What Is IPATA and Why It Matters When Moving Pets Internationally
If you’ve started researching international pet transport, you’ve probably come across IPATA. Here’s what it means and why it matters.
What IPATA is
IPATA (International Pet and Animal Transportation Association) is a non-profit trade association founded in 1979 for companies involved in pet transport. Members include pet relocation specialists, freight forwarders, customs brokers, and ground handlers worldwide. As of 2025, IPATA has members in over 85 countries.
What membership means
IPATA membership is not a government certification or a regulatory licence - it is industry membership. Members agree to IPATA’s code of ethics and standards, which cover animal welfare, professional conduct, and handling practices. Membership requires demonstration of professional experience and references.
It does not guarantee a perfect outcome - pet transport has inherent unpredictability - but an IPATA member has made professional commitments that non-members have not.
When you should use an IPATA agent
For straightforward routes (e.g., USA to Canada, UK to France with an EU pet passport), many owners manage the process themselves. But for complex routes, an IPATA agent provides genuine value:
- Japan, Australia, Singapore, New Zealand: long quarantine-risk destinations with exact documentation requirements
- Multi-country routes or transit through restricted airports
- Brachycephalic breeds with airline acceptance challenges
- Commercial pet imports or multiple animals
- Any situation where a documentation error would trigger extended quarantine
How to find one
Search the IPATA member directory at ipata.com. Filter by country or city. Look for agents who list your specific origin-destination pair as their speciality or who have relevant country experience.
What to ask an IPATA agent
- Do they have experience with your specific route (not just the destination country)?
- Can they provide references from recent clients on the same route?
- What is included in their fee (documentation, crate procurement, airline booking, customs, quarantine coordination)?
- What happens if documentation is rejected at the border?