2026 Hong Kong Pet Immigration: 5 IATA Pet Carrier Tips

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In recent months, many Hong Kong people have planned to emigrate abroad, but considering the duration their beloved pets will spend in the cargo hold, questions about choosing a pet carrier inevitably arise. Today, we'll help you select the right pet carrier for your pet using 5 criteria!

No airlines provide pet carriers at the airport for passengers! Therefore, it's essential to allow time for your pet to adapt beforehand!

Therefore, to make the crate selection process easier and more to your liking, we have compiled 5 criteria for you:

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Further reading: "2026 Hong Kong Pet Emigration" Cathay Pacific Airways Pet Cargo Regulations

1. Compliant Pet Carriers

Three major institutional guidelines to note: International Air Transport Association, Airlines, Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department

The first rule is to comply with the standards of 3 organizations. Hong Kong's regulations for pet export are based on the standards of the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) , the International Air Transport Association (IATA) , and airlines.

For details, please click on the links below:

• International Air Transport Association (IATA) Regulations
• IATA Standard Details Document
• Hong Kong Cathay Pacific Regulations
• Hong Kong Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) Regulations

Further reading: "2026 Hong Kong Pet Emigration" Cathay Pacific Airways Pet Cargo Regulations

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Note: You must add both the pet carrier and the water dispenser or other pet carrier accessories to your shopping cart to use the coupon.

Please note:

Different retailers may claim that a certain pet carrier is "airline or IATA approved," but the pet carrier must actually meet all of the above requirements, including those of the three organizations mentioned above and their authorization procedures, to be accepted for transportation under airline safe pet travel regulations.

Airlines are the final gatekeepers: at check-in, if the pet carrier does not comply with airline regulations or its size is unsuitable for the pet, the airline may refuse to transport the pet, and you will need to make alternative arrangements for your pet's travel, which may include purchasing a new pet carrier that meets airline regulations or paying additional fees.

A compliant pet carrier must be purchased in advance of travel to allow time for the pet to adapt.

2. Determining Pet Carrier Size

The pet carrier must have enough space for the pet to stand, turn around, and lie down in a natural position.

At the same time, the gap size of the pet carrier must ensure that the pet's head (including ears) does not touch the top of the carrier; to prevent accidental injury to the pet, the gap of the carrier should not be too large. Too large a gap will give the pet room to move around excessively, which might lead to injury due to fear or anxiety.

Please watch this video to learn how to choose the right pet carrier for your pet.

The pet carrier must remain closed and not be opened during the journey. The space inside the pet carrier must be sufficient for the pet to stand in a normal posture, turn around freely, and lie down at any time, which is especially important for long-haul flights.

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How to determine the right airline pet carrier size for your pet

To determine the appropriate airline carrier, we must first know the pet's size, height, and length, because weight sometimes does not reflect volume. We must first measure the pet's dimensions to find a suitable airline carrier.

How to measure your pet:

1. First, you will need some simple tools: a pencil, paper, and a tape measure.
2. Choose a wall where your pet can stand naturally. Place one hand under your pet's jaw and the other hand on its belly. Have an assistant mark the following positions on the wall.
3. Mark 1: The highest point of the head. If it's a floppy-eared breed, this is the top of the head. If it's an erect-eared breed, it's the tip of the ear.
4. Mark 2: The tip of the nose.
5. Mark 3: The base of your pet's tail or the root of the tail. Many people mistakenly include the entire tail in the measurement.
6. Mark 4: Once your assistant has taken the above marks, they will usually find that the head mark is slightly higher than the tail base. The pet's length between marks 2 and 3 is not parallel. Therefore, you need to measure vertically from the floor to mark 3, while using a horizontal measure at the same vertical height as mark 3. This is mark 4.

Then, you can obtain the following readings:

• A. From tip of nose to base of tail
• B. From elbow joint to ground
• C. Width at the widest point
• D. From ground to tip of ear or from ground to top of head, whichever is higher. (When the animal is standing normally, the ears must not touch the top of the cage.)

Further reading: "20 Hong Kong Pet Emigration" CX Cathay Pacific Cargo Regulations

With the above data, you can choose the most suitable airline carrier size for your pet based on the diagram and text below.

• Carrier length = A + ½ B
• Carrier width = C x 2
• Carrier height = D
• (The above are internal dimensions of the pet carrier)

Each airline may have different standard requirements for pet carriers. Generally, please note:

• Use pet carriers made of lighter materials as much as possible (this effectively reduces the cost of transporting pets by airlines).
• The material of the pet carrier, such as rigid fiberglass, rigid plastic or metal, with a strong breathable metal mesh, etc.
• Airlines usually do not accept soft-sided carriers or bags.
• The carrier must have escape-proof (lockable) features and sufficient space for the pet to stand, sit, sleep, and turn around.

Further Reading

• IATA Regulations: GENERAL CONTAINER REQUIREMENTS FOR PET ANIMALS
• Hong Kong Cathay Pacific Regulations Details

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Note: You must add both the pet carrier and the water dispenser or other pet carrier accessories to your shopping cart to use the coupon.

3. Pet Carrier Size Types

Airlines may charge additional fees based on pet carrier size.

There are different sizes of pet carriers to accommodate different pet sizes, but not all airlines accept large pet carriers. Some airlines may also charge extra fees 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 sizes of different pet carriers.

Pet Carrier Size Calculator

Now, simply input "A" and "B" to get a recommended pet carrier size.

From tip of nose to base of tail (A) From elbow joint to ground (B) Suitable inner kennel length (A + ½ B):

Recommended pet carrier:

Please refer to the following pet carrier sizes for reference

There are different sizes of pet carriers for different pet sizes, but not all airlines accept large pet carriers. Some airlines may also charge extra fees 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 sizes of different pet carriers.

IATA Pet Carrier Sizes for Reference
Type	Appearance	Brand	Model	Inner Dimensions L x W x H	Product Page
Crate 1		IRIS	ATC-460	39 x 22 x 24 cm	Click to view
Size 2 Carrier		IRIS	ATC-530	45 x 28 x 35 cm	Click to view
Size 2 Carrier		Petmate	21-inch	47 x 34 x 36 cm 18.75" x 13.5" x 14.5"	Click to view
Size 3 Carrier		IRIS	ATC-670	56 x 35 x 49 cm	Click to view
Size 3 Carrier		Petmate	28-inch	61 x 46 x 49 cm 24.25" x 18.25" x 19.5"	Click to view
Size 3 Carrier		Hoopet	Size 3｜Internal length 65cm	65 x 46 x 42 cm	Click to view
Size 4 Carrier		Petmate	32-inch	74 x 50 x 59 cm 29.5" x 19.75" x 23.5"	Click to view
Size 4 Carrier		Hoopet	Size 4｜Internal length 75cm	75 x 48 x 53 cm	Click to view
Size 5 Crate		IRIS	ATC-870	cm 75 x 49 x 63 cm	Click to view
Size 5 Crate		Petmate	36-inch	cm 82 x 57 x 66 cm in 32.5" x 22.5" x 26"	Click to view
Size 5 Crate		Hoopet	Size 5 Crate | Inner length 85cm	cm 85 x 53 x 62 cm	Click to view
Size 6 Crate		Petmate	40-inch	cm 92 x 62 x 73 cm in 36.25" x 24.75" x 28.8"	Click to view
Size 6 Crate		Hoopet	Size 6 Crate | Inner length 95cm	cm 95 x 60 x 70 cm	Click to view
Size 7 Crate		Petmate	48-inch	cm 111 x 73 x 82 cm in 44" x 29" x 32.5"	Click to view
Size 7 Crate		Hoopet	Size 7 Crate | Inner length 120cm	cm 120 x 73 x 82 cm	Click to view

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Note: The discount will only apply if both the airline crate and the water dispenser or other airline crate accessories are in your shopping cart.

Cathay Pacific Additional Charges Reference

Cathay Pacific, which is commonly used, has its own pricing rules. When pets are transported as checked baggage, the free checked baggage allowance does not cover the cost of transport: Cathay Pacific Hong Kong Additional Charges Policy

Further reading: "2026 Hong Kong Pet Immigration" CX Cathay Pacific Pet Air Transport Guidelines

4. Pet Crate Structure Guidelines

IATA has the following rules and recommendations to make pet travel safer.

Pet Crate Ventilation:

For flights within the United States and Puerto Rico, pet crates must have three sides ventilated. For flights to all other destinations, pet crates must have four sides ventilated.

Pet crate materials and design must meet the following conditions:

• Made of strong plastic, wood, or metal, sturdy and durable to avoid bending under pressure. The top must be solid with no doors or vents.
• Only one metal door that can close securely, but still allow pet access in an emergency.
• Pet crate hardware must be in good condition.
• Although not mandatory, most airlines require pet crate hardware (including nuts, latches, rivets, and locks) to be made of steel instead of plastic, securely fastened and in good working order.
• Every hole connecting the top and bottom of the pet crate must have screw caps and screws, and must be tightened. Screws must be metal. Screw caps can be metal, nylon, or plastic, as long as they are sturdy, not easily damaged, and securely connect the top and bottom of the pet crate.
• The upper part of the ventilation opening must be at least 1 inch (2.5 cm), and the lower part two-thirds of that. The distance from the center of each ventilation opening to the other two sides must be 4 inches (2.5 cm). This means the total ventilation area must be more than 16% of the total surface area of the four sides. More holes and openings are allowed on the top/bottom or left/right sides. In no circumstances should the ventilation openings be sealed.

Further reading: "2026 Hong Kong Pet Immigration" CX Cathay Pacific Pet Air Transport Guidelines

Please refer to the following pet crate images for reference

Pet crates must not:

• Have a door on the top, or more than one door.
• Be made entirely of cardboard, welded or wire mesh, wicker, or other collapsible materials.
• Be equipped with plastic or fiberglass doors.
• Have plastic latches on the sides, unless they have additional drill holes and are securely fastened to the crate with metal screws.
• Have wheels, unless they are removed, locked, or taped securely to prevent the crate from sliding during transport.
• Be made of plastic that bends under pressure.

Please refer to the following pet crate images for reference

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Note: You must have both the flight crate and the water dispenser or other flight crate accessories in your shopping cart to use the coupon.

5. Reinforced Pet Crates for Dogs (IATA CR82)

Even if your dog is accustomed to a pet crate, if they still exhibit excessive chewing or scratching, it is recommended to use a reinforced pet crate that complies with IATA Container Requirement 82 (CR82) for added safety.

If your pet consistently exhibits excessive chewing, scratching, or any other behavior indicating discomfort with the pet crate at check-in, the airline reserves the right to refuse transport of your pet at its sole discretion.

Reinforced pet crates must meet the following conditions:

• The pet crate should be made of materials that cannot be chewed or scratched by the pet, such as wood, metal, composite materials, or welded/wire mesh. No part of the reinforced pet crate structure should contain plastic components.
• Only one door made of metal, heavy-gauge wire mesh, or reinforced wooden material. The pet crate door must be securely fastened to prevent accidental opening.
• Comply with the airline's pet crate ventilation requirements.
• Have a leak-proof floor to prevent urine and feces from leaking out of the pet crate.
• Ventilation openings must not be wide enough for the animal's nose or paws to protrude outside the crate.

Some commercially available metal pet crates can serve as reinforced pet crates; however, custom modifications are often required to ensure that the animal's nose or paws cannot protrude from the crate. Not all pet crates are suitable for all flights. Please refer to the standard pet crate type chart for more information.

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Summary

Make sure your pet is accustomed to the specific type of pet crate used for air travel, which differs from wire or sleeping crates. To ensure your pet is ready for travel, please acquire the travel pet crate at least two or three weeks, or even earlier, before your pet's travel date, to allow your pet to adapt properly to the crate. This process is called the "crate acclimation period." To minimize stress during travel, it is extremely important for your pet to feel comfortable and secure in their crate.

The pet crate must be lined with absorbent material, such as a towel or blanket, to prevent pet waste from leaking out.

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

🔥🔥🔥Latest news: Purchase any flight crate now and receive 20% off a water dispenser or other flight crate accessories.Coupon code: travel20off

Note: You must have both the flight crate and the water dispenser or other flight crate accessories in your shopping cart to use the coupon.

Good Articles to Review:

We have written a series of articles to help everyone.

• "2026 Hong Kong Pet Immigration" How to Choose an IATA Airline Pet Carrier? 5 Key Crate Selection Criteria
• "2026 Hong Kong Pet Immigration" CX Cathay Pacific Pet Air Transport Guidelines
• "2026 Hong Kong Pet Immigration" BA British Airways Pet Air Transport Guidelines
• How to Choose a Pet Stroller in Hong Kong? What's the Difference Between "Three-Wheeled" and "Four-Wheeled"? "2026 Update"