Precious cargo, handled with care

From livestock and exotic species to beloved companions, transporting live animals demands precision, compassion, and expertise. Cathay Cargo: “We carry them all, big and small.”

A growing market for pet logistics

As pet ownership matures across Asia-Pacific, the conversation has shifted from growth to expectations. Today’s pet owners are seeking safe, seamless, and even luxurious journeys for their pets. For logistics providers, this means adapting to higher standards, breed sensitivities, and rising demand for round-trip and leisure pet travel.

More owners are booking transport for short-term stays, holidays, or return trips, often expecting the same level of care they’d receive for themselves.

According to Euromonitor International, Asia Pacific outbound and domestic tourism is projected to grow at a 7% CAGR through 2029, which is a clear indicator that more pets will be travelling, and travelling often. This is especially true in markets like China, Japan, and Australia, where demand for dependable, high-comfort pet transport is accelerating.

Why pet owners choose Cathay Cargo

Cathay Cargo is Asia’s first (and only) IATA CEIV Live Animals certified airline. This globally recognised standard assures pet owners, logistics partners, and regulators that every animal shipment is handled with the highest levels of care, safety, and professionalism.

Leveraging Hong Kong’s position as a strategic global hub, Cathay Cargo connects to over 200 destinations worldwide. The team works closely with customers to customise itineraries that prioritise the quietest, most direct routes, shortening journey times and maximising animal comfort.

From dogs and cats to birds, reptiles, and even marine species, the Cathay Cargo team is trained in species-specific care, including sensitivity to breed-specific needs, such as snub-nosed dogs and cats. The same expertise supports shipments of non-companion animals, including day-old chicks, champion racehorses, live fish, and zoo animals to promote wildlife conservation.

At Cathay Cargo’s Hong Kong hub, dedicated animal transfer protocols are designed to reduce stress. On the ground, a dedicated live animal handling protocol ensures minimal stress, including slow dolly speeds and ‘last-on, first-off’ loading procedures. Pets and other animals benefit from temperature-controlled dolly with ventilation system for protection between the aircraft and the warehouse, quiet transfers on the ramp, real-time monitored storage rooms, and a specialised animal handling centre at the Cathay Cargo Terminal.

Cabin environment is optimised to maintain a stable, pet-friendly environment during flight, and animal movements through the Cathay Cargo Terminal are closely managed from arrival to departure.

As a member of the International Pet and Animal Transportation Association (IPATA), Cathay Cargo actively engages with global pet industry leaders to ensure it delivers customer-centric service while maintaining the highest standards of animal welfare and regulatory compliance.

Expert staff with species-specific training

Cathay Cargo team members are logistics professionals who are also trained in species-specific animal care. From the check-in process to unloading, every team member involved is equipped with the knowledge to handle live animals responsibly and humanely.

From equine stars to Hong Kong’s first alpacas

When 65 elite horses from across Europe needed to reach Hong Kong for the Hong Kong International Horse Show, Cathay Cargo delivered. Horses travelled via custom charter flights from Liège and London, accompanied by expert grooms, a temperature-controlled cabin environment, and precise planning.

Among them: champion showjumpers, dancing Arabian horses, and Shetland ponies, all arriving safely thanks to the airline’s CEIV-certified animal care and ground coordination at the Cathay Cargo Terminal.

Four alpacas were flown from Perth to Hong Kong to become the first of their kind in the city. The animals were transported in specially designed crates that separated the males and females, following IATA guidelines and requirements.

The shipment was the result of more than 18 months of coordination, including strict quarantine requirements and import control in both Australia and Hong Kong. Cathay Cargo’s team assisted with any documentation throughout the process, including export/import requirements at both origin and destination. 

A professional approach to precious cargo

Every live animal shipment is handled with the same attention to detail, whether it’s a family pet, breeding livestock, or a rare exotic species. 

The Cathay Live Animal solution offers customisable services tailored to the species, destination, and customer needs, ensuring optimal care every step of the way.

Flight times and routes are carefully considered, with special attention to in-flight ventilation, landing conditions, and crate placement. Upon shipper’s requests, professional attendants such as vet and groom often travel with large animals to monitor their welfare.

Winnie Lo, Assistant Manager Cargo Customer Solutions, said “Every animal we transport is more than just cargo – they’re cherished lives with unique needs and personalities. At Cathay Cargo, we know how to facilitate ground coordination, create the optimal travel environment and tailor routes for a wide variety of animal species, ensuring safe and comfortable journeys as if they were our own. Our team’s passion and expertise ensure that every whisker, hoof, and feather arrives safe, calm, and cared for. This commitment makes us proud to lead live animal transport in air cargo industry.”