Advice on picking up my cat at the cargo terminal @ the HK airport...

[LeChatNoir]

Hello,

My cat will be flying "cargo-class" from Vancouver to HK soon... I believe we have to pick her up at the HK Air Cargo Terminal, since we are flying Air Canada.

How long does this process usually take? And can I walk from the HK Airport (where we arrive) to the Cargo terminal? Any helpful hints and tips for me to make this process less painful for my kitty and I?

Thanks a bunch!

M.

[vmlinuz]

You can get a bus - can't remember which one - or a cab - better idea - from the passenger terminal(s) to the cargo terminal. I wouldn't suggest trying to walk it, particularly if you've got any other luggage or people with you...

[dropdedfwed]

try this thread:

http://www.geoexpat.com/forum/thread29754.html

NelsonBlue may be able give some tips.

i still reckon get some help. we used petmovers to do the pick up in HK, and they were great, but NelsonBlue and others have done it alone and found it ok. As vmliniz says, you need to get a cab from the passenger terminal to the cargo terminal.

[hello_there]

#1 recommendation for smooth pick up - make sure you and your vet get the paperwork 100% correct. There are so many ways to mess it up and a little error can result in a long delay at the cargo terminal or even quarantine. For example, my vet screwed up the date shots were given and expired (cathe form asked for one and he used the other). If the import agent hadn't caught it there before we flew and had the vet correct it quarantine would have resulted.

NelsonBlue's description of the self procedure pick up is great and very similar to my own experience. (However, still consider using an import export company for pick up... I have done a pick up and had an import-export company pick up different pets and would have to add that the expense (less than 500 HKD) for just picking up an animal is not much and makes the process much easier and faster. If there is any hold up the company can help resolve it. Also, you can accompany the agent in the cargo terminal if you want.)

But I have two notes for self pick up: (1) If you are going the pick it up yourself make sure to have HK dollars (cash) for the fees (They have card machines, but they seem to close them out after hours at the cargo terminal and (2) If at all possible, try to have a back up to help, in case you have an immigration hitch or other hold up at the airport, although quite unlikely (happened to a colleague and her dog ended up in quarantine after several hours waiting in cargo, and it was very difficult to retrieve).

[LeChatNoir]

Just want to drop a quick note to thank everyone for offering me your valuable advice! I am happy to report that humans and beastie alike are all living happily in HK for a month now!

The hardest part about picking up my cat at the cargo terminal was actually FINDING the terminal. My dad came to pick us up at the airport and he wasn't too sure how to get there. However, once we got there, the procedure was relatively simple. I used the pre-checking service from the AFCD and getting my kitty back was a breeze.

So thanks again... it was much appreciated!

-M.