We understand that your pets are valued members of your family, and we’re dedicated to providing safe and reliable pet travel services. Cathay Live Animal solution by Cathay Cargo is a professional service ensuring animals travel with the care and attention they deserve.
To ensure that pet shipments are handled safely according to the International Air Transport Association Live Animal Regulations (IATA LAR), direct booking of pet shipments with Cathay Cargo will only be accepted from any one of the following parties with effect from 01 September 2025:
Member of the International Pet and Animal Transportation Association (IPATA) or Animal Transport Association (ATA)
International Air Transport Association (IATA) Accredited Freight Forwarder
Holder of valid IATA Live Animals Regulations (LAR) training certificate
It is a challenge for snub nose cats and dogs to travel due to their increased risk of respiratory difficulties and heat intolerance during air travel. Cathay Cargo is a proud holder of the CEIV Live Animals certification and now accepts certain brachycephalic breeds for carriage from January to May and from October to December on the following routes*:
*The routes from London Heathrow to Hong Kong is temporarily unavailable for the carriage of brachycephalic breeds due to operation reasons until further notice.
When moving or travelling with brachycephalic (snub-nosed) animals, you are required to work with an IPATA certified BOAS (snub-nosed) pet shipper to ensure they meet all conditions of travel.
Visit Cathay Cargo for more details.
Navigating complex pet travel requirements, and compliance and making the arrangements can be daunting. Pet travel agents can provide personalised assistance for a more seamless experience. We recommend selecting an agent who is a member of the International Pet and Animal Transportation Association (IPATA) or Animal Transport Association (ATA) . This can help guarantee access to professionals who possess expertise in pet transportation, have a global network and prioritises advocacy for animal welfare.
If your pet is travelling from Hong Kong, you can book Cathay Live Animal through any agent. Learn about the steps to arranging pet travel from Hong Kong and see a list of IPATA and ATA pet travel agents below.
* Cathay Pacific Airways Limited has the discretion whether to accept your animal on board, subject to any laws or regulations of the jurisdiction of the place of departure, arrival, and layover (where applicable).