Official IPATA Group
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.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1979
- HeadquartersHawkins, United States
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
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.
Official IPATA Group firmographics
Firmographics- 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
Official IPATA Group industry classification
Industry- 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
Where Official IPATA Group is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Hawkins
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices2 records
Markets served
Official IPATA Group business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- 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.
- 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
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription | Annual | Active Member - Pet Shippers |
| Subscription | Annual | Associate Member - Airlines |
| Subscription | Annual | Associate Member - Government |
| Subscription | Annual | Associate Member - Industry Suppliers |
| Subscription | Annual | Associate Member - Vets and Clinic |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels7 records
Official IPATA Group product offering
Product offeringCore 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
Companies that use Official IPATA Group
Customer profileNamed customers10 records
Segments5 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
Official IPATA Group technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature3 records
Official IPATA Group partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
20 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- Lufthansa Cargo AGcoreLufthansa 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 CargocoreAir 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 SkyCargocoreEmirates 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 CargocoreQatar 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 CargocoreDelta Air Lines provides pet shipping services and is a long-standing airline partner represented at IPATA conferences and events.
- WestJet Airlines CargocoreWestJet Airlines provides cargo services for pet transportation and is an Associate Member of IPATA.
- IATA (International Air Transport Association)coreIATA 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 JFKminorAirport holding facility for animals at JFK International Airport, providing temporary accommodation and care for animals in transit.
- American Kennel Club (AKC)minorFounded 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)minorNational 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)minorATA 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 CargocoreAir 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)minorMASkargo 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 WorldCargominorSwiss 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 CargocoreTurkish 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 CargocoreAmerican Airlines Cargo provides animal transport services and is represented at IPATA conferences and events as an Associate Member airline.
- Alaska Air CargocoreAlaska Airlines provides pet shipping services and is represented at IPATA conferences as an Associate Member airline.
- Coppersmith Global LogisticsminorCustoms 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.
- PetmateminorPetmate 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)coreIAG 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
Official IPATA Group competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect 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
Official IPATA Group social profiles
Digital presenceOfficial IPATA Group financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Official IPATA Group leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles1 record
Official IPATA Group funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Official IPATA Group M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Official IPATA Group
What does Official IPATA Group do?
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.
Is Official IPATA Group a public or private company?
Official IPATA Group is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was Official IPATA Group founded?
Official IPATA Group was founded in 1979. It employs 1 to 10 people.
Where is Official IPATA Group based?
Official IPATA Group is headquartered in Hawkins, United States, in the North America region.
How does Official IPATA Group make money?
Two revenue lines are on record. Membership Dues are the primary driver. The others are conference and Event Registration.
Who are Official IPATA Group's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council (PIJAC), International Pet Industry Council (IPIC) and Animal Transportation Association (ATA). Broad incumbents are IATA (International Air Transport Association), American Kennel Club (AKC), American Pet Products Association (APPA) and World Pet Association (WPA). Regional players are FEDIAF (European Pet Food Industry Federation) and Pet Industry Federation (PIF, UK). PetCareRx / Pet Health Industry Coalition equivalents is listed as an others.
Does Official IPATA Group have an API?
No public API is recorded for Official IPATA Group.
What industry is Official IPATA Group in?
Official IPATA Group's product category is Trade Association Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is HSAKACAI, Pet International Relocation & Quarantine Handling, with a secondary code of TLACAJAD, Live Animals & Animal Products Forwarding (AVI). Its NAICS code is 81291 and its SIC code is 8600.