"2026 Hong Kong Pet Relocation" British Airways Pet Travel Policy

Taking the UK as an example, the authorities require pets entering the country to be microchipped for identification. There are two types of microchips: AVID and ISO, but not all UK airports have readers for AVID chips, so an ISO chip is generally safer. After microchipping, owners must vaccinate their pets against rabies at least 21 days before departure to arrange the necessary exit documents.

Once the pet has been microchipped and vaccinated, to meet the "no quarantine" entry requirements, owners must take their pet, vaccination records, etc., to a Hong Kong veterinary clinic to obtain a pet passport issued by a veterinarian, which is then submitted to the UK Animal Quarantine Station. The passport will clearly list the owner's details, veterinarian's details, animal microchip details, animal physical description, rabies vaccination records, rabies blood test records, and tapeworm treatment records.

If the owner chooses to travel to the UK on a different flight than their pet, they must ensure the pet arrives within 5 days before or after the owner's arrival. Pets arriving outside this timeframe will be considered for "commercial purposes" rather than "private pets," and the required documents and fees will differ. If the owner truly cannot arrive within the timeframe, they can authorize another person in writing to temporarily take custody of the pet.

When pets leave Hong Kong, they need to have a health certificate issued by a veterinarian and the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department within 5-10 days, certifying that the pet's health condition is sufficient for the flight. Owners should take their pet for examination at a veterinary clinic 5 days before departure, and then submit the application to the AFCD. Additionally, the UK requires pets to enter the country between 24 and 120 hours after deworming, so these two steps must be strictly timed.

Once it is confirmed that the pet meets all entry requirements and flights are booked, before arriving in the UK, you must apply to HMRC for a ToR (Transfer of Residence) to prove that the pet is migrating with its owner and is not cargo, to avoid being charged VAT.

Upon arrival in the UK, pets will be sent directly for customs clearance. Local veterinarians will check their health status and observe for any adverse reactions. Approximately 6 to 8 hours later, owners can pick up their pets at the animal reception center.

Pet Immigration to the UK Encyclopedia by Amo Invest in 2026.

⚠️Please note: The above requirements may vary around the world and are subject to change at any time. Please inquire with the relevant authorities for specific destinations or transit countries.

Further Reading

• British Airways Regulations: Pet Transportation Page
• UK Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs: Pet Transportation Page

2. Pet Carrier Requirements and Regulations

British Airways does not allow any pets, regardless of their size, to travel in the passenger 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 depending on the size of the required container, the pet's weight, and the distance of travel. When you reconfirm your flight, IAG Cargo will charge their stated fees.

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

British Airways will require you to sign an indemnity form to cover any costs incurred by British Airways should your pet fail a pet check on arrival and need to be quarantined.

In the previous article, we already listed the regulations of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) (you can read it by clicking the link below). Most of these are similar to British Airways' terms. For details, please refer to the following terms and conditions:

2.1 British Airways Pet Carrier Requirements Details

Generally, carriers should be of appropriate size, well-ventilated, sturdy, secure, and have a leak-proof bottom, and must also meet the following requirements:

• Start arranging your pet's travel a few weeks before you travel.
• Pets must be in good health and must have a veterinary health certificate (dated within 10 days).
• Pets must not be more than two-thirds into their gestation period.
• The minimum requirement is a pet carrier with a 21-inch perimeter.
• The minimum requirement for snub-nosed dogs 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 to ensure air quality inside the container does not deteriorate.
• The door must be secured so it cannot open accidentally or be opened by your pet during handling and transport.
• Your pet's nose and paws cannot pass through any ventilation holes or door mesh. Maximum opening in the mesh: 25 x 25 mm for dogs, 19 x 19 mm for cats. For cats and small dogs, these may need to be covered with mesh to ensure security.
• A water container must be present and secured inside the transport container, and accessible for refilling from the outside without opening the container.
• The container must have a water bottle that can be accessed from the outside.
• The water bottle must be securely attached and proportionate to the size of the pet, but not occupy excessive floor space.
• Fiberboard, wire mesh, and wicker containers cannot be used for air transport.
• Please allow for extra space. The animal must be able to comfortably turn around in a natural position when standing, sitting upright, and lying down.

If a service dog is required to accompany you (e.g., a guide dog), British Airways will allow you to bring the dog into the passenger cabin. Otherwise, your pet will need to travel as checked baggage or cargo.

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2.2 IAG Cargo Pet Carrier Calculator Guide

British Airways also provides passengers with a checklist, allowing everyone to check the progress of their preparations using a tick-box format while planning. You can download it using the link below:

Pet Carrier Size Calculator

Now, just enter "A" and "B" to get a suitable pet carrier recommendation.

From nose tip to tail base (A) From elbow joint to ground (B) Suggested inner length of pet carrier (A + ½ B):

Suggested Pet Carrier:

Maohaiwuhua Pet Crate Internal Dimensions Chart

There are different sizes of pet carriers to accommodate different pet sizes, but not all airlines accept large pet carriers, and some airlines may charge extra based on the size of the pet carrier. This must be confirmed with the airline before purchasing a pet carrier. Here, we will list the dimensions of different pet carriers.

Please refer to the internal dimensions of the following pet carriers for reference.

Further Reading

• British Airways Regulations: Pet Transportation Guidelines
• IATA Pet Travel Zone and Guidelines

2.3 IAG Cargo Common Questions about Pet Crates

Q: How should I prepare my pet for travel?

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

Q: Where will my pet be on the plane?

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

Q: How do I ensure my pet will be allowed back into the UK?

A: As long as your pet meets the pre-entry requirements, re-entry should be straightforward. However, it is also advisable to have your vet check if the microchip is readable, as sometimes they can migrate around the body.

Q: Are all breeds accepted?

A: Some dangerous dog breeds and brachycephalic (snub-nosed) cat and dog breeds may not be accepted. Please fill out the inquiry form above, and your pet travel agency will provide advice.

Further Reading

• IAG Cargo Common Questions about Pet Crates

2.4 IAG Cargo's 10 Tips for Pet Owners

10 Tips for Traveling with Pets

1. You will need to contact a pet agent first, who will then hire a freight company (such as IAG Cargo) to transport your pet. Make sure the company you choose is certified – you don't want to be caught out by the price, so it's best to go with a recommended expert. Using an IPATA agent will ensure they are knowledgeable about all aspects of pet transport. In the UK, Pet Air and Air Pets are some of IAG Cargo's main clients and offer services such as home pickup and customized options for you.
2. Ensure you get the correct crate. Some clients need to meet their pet agent at the airport, but often don't have the right type of IATA-compliant crate. The type of crate should be recommended based on your pet's measurements. Make sure you have a crate that is large enough and has a properly secured food and water bowl.
3. Ensure you have the correct documentation, such as proof of rabies vaccination. Your agent should also inform you what is needed, depending on your pet's destination.
4. Train your pet in advance so they don't get stressed during the journey. You can do this at home by placing treats in the kennel and letting them get used to it before travel.
5. Do not feed your pet before travel. If they are traveling in the morning, do not feed them directly before—if the flight is at night, lunch should be their last meal. A small snack no more than two hours before drop-off will suffice.
6. IAG Cargo will not accept certain species, such as canaries, as they are known to have respiratory problems. British Airways never wants to endanger a dog's life and therefore does not deem it safe for them to fly.
7. British Airways never sedates pets and does not recommend it. Sedatives can reduce an animal's ability to respond to stress, and reactions to sedatives cannot always be predicted. They should only be used if your pet has a specific problem and only when signed off and administered by a licensed veterinarian.
8. If you have already booked your ticket, it may be difficult to find space for your pet on the same flight. Once full, the carrier may not be able to carry your pet, but they will do their best to help. British Airways recommends contacting your pet agent when booking to ensure you fly with your pet.
9. Metal water bowls are better than plastic—make sure to attach them to the crate with a funnel so pet handlers can give them water. A favorite blanket or toy is also comforting—but do not use newspaper, as it can shred and often ends up in the water bowl.
10. If you are transporting your pet from Heathrow, a temperature-controlled vehicle will transport your pet from the aircraft as soon as it lands. They will be taken to the Animal Reception Centre (ARC), where their health and documentation will be checked before they can depart.

Further Reading

• 10 Tips for Pet Owners from IAG Cargo (Original)

3. Pet Transportation Fees

Due to supply issues, prices may change over time. To know the exact price, you need to check more information on IAG Cargo. Remember that the final decision rests with British Airways, as it must be clarified before execution!

☺️Friendly reminder: Due to limited pet cargo space in Hong Kong, please book early to confirm your pet's flight reservation.

British Airways Hong Kong Headquarters Contact Information:

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

British Airways UK Headquarters Contact Information:

• Pet Booking Department Flight Inquiry: +44 208 8977 034
• Email: liveanimals.ukisales@iagcargo.com

Further Reading

• How to Book a Pet Flight
• Start Booking a Flight

4. Airport Pet Check-in Procedures

Please arrive at the airport and check in at least three hours before your flight's departure. Ensure your pet is in its crate and that you have all original pet travel documents. Here's the check-in procedure:

1. After your pet is checked in, it will be transported to the aircraft's cargo hold.
2. Your pet's crate will be carefully secured. British Airways will ensure the temperature is appropriate and there is sufficient ventilation.
3. Upon arrival, your pet will be treated as special baggage, and British Airways will do its best to reunite you with your pet as soon as possible.

Further Reading

• British Airways Regulations: Airport Check-in Procedures

5. Special Topic: UK Pet Air Transport Scheme (London, Manchester Airports)

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

Further Reading

• British Airways Regulations: Pet Air Transport Scheme, London and Manchester Airports

Conclusion

It is essential to ensure your pet is accustomed to airline-approved travel crates, which differ from wire or sleeping crates. To prepare your pet for travel, obtain the travel crate at least two to three weeks, or even earlier, before your pet's trip, allowing them to adequately adjust to it. This process is called "crate acclimation." To minimize stress during travel, it is crucial that your pet feels comfortable and secure in its crate.

The pet crate must be lined with absorbent material, such as towels or blankets, to prevent any leakage of pet waste.

If your pet shows any signs of not adapting to the crate or appears to be under extreme stress during check-in, the airline may determine that your pet is not ready to fly and may refuse to accept the pet for travel.

Finally, we wish everyone a smooth relocation, and good health to both pets and their owners!

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Note: Both the airline crate and the water dispenser or other crate accessories must be in the shopping cart to use the coupon.

Related Articles:

We have written a series of articles to help everyone.

• "2026 Hong Kong Pet Immigration" How to choose a pet airline crate? 5 major criteria for choosing a crate
• "2026 Hong Kong Pet Immigration" Cathay Pacific Airways Pet Air Transport Regulations
• "2026 Hong Kong Pet Immigration" British Airways Pet Air Transport Regulations
• How to choose a pet stroller in Hong Kong? What's the difference between "three-wheel" and "four-wheel"? "Updated 2026"