(Photo: Pan Jiajun)

Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport is preparing to open the country's first dedicated pet terminal, offering a new level of convenience for  passengers flying with pets. The 2,000-square-meter facility, located near Terminal 1, is designed to streamline pet travel with a full suite of services, including booking, quarantine processing, check-in, boarding, and even pet hotel stays.

Once fully operational in May, pet owners will be able to complete all travel formalities online through mini-programs on WeChat. This platform simplifies the traditionally complex and time-consuming pet travel process, reducing preparation time from a week to just two days.

(Photo: Pan Jiajun)

The terminal is already offering services for select domestic flights, including China Southern’s pet-in-cabin route between Guangzhou and Shanghai. Dedicated check-in counters allow travelers and their furry companions to check in together, and enjoy tailored waiting areas equipped with massage chairs, refreshments, and pet comfort zones. 

(Photo: Pan Jiajun)

A pet hotel within the terminal provides customized boarding options for cats and dogs, blending animal behavior science with hotel-style amenities. Features include themed sunlit rooms, oxygen-controlled environments, daily playtime, grooming services, and remote video access for owners.

The terminal also incorporates smart technology, including temperature-controlled zones, real-time air quality monitoring, 24/7 surveillance, and interactive areas to ease travel anxiety for pets.

With pet ownership among air passengers in China reaching 25%—well above the national average—the launch of this pet terminal reflects a growing demand for more compassionate, customized travel services.