Official IPATA Group

What Official IPATA Group does

Official IPATA Group, formally the International Pet and Animal Transportation Association, is a non-profit trade association founded in 1979 and headquartered in Hawkins, Texas. IPATA serves as the global coordinating body for the professional pet and animal transportation industry, connecting independent pet shippers, airlines and cargo carriers, government agencies, veterinary clinics, customs brokers, and pet travel supply manufacturers such as Petmate. Its member base spans the Americas, Europe, Asia/Oceania, and the Middle East/Africa, with regional meeting structures in all four regions and a 47-year history of annual international conferences (most recently Bangkok 2025, with Vancouver 2026 scheduled).

The association's core offerings are directory and certification services, not transportation services. The flagship technology products include the IPATA Pet Shipper Directory (Find A Pet Shipper), the Ground Transporters Directory, a Supplier Directory, and a BOAS-Certified Shipper sub-directory. The proprietary BOAS Fit-to-Fly Assessment Program, developed by IPATA's R&D Task Force, is a standardized grading methodology administered by certified veterinarians to identify brachycephalic pets unfit for air travel, complemented by a multilingual Pet Owner Questionnaire available in eight languages. Members access training resources, country profiles, and the membership directory through a Members-Only login portal, while non-members access scam awareness resources and FAQs on the public site.

IPATA's business model is a recurring membership subscription model with five tiers: Active Members (professional pet shippers) and four Associate Member categories (airlines, government, industry suppliers, and veterinarians/clinics). Additional revenue comes from annual IPATACon conference registrations and regional meeting fees. The association does not disclose pricing publicly and does not transact the underlying pet transportation services; each member company sets its own fees and policies. Marketing and member acquisition occur through the public website, the searchable directory, press releases, social media (Facebook), the annual conference, regional meetings, and outreach to veterinarians for BOAS certification. The organization is governed by a Board of Directors and run by Executive Director Sharron Holmes, with a staff of 1-10.

Name

Official IPATA Group

Legal name

International Pet and Animal Transportation Association (IPATA)

Website

https://ipata.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1979

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Official IPATA Group (International Pet and Animal Transportation Association) is a 1979-founded non-profit trade association that connects professional pet shippers, airlines, veterinarians, and suppliers worldwide through directories, the BOAS Fit-to-Fly certification program, annual conferences, and regional meetings.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Trade Association Services

NAICS

Pet Care (except Veterinary) Services (81291), Veterinary Services (54194)

SIC

Services-Membership Organizations (8600), Air Transportation, Nonscheduled (4522), Trucking & Courier Services (No Air) (4210), Airports, Flying Fields & Airport Terminal Services (4581)

akta.pro primary industry

Pet International Relocation & Quarantine Handling (HSAKACAI)

akta.pro secondary industries

Live Animals & Animal Products Forwarding (AVI) (TLACAJAD), Airport & Travel Pet Transfers (HSANAIAE), Long-Distance/Intercity Pet Transport (HSANAIAF)

Keywords

• Pet transportation services
• Animal shipping association
• Trade association membership
• BOAS certification program
• Pet shipper directory

Headquarters

HQ city

Hawkins

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Membership Dues: IPATA generates revenue through annual membership fees from Active Members (pet shippers), Associate Members (airlines, government agencies, suppliers), and other industry participants. Each member company is individually owned and operated with their own policies and fee schedules.
2. Conference and Event Registration: Revenue from annual IPATACon conferences and regional meetings. Conference registrations include access to presentations, networking events, gala events with awards, and one-on-one meetings with industry partners.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

IPATA is a non-profit trade association that connects professional pet shippers worldwide and promotes humane animal transport. Its core offerings include tiered membership programs (Active Members for pet shippers, Associate Members for airlines, government agencies, industry suppliers, and veterinary clinics), online searchable directories of member pet shippers, the proprietary BOAS Fit-to-Fly Assessment certification program for brachycephalic breeds, and annual IPATACon conferences and regional meetings.

Product overview

The International Pet and Animal Transportation Association (IPATA) operates a suite of directory and certification services for the global pet shipping industry. The core offering consists of searchable online directories (Pet Shipper Directory, Ground Transporters Directory, Supplier Directory, and BOAS-Certified Shipper Search) that connect pet owners with vetted animal transport professionals. Key service products include the BOAS Fit-To-Fly Assessment Program for brachycephalic breeds and a multilingual Pet Owner Questionnaire available in 8 languages. IPATA also organizes annual IPATACon conferences and regional meetings in Americas, Asia/Oceania, Europe, and Middle East/Africa regions for member education and networking. The association does not provide direct pet transportation services; it acts as an industry standards body and directory service.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• IPATA Active Membership (Pet Shippers) Annual membership tier for professional pet shipping companies, providing access to the Members Only Section, training resources, IPATA Membership Directory, Country Profiles, eligibility for IPATA awards, and directory listing in the Find A Pet Shipper search tool.
• IPATA Associate Membership (Airlines, Government, Suppliers, Vets) Annual subscription membership for non-shipper organizations including pet airlines and international airlines, government agencies, industry suppliers (pet travel supplies, microchips, kennels), and veterinary clinics including BOAS-certified assessors. Includes directory listing, networking, and access to industry standards.
• BOAS Fit-to-Fly Assessment Program Certification program developed by IPATA's Research and Development Task Force that trains and certifies veterinarians to perform standardized Fit-to-Fly assessments for brachycephalic (snub-nosed) breeds, identifying pets that should not fly due to respiratory function. Members earn BOAS specialist credentialing for the IPATA directory.
• IPATACon Annual Conference Three-day educational industry conference with speakers from major cargo airlines, BOAS and regulatory sessions, airline partner meetings, gala events, and IPATA award presentations including Lifetime Achievement, Excellence, Best Operational Service Provider, and Best Pet Shipping Airline awards.
• IPATA Regional Meetings Smaller regional gatherings held in the Americas, Asia/Oceania, Europe, and Middle East/Africa to unite members around common regional goals and foster industry collaboration.

Quantifiable outcome

• Less than 5% of brachycephalic dogs are severely affected by BOAS and should not fly

Named customers10 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

20 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Lufthansa Cargo AGcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 3 November 2025Lufthansa Cargo is a key airline partner in IPATA's network, providing air cargo services for pet transportation across Europe. Awarded Best Pet Shipping Airline for Europe Region at the 47th Annual IPATA Conference in 2025.
• Air Canada CargocoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 3 November 2025Air Canada Cargo provides pet shipping airline services and is an Associate Member of IPATA. Awarded Best Pet Shipping Airline for the Americas Region at the 47th Annual IPATA Conference in 2025.
• Emirates SkyCargocoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 3 November 2025Emirates SkyCargo provides specialized animal care products and pet transport services. Awarded Best Pet Shipping Airline for both Asia/Oceania and Middle East/Africa Regions at the 47th Annual IPATA Conference.
• Qatar Airways CargocoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 3 November 2025Qatar Airways Cargo provides air freight services for live animals including horses, household pets, livestock, and exotic animals. Features a 4,200 square meter air-conditioned live animal facility in Doha with dedicated holding areas and 24/7 veterinary care.
• Delta Air Lines CargocoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorDelta Air Lines provides pet shipping services and is a long-standing airline partner represented at IPATA conferences and events.
• WestJet Airlines CargocoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorWestJet Airlines provides cargo services for pet transportation and is an Associate Member of IPATA.
• IATA (International Air Transport Association)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerIATA develops the Live Animals Regulations (LAR) which IPATA members must comply with. IPATA promotes IATA's CEIV Live Animals Program and LAR Distance Learning Course as part of their certification initiatives.
• The ARK at JFKminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAirport holding facility for animals at JFK International Airport, providing temporary accommodation and care for animals in transit.
• American Kennel Club (AKC)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFounded in 1884, AKC is a non-partisan not-for-profit purebred dog registry dedicated to promoting responsible dog ownership. Partnered as an industry-related organization.
• Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council (PIJAC)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational watchdog organization that monitors legislation regarding pets and pet ownership at local, state, and national level. IPATA works with PIJAC on industry advocacy.
• Animal Transportation Association (ATA)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerATA provides opportunities for individuals and businesses involved in animal transportation to network, share research, and encourage uniform international regulations. IPATA and ATA collaborate on industry standards.
• Air France KLM Martinair CargocoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAir France KLM provides safe and comfortable air transportation for many species of live animals on their global network, with a world-class animal hotel at Amsterdam airport.
• Malaysian Airlines (MASkargo)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMASkargo operates The Animal Hotel at Kuala Lumpur airport, a 24-hour facility with on-call veterinarian for all kinds of animals including horses, tigers, fish, birds, reptiles, and elephants.
• Swiss WorldCargominorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSwiss WorldCargo offers SWISS Live Animals, a specialized solution for transporting a wide range of live animals including tropical fish, zoo inhabitants, pets, and more, with dedicated animal rooms at Zurich hub.
• Turkish CargocoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorTurkish Cargo holds CEIV Live Animals Certificate and operates to 132 countries. Aspiring to rank among top three air cargo brands globally, they are committed to transporting live animals in accordance with IATA LAR.
• American Airlines CargocoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAmerican Airlines Cargo provides animal transport services and is represented at IPATA conferences and events as an Associate Member airline.
• Alaska Air CargocoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAlaska Airlines provides pet shipping services and is represented at IPATA conferences as an Associate Member airline.
• Coppersmith Global LogisticsminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCustoms brokerage firm with 9 wholly owned offices in U.S. gateway cities. Family owned for over 73 years, providing import customs clearance services nationwide with pet specialists.
• PetmateminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPetmate manufactures Sky Kennel and Vari Kennel lines in Arlington, Texas. Offers exclusive pricing programs for IPATA members on pet travel supplies including crates and kennels.
• IAG Cargo (British Airways/Iberia/Aer Lingus/Level)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorIAG Cargo provides pet shipping services across British Airways, Iberia, Aer Lingus, and Level networks. Long-standing IPATA airline partner represented at conferences.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council (PIJAC): U.S. pet industry watchdog monitoring legislation on pets and pet ownership. Already a listed IPATA partner, with overlapping association structure and government-advocacy mission.
• International Pet Industry Council (IPIC): A global umbrella forum for pet industry associations across regions. Comparable non-profit, membership-driven international body whose remit overlaps with IPATA's cross-border pet ecosystem mandate.
• Animal Transportation Association (ATA): Global association for live animal transport by air, land, and sea. Most directly comparable trade body to IPATA, with overlapping membership in airlines and animal logistics providers; IPATA even lists ATA as a partner organization.

Broad incumbents

• IATA (International Air Transport Association): The global airline industry body that develops the Live Animals Regulations (LAR) which IPATA members must follow. Not pet-specific, but the upstream rule-maker whose standards shape IPATA's certification programs.
• American Kennel Club (AKC): The largest purebred dog registry in the U.S. and a listed IPATA partner. Comparable non-profit member-based structure with similar advocacy and event-driven engagement, though focused on breed registration rather than transport.
• American Pet Products Association (APPA): The largest U.S. pet industry trade association covering products, services, and retail. Comparable non-profit association model but focused on pet ownership broadly rather than transport specifically.
• World Pet Association (WPA): Producer of SuperZoo and other pet industry trade events. Comparable non-profit association model anchored by a flagship annual trade show, similar to IPATACon's role in the pet transport niche.

Regional players

• FEDIAF (European Pet Food Industry Federation): The pan-European pet industry trade body covering pet food and care. Comparable non-profit association model serving the pet ecosystem, with strong overlap on regulatory advocacy in EU jurisdictions where IPATA's members operate.
• Pet Industry Federation (PIF, UK): UK trade association for the pet industry, including pet retailers, groomers, and service providers. Comparable member-based association structure with similar conference, directory, and certification DNA but U.K.-centric scope.

Others

• PetCareRx / Pet Health Industry Coalition equivalents: American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) is a veterinary standards body whose accreditation model (training, certification, member standards) closely mirrors IPATA's BOAS certification approach for vets and shippers.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/thepetshippingexperts
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/ipata

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Official IPATA Group