as cargo, through Cathay Cargo’s "Cathay Live Animal" service. Since 1 September 2025 Cathay Cargo takes direct pet bookings only from IPATA or ATA members or holders of an IATA Live Animals Regulations certificate. Puppies and kittens under 8 weeks are not accepted.

Fees: Quoted by the agent; no price is published.

Before you fly: Book through a pet travel agent who is an IPATA or ATA member or holds an IATA Live Animals Regulations certificate; from Hong Kong any agent can book. Cathay suggests securing the pet’s space before your own ticket.

  • Wooden and folding kennels are not accepted; the kennel needs an open water bowl fixed inside and refillable from outside.
Confirm with the airline before booking

Cathay Cargo's pet page mainly covers dogs and cats. Ask your local Cathay Cargo office about rabbits and ferrets before booking.

Sources: Travelling with animals · Pet travel · Checked Oct 26, 2026

Country pages for these routes

Entry rules for the countries named in the rows above.

🇬🇧United KingdomCountries

Official sources

Every row above cites one of these pages. Dates show our last check, not the page’s own update.

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