IPATA
IPATA Introduction
Founded in 1979, the International Pet and Animal Transportation Association (IPATA) is a network of pet shippers representing decades of experience in the transportation and care of animals. It was founded to bring professionalism, competence and caring to the pet transportation and relocation industry.
From its humble beginnings of six U.S. pet shippers in America, IPATA has grown to nearly 500 members over 90 countries, servicing all major airports across the globe.
Dogtainers-IPATA Partnership
Over our years-long relationship, we have transported tens of thousands of pets while upholding the IPATA Code of Ethics and have become a featured Gold member of the association.
Our staff members have won numerous IPATA awards throughout the years, including:
- Best Operational Service Provider (Angela McPherson)
- Best Operational Service Provider (Biljana Popandonova)
- Millie Woolf Memorial Leadership Award (Simon Jackson)
- Excellence Award (Simon Jackson)
Why Choose an IPATA Pet Shipper?
The main reason to choose an IPATA member to transport your pet is because of accountability. All IPATA members are registered with the applicable organisations within their own country and adhere to the rules and regulations of the Live Animals Regulations of the International Air Transport Association (IATA).
IPATA Pet Shippers: Air and Ground
Dogtainers is one of the few pet transportation companies that provides international air transportation, domestic air transportation, as well as ground transportation to and from your desired locations.
This means we can offer you a full door-to-door service where your pet is collected from your home and delivered to their destination – anywhere in the world. Everything in between, including flights and customs, is handled by us.
IPATA Pet-Friendly Airlines
Dogtainers is partners with many of IPATA’s Pet-Friendly Airlines, including:
- Air Canada (Air Canada Cargo)
- Virgin (Virgin Australia Cargo)
- Emirates (Emirates SkyCargo)
- Garuda Indonesia (Garuda Indonesia Cargo)
- Hawaiian Airlines (Hawaiian Air Cargo)
- Latam (Latam Cargo)
- Malaysia Airlines (Maskargo)
- Qatar Airways (Qatar Airways Cargo)
What Are IPATA-Approved Crates?
There is no such thing as an IPATA-approved crate because IPATA doesn’t approve crates, IATA does.
To be IATA-approved, a crate must meet the following requirements:
Containers must be constructed from fibre-glass, metal, rigid plastics or welded metal mesh. No wooden cage is allowed.
Containers must be clean and leak-proof.
Any wheels attached to the container must be removed.
Animals must be able to stand, turn and lie down in a natural manner.
Containers must be adequately ventilated, with the majority of the ventilation system being situated in the upper part.
Reversible drinking water bottle or water container must be present within the container with outside access for filling.
Separate food and water troughs should be provided and easily accessible for replenishment in case of delay.
All feeding and watering instructions must be provided in writing and affixed to the outside of the container.
All Dogtainers crates are IATA-approved and are available for purchase or hire.
FAQs About IPATA
What is an IPATA Agent?
IPATA is an international network of pet relocation specialists working together to provide professional pet transportation services worldwide. An IPATA agent is a member of this network. IPATA members are required to maintain current licences, permits, and insurance at all times, as well as follow the IPATA ethical guidelines for relocating animals.
Is Dogtainers an IPATA-Regulated Pet Shipping Agent?
Yes! We’ve been an IPATA member for years and are currently a featured Gold member.
What Does IPATA Stand For?
IPATA stands for the “International Pet And Animal Transportation Association”.
How Much Does an IPATA Membership Cost?
The IPATA Application Fee is $1000 with an additional annual fee of $980 for ongoing membership.
What is BOAS Assessment?
Dogs with a flat, wide-shaped head are said to be brachycephalic. BOAS stands for Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome. BOAS is the condition where the soft tissue in the nose and throat of some brachy breeds may partially obstruct the airway and make it difficult for them to breathe normally.
IPATA has developed the “BOAS Fit-To-Fly assessment checklist” which guides certified veterinarians through the process of objectively assessing a pet’s overall health, specifically grading their breathing ability. Pets that pass the checklist are considered “fit to fly”.
What Are IPATA’s Dog Shipping Rates?
Costs are determined by the size and weight of your dog, the city of origin and destination, plus any additional services that you request, such as pickup and delivery, quarantine arrangements (if required), veterinary health certificates, and import licences. If you’d like, you can get a free online quote to get a better idea of how much shipping your dog will cost.
Does IPATA Approve Vets?
No, IPATA does not approve vets – governments do. The vast majority of countries require a “government approved vet” to approve a pet prior to travel. These veterinarians have been accredited by the government of the exporting country for the preparation of cats and dogs for export. This includes scanning for microchips, clinical inspections, collection of blood samples, and completing treatments.
If you already have a government approved vet who you like, we are happy to work with them to ensure your pet’s transportation goes smoothly. Otherwise, we have a network of government approved vets across Australia and the world who can help ensure your pet is travel ready.
Plan your pet’s trip the right way
With the care and support they need