🔄 Updated : June 30, 2026

On Cathay Pacific (Hong Kong), dogs are not allowed in the cabin (except service dogs): they travel in the hold, in an approved crate. Here are the conditions, the weight limit and the procedure to get your companion’s flight organized.

In the cabin: no

Cathay Pacific does not allow dogs in the cabin (except service dogs). Pet dogs are banned from the cabin — service dogs only.

In the hold

Since the cabin isn’t an option, your dog travels in the pressurized, heated hold in an IATA-compliant crate, with a combined dog + crate weight of up to 32 kg (70 lb).

Airline conditions: Checked baggage or cargo; over 32 kg (70 lb) requires prior approval; IATA crate mandatory.

⚠️ Heat: seasonal embargoes may apply during periods of high temperatures. Check the dates of your trip. Our advice: heatstroke in dogs.

How to book

Pet spots on board are limited: book as early as possible.

  1. Buy your ticket, then contact Cathay Pacific to add your dog to the reservation.
  2. Prepare the health documents (microchip ID, rabies vaccination, health certificate or pet passport, sometimes a rabies titer test) — see our guide to international travel with a dog.
  3. Choose the right container: an approved soft carrier (cabin) or an IATA crate (hold). Size it with our IATA dog crate calculator.

🧰 Our tools to plan your trip

Dog flight checker Can my dog fly? 62 airlines compared, by departure airport, destination and your dog's weight. Open the checker → IATA crate calculator IATA crate calculator The airline-approved crate size for your dog, using the official IATA formula. Calculate the size → Entry requirements by country Entry requirements checker Country-by-country entry rules: paperwork, vaccines, lead times and official sources. Check the rules →

Compare with other airlines

How dogs are treated varies enormously from one airline to another. To find the best option for your route and your dog’s weight, use our Can My Dog Fly? comparison tool and browse the comparison of 62 airline pet policies. To prepare for the flight itself, also read our advice on dog travel anxiety.

➡️ Next step : your journey

  1. Check the health requirements
  2. Choose an IATA-compliant travel crate
  3. Prepare your dog for the stress of flying
  4. Compare all 62 airlines

🌍 Where can you fly with Cathay Pacific? Our entry-requirement guides for its destinations: Japan, New Zealand, European Union, Greece, Spain, Thailand.

Frequently asked questions

Can I bring my dog in the cabin on Cathay Pacific?
No, only service dogs are allowed in the cabin.
Does Cathay Pacific carry dogs in the hold?
Yes, up to 32 kg (70 lb) for dog + crate combined, in an IATA-compliant crate — but brachycephalic breeds are usually excluded.

Sources

Cathay Pacific — traveling with pets, accessed June 2026. Conditions and fees change regularly — always confirm with Cathay Pacific before booking.