Policy last verified: March 2026 against the Cathay Pacific official pet travel page and Cathay Cargo Guide for Pet Travel. Fees and seasonal restrictions change frequently. Verify all details directly with Cathay Pacific or a licensed IPATA agent before booking.
Cathay Pacific Airways (IATA: CX) operates a cargo-only pet transport model. No dogs or cats travel in the cabin on any Cathay Pacific route. All pets travel as manifest cargo through Cathay Cargo, booked by phone or through an IATA-certified freight forwarder. There is no online pet booking portal.
Cathay Pacific is headquartered in Hong Kong International Airport (HKG). Pets arriving in Hong Kong require an Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) import permit.
Hong Kong was considered rabies-free until 2023, and current AFCD import requirements may differ from pre-2023 rules. Check the AFCD site directly at https://www.afcd.gov.hk/english/quarantine/qua_ie/qua_ie.html before booking any pet shipment to Hong Kong.
Cargo pet rates are quoted in HKD on some routes. USD equivalents in this article are approximate and vary with the exchange rate. Always confirm the current rate with your cargo agent at time of booking.
Quick Reference
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Cabin travel | Not permitted for pets. Trained service dogs only. |
| Cargo travel | Available on all routes as manifest cargo. Combined pet and crate weight up to 32 kg (70 lb); heavier shipments require prior approval. |
| Carrier dimensions | IATA formula-based crate required. No fixed maximum published. Ventilation mesh max 25 mm x 25 mm (1 in x 1 in) for dogs; 19 mm x 19 mm (0.75 in x 0.75 in) for cats. |
| Cargo fees | Approximately HK$780 to HK$6,200 (approx. USD $100 to USD $800). Unverified by official source. Contact Cathay Cargo or an IPATA agent for current pricing. |
| Booking method | Phone or IATA-certified forwarder only. No online pet booking. Hong Kong reservations: +852 2747 3333. |
| Service dogs | Free. Cabin travel permitted. 48-hour advance notice required for flights over 8 hours. |
| ESAs | Not recognized. Treated as standard cargo pets. Full cargo fees apply. |
| Temperature limits | Ground temps must be 7°C to 29°C (45°F to 84°F). Acclimation certificate allows minimum down to -7°C (20°F) for eligible breeds. |
| Breed restrictions | Brachycephalic dogs and cats: seasonal restrictions on select routes. Aggressive breeds: permanently embargoed. See full lists below. |
In-Cabin Pet Policy
Cathay Pacific does not allow dogs or cats in the cabin on any route. This applies to all cabin classes including Economy, Business, and First. There are no in-cabin weight limits, carrier dimensions, or fees to list because in-cabin pet travel is not offered.
The only animals permitted in the cabin are trained service dogs meeting the criteria described in the Service Dogs section below. All other pets must travel as manifest cargo.
Warning: Several outdated third-party sources claim Cathay Pacific allows small pets in the cabin on select Asian routes. This is incorrect as of 2026. Cathay Pacific’s official pet travel page confirms cargo-only transport for all pets. Do not rely on any source that claims otherwise.
Cargo Travel: How It Works
All non-service pets travel as manifest cargo through Cathay Cargo. This is not a checked baggage program. Pets travel as a separate cargo shipment, unaccompanied at the gate, and are loaded and unloaded through the cargo terminal.
Cathay Pacific’s checked baggage pet program is currently suspended until further notice. All bookings must go through the cargo process described below.
Combined pet and crate weight limit: 32 kg (70 lb). Shipments exceeding this weight require prior approval from Cathay Cargo before booking.
Pro tip: Because pets travel as cargo rather than checked baggage, you will drop off your pet at the cargo terminal, not at the passenger check-in counter. Arrive at the cargo terminal 3 to 4 hours before departure with all original documents.
Crate Requirements
All pets must travel in an IATA-compliant rigid crate. Soft-sided carriers are not accepted for cargo travel.
Approved materials: fiberglass, metal, or rigid plastic. Wood crates are prohibited.
Crate sizing follows the IATA Live Animals Regulations formula:
- Length: nose-to-tail measurement plus half the elbow-to-ground height
- Width: body width multiplied by 2
- Height: ear-tip height when standing
There is no single fixed maximum dimension published by Cathay Pacific. Crate size is determined by the individual animal’s measurements using the IATA formula. Cathay Cargo references IATA Live Animals Regulations (https://www.iata.org/en/publications/store/live-animals-regulations/) for all crate standards.
Ventilation requirements:
- Dogs: mesh openings no larger than 25 mm x 25 mm (1 in x 1 in)
- Cats: mesh openings no larger than 19 mm x 19 mm (0.75 in x 0.75 in)
- Ventilation must be present on all sides
Additional crate requirements:
- Leak-proof floor
- Wheels removed or made non-operational before check-in
- External water trough accessible without opening the crate
- Secure latch that cannot be opened by the animal
Tip: Have your IPATA agent verify your crate dimensions against the IATA formula before you arrive at the cargo terminal. A crate that is too small will result in your pet being refused at check-in with no refund.
Temperature Restrictions
Ground temperatures at all points along the route must fall within 7°C to 29°C (45°F to 84°F) for standard cargo pet shipments.
A veterinarian-issued acclimation certificate allows the minimum ground temperature to be lowered to -7°C (20°F) for eligible breeds. Brachycephalic breeds are subject to stricter temperature rules and are only accepted on select routes during specific seasonal windows (see Breed Restrictions below).
Warning: Temperature embargoes are enforced at the point of origin and at all transit points. A route that is within temperature limits at departure may be refused if a transit airport is outside the permitted range on the day of travel. Confirm ground temperatures for all stops with your cargo agent before the day of departure.
Fees
Cathay Pacific does not publish an official fee schedule on its passenger website. The figures below are drawn from secondary sources and are marked as unverified. Contact Cathay Cargo directly or engage an IPATA agent for a confirmed quote before booking.
Cathay Cargo rates are quoted in HKD on some routes. USD equivalents below are approximate based on prevailing exchange rates and will vary.
| Route Category | Approximate Fee (HKD) | Approximate Fee (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Intra-Asia short-haul (e.g., HKG to BKK) | HK$780 to HK$1,200 | approx. USD $100 to USD $155 | Zone and weight-based. |
| Long-haul intercontinental (e.g., HKG to LHR) | HK$3,900 to HK$6,200 | approx. USD $500 to USD $800 | Zone and weight-based. |
| Brachycephalic seasonal routes (Jan to May, Oct to Dec) | Higher than standard rate | Contact agent for quote | Additional handling applies. |
All fees are paid to the cargo agent at time of booking. IPATA agents may add a service surcharge. Ask for an itemized quote before confirming.
Warning: These fee figures are not confirmed by Cathay Pacific’s official published rate card. Cathay’s site states “contact reservations for pet booking” without specifying fees or availability. Always call Cathay Cargo at +852 2747 3333 or contact a licensed IPATA agent for a verified quote before making any travel plans based on cost.
How to Book: Step-by-Step
There is no online pet booking portal for Cathay Pacific. All pet cargo shipments must be arranged by phone or through a licensed IPATA or ATA freight forwarder. Beginning September 2025, bookings through an IATA LAR-certified forwarder are mandatory for all live animal shipments.
- Check the embargo list. Before anything else, confirm your pet’s breed is not permanently embargoed. Visit the Cathay Cargo embargo list at https://www.cathaycargo.com/default.aspx?tabid=718. Brachycephalic breeds have seasonal restrictions; aggressive breeds are permanently refused.
- Engage an IPATA or ATA agent. Find a licensed agent through the IPATA directory at https://www.ipata.org. From September 2025, an IATA LAR-certified forwarder is required for all Cathay live animal bookings. Non-agent bookings may be refused.
- Gather all required documents. Prepare your pet’s health certificate, vaccination records, microchip documentation, and any destination import or export permits. See the Documents section below for full requirements.
- Measure your pet and select an IATA-compliant crate. Use the IATA formula to determine the correct crate size. Confirm crate material, ventilation, and latch requirements with your agent.
- Book at least 7 to 14 days before departure. Peak travel periods may require 21 or more days of advance notice. Confirm timing with your agent.
- Receive your cargo reference number. Your agent will provide a booking confirmation and cargo reference number by email. Keep this for all follow-up communications.
- Arrive at the cargo terminal 3 to 4 hours before departure. Present all original documents (copies are not accepted). Hand over the sealed, labeled crate. Receive a cargo receipt and tracking number.
- No gate-side check-in. Pets travel unaccompanied as cargo. You will not see your pet again until cargo collection at the destination airport.
Key Takeaway: Pet transport with Cathay Pacific is a separate cargo transaction, not an add-on to your passenger booking. Your pet will have its own cargo reference number, its own check-in process at the cargo terminal, and its own collection process at the destination. Plan your airport arrival time accordingly.
Breed Restrictions
Cathay Pacific enforces breed-specific restrictions for all cargo shipments. There are no in-cabin breed rules because no pets travel in the cabin.
Brachycephalic Dogs (Seasonal Restrictions)
The following breeds are accepted only during the January to May and October to December windows, and only on the routes HKG to LHR, HKG to MEL, and HKG to SIN. Bookings must be made through an IPATA agent with BOAS shipper certification.
- Boxer
- Brussels Griffon
- Bulldog (all varieties, including English Bulldog and American Bulldog)
- Boston Terrier
- French Bulldog
- Lhasa Apso
- Pekingese
- Pug
- Shih Tzu
- Tibetan Spaniel
Brachycephalic Cats (Seasonal Restrictions or Full Embargo)
- Chinchilla Cat
- Exotic Shorthair
- Himalayan
- Persian
- Scottish Fold
- Sphynx (fully embargoed on all routes at all times)
Aggressive or Dangerous Breeds (Permanently Embargoed)
- American Pit Bull Terrier
- American Staffordshire Terrier
- Dogo Argentino
- Fila Brasileiro
- Japanese Tosa
No other breeds are specifically prohibited, but all pets must meet IATA crate standards and destination health requirements. Verify current embargo status at https://www.cathaycargo.com/default.aspx?tabid=718 before booking.
Warning: Breed restrictions and seasonal windows are subject to change. Verify the current embargo list with Cathay Cargo or your IPATA agent at the time of booking, not at the time of reading this article.
Service Dogs
Cathay Pacific permits trained service dogs to travel in the cabin on all routes, free of charge. This is the only exception to the cargo-only pet policy.
Eligibility: The dog must be a trained assistance animal for a passenger with a physical disability. Cathay Pacific recognizes accreditation from Assistance Dogs International, Assistance Dogs Europe, or the International Guide Dog Federation.
Documentation required:
- Proof of training and accreditation from a recognized organization
- Notification to Cathay Pacific at least 48 hours before departure for flights longer than 8 hours
In-cabin requirements:
- Dog must remain harnessed and leashed at all times
- Dog must sit at the passenger’s feet and must not intrude into adjacent seat space
- Dog must be well-behaved and under control throughout the flight
Fee: None.
For US-bound flights, Cathay Pacific complies with the U.S. Department of Transportation Air Carrier Access Act regulations for service animals. See https://www.transportation.gov/animal-welfare for current DOT requirements. Passengers traveling to or from the United States should review DOT rules in addition to Cathay Pacific’s own requirements, as the DOT framework governs what documentation the airline may request.
Key Takeaway: Service dogs are the only animals permitted in the Cathay Pacific cabin. All documentation must be arranged before arrival at the airport. Last-minute requests at the gate are unlikely to be accommodated.
Emotional Support Animals
Cathay Pacific does not recognize emotional support animals (ESAs) as a separate category from regular pets. ESAs receive no special status, no cabin access, and no fee exemption.
ESAs must travel as standard cargo pets and are subject to all cargo requirements: IATA-compliant crate, full documentation, applicable cargo fees, and breed restrictions. This policy applies globally, including on US-bound flights. Cathay Pacific’s ESA policy is consistent with the U.S. Department of Transportation’s 2021 rule permitting airlines to treat ESAs as pets rather than emotional support dog certification.
Required Documents
| Document | Timing | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Veterinary health certificate | Timing varies by destination. Check destination authority requirements. | Must state pet is free of infectious disease. Issued by a licensed veterinarian. |
| Rabies vaccination record | Required for most international destinations | Some countries also require a rabies antibody titer test. |
| Microchip documentation | ISO 11784/11785 standard | Required for EU, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and other destinations. |
| Destination import permit | Obtain before booking | Required by many countries including Hong Kong (AFCD permit), Australia, New Zealand, and Japan. |
| Export permit | Obtain from country of origin authority | Required by some countries of origin. |
| Shipper declaration form | Completed at cargo check-in | Includes pet details, crate dimensions, and owner contact information. |
| Acclimation certificate | Required if ground temperature is below 7°C (45°F) | Issued by a licensed veterinarian. Not available for brachycephalic breeds. |
All originals must be presented at the cargo terminal. Copies are not accepted.
Hong Kong Import Requirements
Cathay Pacific is headquartered in Hong Kong. Pets arriving at Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) are subject to Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) import requirements, which are separate from and in addition to Cathay Pacific’s cargo requirements.
Hong Kong was considered rabies-free until 2023. Current AFCD import requirements may differ from rules that applied before 2023. Do not rely on pre-2023 guidance for any pet shipment arriving in Hong Kong.
Check current AFCD requirements at https://www.afcd.gov.hk/english/quarantine/qua_ie/qua_ie.html well in advance of booking. AFCD permits can take weeks to obtain and must be in hand before your pet can be accepted for cargo transport.
Route-Specific Restrictions
No pets travel in the cabin on any Cathay Pacific route. The cargo-only model applies globally.
Brachycephalic seasonal windows: Brachycephalic dogs and cats (excluding Sphynx, which is fully embargoed) are accepted only during January to May and October to December on the following routes: HKG to LHR, HKG to MEL, and HKG to SIN. Outside these windows, brachycephalic breeds are refused on these routes.
**Quarantine destinations:** Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and Hawaii have strict government-mandated quarantine and import requirements that are separate from Cathay Pacific’s cargo process. Non-compliance with destination import rules will result in your pet being quarantined or returned at your expense. Check the relevant government authority for each destination before booking. For specific guidance on avoiding pet quarantine in Hawaii, review the detailed requirements well in advance.
Codeshare flights: Pets can only be booked on direct Cathay Pacific-operated flights. Many codeshare partner airlines do not accept Cathay Cargo live animal bookings. Confirm that your specific flight is operated by Cathay Pacific (flight number beginning with CX) before proceeding with a cargo booking.
Temperature embargoes: Ground temperatures must be within 7°C to 29°C (45°F to 84°F) at all points along the route. This is enforced at origin, transit, and destination airports.
Tip: Always verify destination import rules on the official government website for the destination country. Cathay Pacific’s cargo acceptance does not guarantee that your pet will be permitted entry by the destination country’s border authority.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring my dog in the cabin on Cathay Pacific?
No. Cathay Pacific does not allow any dogs or cats in the cabin on any route. This applies to all cabin classes and all destinations. Only trained service dogs accredited by Assistance Dogs International, Assistance Dogs Europe, or the International Guide Dog Federation may travel in the cabin, free of charge. All other pets must travel as manifest cargo through Cathay Cargo.
How much does Cathay Pacific charge for pets in cargo?
Cathay Pacific does not publish an official fee schedule. Secondary sources indicate approximate fees of HK$780 to HK$6,200 (approximately USD $100 to USD $800) depending on route length, pet and crate weight, and seasonal factors. These figures are unverified against Cathay Pacific’s official rate card. Contact Cathay Cargo at +852 2747 3333 or engage a licensed IPATA agent for a confirmed quote before making any booking decisions based on cost.
What dog breeds are banned on Cathay Pacific?
Cathay Pacific permanently embargoes the following aggressive breeds on all routes: American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasileiro, and Japanese Tosa. The following brachycephalic dog breeds are subject to seasonal restrictions and are only accepted on routes HKG to LHR, HKG to MEL, and HKG to SIN during January to May and October to December: Boxer, Brussels Griffon, all Bulldog varieties, Boston Terrier, french bulldogs flying on planes, Lhasa Apso, Pekingese, Pug, Shih Tzu, and Tibetan Spaniel. The Sphynx cat is fully embargoed on all routes at all times.
Does Cathay Pacific allow service dogs in the cabin?
Yes. Trained service dogs accredited by Assistance Dogs International, Assistance Dogs Europe, or the International Guide Dog Federation may travel in the cabin on all Cathay Pacific routes at no charge. Notify Cathay Pacific at least 48 hours before departure for flights longer than 8 hours. The dog must remain harnessed, leashed, and at the passenger’s feet throughout the flight. For US-bound flights, Cathay Pacific complies with DOT Air Carrier Access Act regulations. See https://www.transportation.gov/animal-welfare for current DOT documentation requirements.
Can I book pet transport online with Cathay Pacific?
No. Cathay Pacific has no online pet booking portal. All pet cargo shipments must be arranged by phone through Cathay Cargo (Hong Kong: +852 2747 3333) or through a licensed IPATA or ATA freight forwarder. From September 2025, bookings through an IATA LAR-certified forwarder are mandatory. Have your pet’s weight, breed, crate dimensions, and route details ready when you call.
What documents does my pet need to fly Cathay Pacific?
Required documents vary by destination but typically include: a veterinary health certificate (timing requirements vary by destination country), rabies vaccination record, microchip documentation to ISO 11784/11785 standard, and destination import and export permits. Pets arriving in Hong Kong require an AFCD import permit obtained in advance from https://www.afcd.gov.hk/english/quarantine/qua_ie/qua_ie.html. An acclimation certificate is required if ground temperatures are below 7°C (45°F). All originals must be presented at the cargo terminal. For comprehensive guidance on dog vaccinations for domestic flights, review the specific requirements for your route.
Are emotional support animals allowed on Cathay Pacific?
No. Cathay Pacific does not recognize emotional support animals as a separate category. ESAs are treated as standard cargo pets and must follow all cargo requirements including IATA-compliant crating, full documentation, applicable cargo fees, and breed restrictions. No cabin access or fee exemption is available for ESAs on any Cathay Pacific route.
