"2023 Hong Kong Pet Immigration" BA British Airways Pet Air Transport Code

April 13, 2022

究竟British Airways英國航空(BA)對於寵物運送及飛機籠的要求又係點？英航跟國泰不一樣，他們在香港沒有自己營運Cargo航運服務，他們是把這個寵物航運的部分交給姊姊公司 IAG Cargo ，今日就為大家解釋一下當中的規定，令大家更明白英航的政策。

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🐕All Pet Aircraft Cages at a Glance🐈

After talking about the IATA pet cage regulations in the last episode, many friends asked a more in-depth question:

✈️What are the requirements of British Airways (BA) for pet transport and aircraft cages?

Unlike Cathay Pacific, British Airways does not operate their own cargo shipping service in Hong Kong. They hand over the pet shipping part to their sister company IAG Cargo . They have decades of experience in transporting animals from all over the world to the UK.

Today, I will explain the regulations to everyone, so that everyone can better understand the policy of British Airways. We have classified the most frequently asked questions into different categories. Because the content is very long, we have listed different questions in the following categories , allowing you to click on the answers you want.

Article directory

There is a lot of content, it is recommended to use the directory as a guide

Required Travel Documents
1. List of Pet Health Documents
2. UK government requirements for documents
Aircraft cage requirements and regulations
Pet Shipping Fees
Airport pet check-in
Extra article: UK Pet Air Transport Plan (London, Manchester Airport)

1. Required Travel Documents

The British Airways website states:

If you are entering the UK, your pet must comply with the Pet Travel Scheme requirements provided by the UK Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra).

Basically, British Airways’ requirements for documents are based on the government’s regulations, and at the same time, they are checked by the relevant departments of Hong Kong and the destination country. As long as the correct documents are obtained and the procedures are followed, there is basically no problem or difficulty . Details can be found here See the list of documents below for reference.

1.1 List of pet health certificate documents

An animal health certificate issued or endorsed by Hong Kong Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department, certifying that the pet's health is sufficient for the flight.

An animal health certificate issued or endorsed by the Hong Kong Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department , certifying that the pet is in good health for the flight.
A valid import and export license issued by the relevant department of the destination country and other required supporting documents.
A valid health certificate (pet passport) signed by a registered veterinarian stating that the pet is not infected with rabies or other diseases.
Valid vaccination records to prove that pets have received the required vaccinations.
Transit permits or related documents required by relevant authorities of all transit countries (transit).

⚠️Please note: Some countries (such as the UK) require pets to be microchipped or quarantined, please make sure you clearly understand the specific requirements of the destination country.

1.2 UK government requirements for documents

ISO chips are safer. After the chip is implanted, at least 21 days before departure, the owner needs to vaccinate the pet against rabies in order to arrange exit documents.

This time we take the United Kingdom as an example. The relevant authorities require that pets entering the country must have microchips implanted for identification. There are two types of microchips: AVID and ISO. However, not every British airport has a microchip capable of reading AVID . Therefore, ISO chips are safer. After the chip is implanted, at least 21 days before departure, the owner needs to vaccinate the pet against rabies in order to arrange exit documents.

After the pet has been vaccinated with microchips and vaccinations, it must meet the "no isolation" entry requirements. The owner needs to bring the pet, vaccination records, etc. to a Hong Kong veterinary clinic to obtain a pet passport issued by the veterinarian, and then submit it to the British Animal Quarantine Service. The passport will clearly list the owner's information, veterinary information, animal microchip information, animal appearance description, rabies vaccination records, rabies blood test records, worm treatment records, etc.

There are two types of chips: AVID and ISO, but not every UK airport has a chip that can read AVID

If the owner chooses to take a different flight to the UK with the pet, it is necessary to ensure that the pet arrives within 5 days before and after the owner's arrival. Pets arriving beyond this time limit will be regarded as "commercial use" rather than "personal pets". Required documents , fees will vary. If the owner is really unable to arrive in the UK within the time limit, he can also authorize others in writing to take over the pet on his behalf.

When the pet boards the plane and leaves Hong Kong, it needs to hold a health certificate issued by the Department of Veterinary Medicine and Fisheries and Conservation within 5-10 days, proving that the pet’s health condition is sufficient for the flight . The owner should take the pet to the veterinary clinic for examination 5 days before departure , and then submit an application to AFCD. In addition, the United Kingdom requires pets to enter the country within 24 hours to 120 hours after eradicating insects, so these two steps must be strictly controlled.

When it is confirmed that the pet has met all the entry requirements and the air ticket is ordered, it is necessary to apply for a ToR (Transfer of Residence) to the British HMRC before arriving in the UK to prove that the pet is immigrating with the owner rather than a commodity to avoid being charged VAT.

After the pet arrives in the UK, it will be sent directly to customs clearance. The local veterinarian will check its health status and observe whether there are any adverse reactions. After about 6 to 8 hours, the owner can pick up the child at the pet reception center.

Pet Immigration UK Encyclopedia by Amo Invest in 2021.

⚠️Please note: For the above requirements, there may be differences in different parts of the world, and may be changed at any time. Please contact us for inquiries about individual destinations or transit countries.

2. Aircraft cage requirements and regulations

In general, cages should be of good size, ventilated, strong, solid and leak-proof.

British Airways does not allow any pets, regardless of size, to travel in the cabin of our aircraft unless they are specially trained and certified assistance animals.

If you wish to travel with your pet, it must be booked as cargo and travel in the hold. The cost of transporting a pet will vary based on the size of the container required, the weight of the pet and the distance traveled. When you reconfirm your flight, IAG Cargo will charge the fee stated by them.

Unlike Cathay Pacific, British Airways does not operate their own shipping services in Hong Kong. They hand over the pet shipping part to their sister company IAG Cargo. They have decades of experience in transporting animals from all over the world to the UK.

BA will ask you to sign an indemnity form to cover any costs British Airways incurs as a result of your pet having to be quarantined due to your pet failing the pet check upon arrival.

In the previous article, we have listed the regulations of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) (you can go to the link below to read), in fact, most of them are similar to those of British Airways. For details, please refer to the following clauses:

Good article to revisit 🐱‍👓 to teach you how to choose the right aircraft cage

2.1 Details of British Airways cage requirements

Cages must be made of fiberglass, metal, hard glue or welded metal plates, but cages made of wooden materials are not acceptable. The cage must be ventilated on three sides, with the main ventilation located above the cage with a strong breathable metal mesh.

In general, cages should be of appropriate size, ventilated, strong, solid, and leak-proof, and must also meet the following requirements:

Start arranging your pet's travel a few weeks before your trip.
Pets must be in good health and must have a veterinary health certificate (dated within 10 days).
Pets should not be more than two-thirds of the way into gestation.
The minimum requirement is a pet cage with a perimeter of 21 inches.
The minimum requirement for canaries and cats is a container 10% larger than the minimum requirement.
The container must be strong enough to protect your pet during transport, secure enough to contain it and have adequate ventilation on all four sides so that the air quality inside the container does not deteriorate.
It must be ensured that the door cannot be opened accidentally or by your pets during handling and transport.
Pets' noses and paws cannot pass through any vents or door nets. Maximum openings in the mesh: 25 x 25 mm for dogs, 19 x 19 mm for cats. For cats and small dogs, these may have to be covered with netting to secure.
The water container must be present and secured inside the shipping container and be accessible for filling from the outside without opening the container.
The container must have a jug accessible from the outside.
The water bottle must be secure and proportionate to the size of the pet, but not take up too much floor space.
Fibreboard, wire mesh and wicker containers are not acceptable for air transport.
Please allow extra space. Animals must be able to turn around comfortably in their natural state when standing, sitting upright and lying down.

British Airways will allow you to bring your dog into the passenger cabin if you need to accompany it with a service dog (such as a guide dog). Otherwise, your pet will need to be shipped as checked baggage or by freight.

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Note: The coupon can only be used if the aircraft cage and drinking fountain or other aircraft cage accessories are placed in the shopping cart at the same time.

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2.2 IAG Cargo Pet Cage Calculator Guide

British Airways has also created a checklist for passengers, so that everyone can check the progress of the preparations in the form of check boxes while planning, which can be downloaded from the following link:

British Airways has also created a checklist for passengers, so that everyone can check the progress of preparations in the form of check boxes while planning.

Click here to download 🖱️Calculator Guide PDF

Pet Cage Size Calculator

Now just type in "A" and "B" and it will suggest the right size cage for you.
From the tip of the nose to the base of the tail (A) From front elbow to ground (B) Suitable pet cage inner cage length (A + ½ B):

Suggested aircraft cage:

List of dimensions of the inner circumference of the pet box aircraft cage

Depending on the size of the pet, there are pet cages of different sizes, but not all airlines accept large pet cages, and some airlines will charge extra depending on the size of the pet cage. You must contact the airline before purchasing a pet cage To confirm, we will list the sizes of different pet cages here.

Please refer to the size of the inner circumference of the pet cage below for reference?

IATA pet cage size for reference
type	appearance	brand	model	Inner Dimensions L x W x H	product page
cage 1		IRIS	ATC-460	cm39 x 22 x 24 cm	Click to view
cage 2		IRIS	ATC-530	cm45 x 28 x 35 cm	Click to view
cage 2		petmate	21 inches	cm 47 x 34 x 36 cm Inches 18.75" x 13.5" x 14.5"	Click to view
cage 3		IRIS	ATC-670	cm56 x 35 x 49 cm	Click to view
cage 3		petmate	28 inches	cm61 x 46 x 49 cm Inches 24.25" x 18.25" x 19.5"	Click to view
cage 3		Hoopet	Cage 3｜Inner length 65cm	cm65 x 46 x 42 cm	Click to view
cage 4		petmate	32 inches	cm74 x 50 x 59 cm Inches 29.5" x 19.75" x 23.5"	Click to view
cage 4		Hoopet	Cage 4｜Inner length 75cm	cm75 x 48 x 53 cm	Click to view
cage 5		IRIS	ATC-870	cm75 x 49 x 63 cm	Click to view
cage 5		petmate	36 inches	cm82 x 57 x 66 cm Inches 32.5" x 22.5" x 26"	Click to view
cage 5		Hoopet	Cage No. 5｜Inner length 85cm	cm85 x 53 x 62 cm	Click to view
cage 6		petmate	40 inches	cm 92 x 62 x 73 cm Inches 36.25" x 24.75" x 28.8"	Click to view
cage 6		Hoopet	No. 6 cage｜Inner length 95cm	cm95 x 60 x 70 cm	Click to view
cage 7		petmate	48 inches	cm111 x 73 x 82 cm Inches 44" x 29" x 32.5"	Click to view
cage 7		Hoopet	Cage No. 7｜Inner length 120cm	cm120 x 73 x 82 cm	Click to view

2.3 Frequently asked questions about IAG Cargo pet cages

Q: How do I prepare my pet for a trip?

A: Before your trip, you should only give your pet a light meal and allow him a chance to urinate and defecate before placing him in the container.

Q: Where is my pet on the plane?

A: During the flight, your pet will be stored in the cargo hold of the aircraft, which is safe and secure in a temperature-controlled environment. The hold is not illuminated as BA's experience has shown that pets settle down quickly and travel better in the dark .

Q: How can I be sure my pet will be allowed to return to the UK?

A: As long as your pet meets the pre-entry requirements, there should be no difficulty in re-entry. However, it is also recommended to have your veterinarian check that the microchips are readable, as they sometimes migrate around the body.

Q: Are all varieties accepted?

A: Some dangerous dog breeds and cats and dogs of canary breeds may not be accepted, please fill out the above inquiry form, your pet travel agency can provide advice.

2.4 IAG Cargo 10 Tips for Pet Owners

10 Tips for Traveling with Pets

You need to contact a pet agent first, and they will hire a freight company (such as IAG Cargo) to ship your pet . Make sure the company you choose is accredited - you don't want to be put off by the price, so it's best to go with a recommended specialist, and using an IPATA agent will ensure they are knowledgeable about all aspects of pet transportation. In the UK, Pet Air and Air Pets are some of IAG Cargo's key customers and offer services such as pick-up and bespoke options for you.
Make sure you get the correct crate. Some clients need to meet with their pet agent at the airport, but often the right type of cage is not available. The type of cage should be suggested to you based on your pet's measurements. Make sure you have a large enough fly cage with a properly secured eating bowl.
Make sure you have the correct documentation , such as a rabies certificate. Your agent should also tell you what is needed, depending on where your pet is going.
Get your pets trained ahead of time so they don't feel stressed during the trip. You can do this at home by putting treats in the kennel to get them used to before the trip.
Do not feed your pets before travel. If they're traveling in the morning, don't feed them directly before - if the flight is in the evening, lunch should be their last meal. A small snack no more than two hours before delivery will suffice.
IAG Cargo will not accept certain species such as canaries as they are known to have respiratory problems. British Airways never wants to endanger the lives of dogs and therefore does not consider them safe to fly.
BA never sedates pets and does not recommend it . Sedatives reduce the animal's ability to respond to stress, and responses to sedatives cannot always be predicted. They should only be used if your pet has a specific problem and should only be signed off and sedated by a licensed veterinarian.
Finding a space for your pet on the same flight can be difficult if you've already booked your flight. When space is full, the carrier may not be able to carry your pet, but they will try to help. British Airways recommends that you contact your pet agent when booking to ensure you are flying with your pet.
Metal water bowls are better than plastic -- make sure to attach them to the crate with a funnel so the pet breeder can fetch them water . It's also comforting to have a favorite blanket or toy - but don't use newspaper as it can get shredded and often ends up in the water bowl.
If you're transporting your pet from Heathrow, a temperature-controlled vehicle will be transported from the aircraft as soon as your pet has landed. They will be taken to the Animal Reception Center (ARC) where their health will be checked as well as their documents before they are ready to go.

3. Pet Shipping Fees

Shipping charges are based on the pet being transported as checked baggage, determined based on the total weight of the pet and pet container, and charged in local currency equivalent. Remember that the final decision is in the hands of British Airways, because you must ask clearly before implementation!

Prices are subject to change over time due to supply issues, to know exactly how much you need to check more information on IAG Cargo. Remember that the final decision is in the hands of British Airways, because you must ask clearly before implementation!

☺️Reminder: Due to the tight supply of pet boarding space in Hong Kong, please make a reservation as soon as possible to confirm the reserved pet seat.

British Airways Hong Kong headquarters contact information:

Pet Reservation Department Flight Inquiry: +852 2822 9955
Mobile: +852 9722 0787
Email: bapettravel@jasg.com

British Airways UK Headquarters contact details:

Pet Reservation Department Flight Enquiries: +44 208 8977 034
Email: liveanimals.ukisales@iagcargo.com

4. Airport pet check-in

Please arrive at the airport and check-in at least three hours before flight departure. Please ensure the pet is in its kennel and that you have brought the original copies of all pet travel documents . The procedure for check-in is as follows:

After your pet is checked in, it will be transported to the cargo hold of the passenger plane.
Your kennel will be carefully secured. BA will ensure that temperatures are moderate and there is adequate ventilation .
On arrival, your pet will be considered special baggage and British Airways will try to reunite you with your pet as soon as possible.

5. Extra article: UK Pet Air Transport Plan (London, Manchester Airport)

The PET TRAVEL SCHEME (PETS) allows ferrets, cats and dogs from eligible countries to enter London or Manchester airports in the UK without the usual 6-month quarantine .

Summarize

Finally, I wish everyone a smooth immigration and good health for master and slave!

Always make sure your pet is comfortable in an air travel crate, which is different than a steel cage or sleeping crate. To ensure your pet is travel-ready, obtain the travel carrier as early as possible at least two or three weeks before your pet travels, or even earlier, to allow the pet to acclimatize properly to the carrier early . This process is called the "Cage Adaptation Cycle." To reduce stress during travel, it is extremely important that your pet feels comfortable and safe in its kennel.

Absorbent pads, such as towels and blankets, must be placed inside the pet crate to prevent pet excrement from spilling out.

If your pet's check-in shows any signs of being unable to fit in the kennel, or appears to be under extreme stress, the airline may decide that your pet is not ready to fly and may refuse to accept the pet for travel.

Finally, I wish everyone a smooth immigration and good health for master and slave!

Good article review🐱‍👓Teach you to choose the right aircraft cage

🔥🔥🔥Latest news: Now that you buy an aircraft cage, you can buy drinking fountains or other aircraft cage accessories at a discounted price of 20%.

Promo code: travel20off

Note: The coupon can only be used if the aircraft cage and drinking fountain or other aircraft cage accessories are placed in the shopping cart at the same time.

IRIS aircraft cage

-15%

Petmate aircraft cage

-8%

Hoopet aircraft cage

-8%

Good article review:

We have written a series of articles for you, hoping to help you.

飛機籠

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The Guardian of the Cats

Furkid Pet Products Research Institute at Pets Thing Hong Kong Pet Products Store

Furkids are good companions of human beings and an important part of the family.

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