A Stronger Chain for the Safe Transport of Live Animals

• Unlike conventional cargo, animals have individual welfare, environmental and handling requirements that must be considered from origin to destination. Shippers are responsible for providing accurate information, suitable preparation, containers and documentation well ahead of departure.
• Freight forwarders connect shippers with airlines, handlers, airports, veterinary authorities and destination partners. Their value lies in specialist knowledge, appropriate routing and proactive communication, ensuring potential problems are identified before they affect animal welfare.
• Training, early information-sharing and clear responsibilities across shippers, forwarders, airlines and handlers are essential. Regulatory compliance is the baseline; the broader goal should be a culture of shared responsibility that continually asks whether a shipment is the safest and most appropriate way to transport the animal.

The transport of live animals by air is one of the most specialised activities within the global air cargo industry. It requires much more than simply moving a shipment from origin to destination. Every animal is a living being, with specific needs that must be understood, respected and managed throughout the entire journey.

This is why the relationship between shippers and freight forwarders is so important.

For the live animal transport sector to continue developing in a responsible and sustainable way, we need a supply chain in which every stakeholder understands their roand, equally importantly, understands the responsibilities of the other parties involved.

The shipper: Where the journey begins

The shipper has a fundamental responsibility because the quality of a live animal shipment is largely determined before the animal ever reaches the airport.

Accurate information is essential. The species, number of animals, age, condition, crate requirements, documentation, origin, destination and any specific welfare considerations must be communicated clearly and in good time.

But responsibility goes beyond paperwork.

Shippers need to recognise that live animals cannot be treated in the same way as conventional cargo. A shipment of machinery can wait for the next available flight. An animal may not have that flexibility. Delays, inappropriate handling, unsuitable temperatures or inadequate preparation can have serious consequences.

Good planning therefore starts with asking the right questions: Is air transport appropriate for these animals? Is the journey properly planned? Are the containers suitable? Are all permits and veterinary documents in place? Have the requirements at origin, transit and destination been considered?

These questions should become part of the standard shipping process rather than an afterthought.

The forwarder: Connecting the pieces

Freight forwarders occupy a unique position in the supply chain. They connect the shipper with airlines, ground handlers, airports, veterinary authorities and destination partners.

For live animals, this coordination role becomes particularly important.

A knowledgeable forwarder can identify potential problems before they become operational problems. They can select appropriate routings, communicate handling requirements, coordinate documentation and ensure that everyone involved in the shipment understands what is expected.

This requires specialist knowledge.

Forwarders do not necessarily need to become animal welfare experts or veterinarians. But they should know when specialist advice is required and where to obtain it. They should understand the relevant industry standards and recognise that a live animal shipment needs a different level of planning and attention than general cargo.

The strongest forwarders are those that see themselves not simply as logistics providers, but as coordinators of responsibility.

Communication is the real infrastructure

In many cases, the biggest risks in live animal transportation are not caused by a lack of technology. They are caused by gaps in communication.

One party assumes that another party has checked something. A requirement is communicated too late. A change in flight schedule does not reach the relevant stakeholder. Documentation is incomplete. A handling instruction is misunderstood.

In a conventional cargo supply chain, these issues may cause delays or additional costs. With live animals, they can directly affect animal welfare.

This is why communication needs to be proactive rather than reactive.

Shippers, forwarders, airlines, ground handlers and destination agents should be encouraged to share relevant information as early as possible. Where there is uncertainty, asking a question is not a sign of weakness; it is a sign of professionalism.

Training creates confidence

Another area where shippers and forwarders can make a significant difference is training.

People who are involved in live animal shipments should understand the particular requirements associated with the animals they are handling. This includes recognising signs of stress, understanding container requirements, knowing how environmental conditions can affect animals and appreciating the importance of minimising unnecessary waiting and handling.

Training also helps organisations build a culture in which animal welfare becomes part of everyday operational decision-making.

At the Animal Transport Association, we believe that knowledge-sharing across the industry is essential. The objective should not be to create additional complexity, but to make the right decisions easier for everyone involved.

From compliance to responsibility

Regulations and industry standards provide an essential framework for the transportation of live animals. Compliance is therefore non-negotiable.

But compliance should be the starting point, not the finishing line.

The industry should strive for a culture in which stakeholders ask not only, “Is this shipment compliant?” but also, “Is this the best way to transport this animal?”

That change in mindset is important.

A shipment can meet the minimum regulatory requirements and still be improved through better planning, clearer communication or a more appropriate routing. Responsible transportation means continuously looking for those improvements.

Working together for the future

The future of live animal transportation will depend on collaboration.

Shippers need reliable and knowledgeable logistics partners. Forwarders need clear information from their customers. Airlines need properly prepared shipments. Ground handlers need accurate handling instructions. Authorities need effective communication with industry. And, ultimately, every stakeholder needs to recognise that the animal is at the centre of the process.

This is not about assigning blame when something goes wrong. It is about creating a chain in which problems are identified early, responsibilities are clear and expertise is shared.

The live animal transport industry has an important role to play in global trade, animal breeding, conservation, veterinary medicine, research and the movement of companion animals. Maintaining confidence in this sector requires us to demonstrate that animals can be transported safely, professionally and with the highest possible standards of care.

Shippers and forwarders are central to achieving that objective.

If we strengthen the relationship between them, invest in knowledge and training, improve communication and move beyond a culture of minimum compliance towards a culture of shared responsibility, we can build a stronger and more resilient live animal transport chain.

Because when we transport live animals, we are not simply moving cargo. We are taking responsibility for lives.

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