Need Help?
Global Standards Ensuring Safe, Humane, and Compliant Air Transport for All Species
Live animals are transported by air for speed and welfare reasons. However, strict, species-specific procedures, containers, and controls are required to ensure their safety, humane treatment, and compliance with international standards.
The IATA Live Animals Regulations (LAR) are the worldwide standard for transporting live animals by commercial airlines. Whether it is a pet, an animal transported for zoological or agricultural purposes or for any other reason, the objective of the IATA LAR is to ensure that all animals are transported safely and humanely by air.
The new edition of the IATA LAR is in effect as of 1 January 2026.
Need Help?
Why Live Animal Transport Matters
Transporting live animals by air is one of the most specialized and sensitive areas of cargo operations. Unlike general cargo, live animals require continuous attention to their welfare, safety, and comfort throughout every stage of the journey. Proper transport practices help minimize stress, prevent injury, maintain animal health, and ensure that species-specific needs are met from origin to destination.
Successful live animal transport depends on careful planning, trained personnel, suitable facilities, and coordinated handling procedures. Factors such as temperature, ventilation, hydration, journey duration, and container suitability all play a critical role in protecting animal welfare. Effective transport processes not only support humane treatment of animals but also enhance operational reliability, reduce risks, and ensure compliance with industry and regulatory requirements.
How Live Animal Transport Integrates into Cargo Processes and Operations
Live animal transport is part of everyday cargo operations and requires coordination between landside and airside teams. From the moment animals arrive at the facility, handlers must check their condition, review documentation, inspect transport containers, and confirm that environmental conditions are suitable.
Within the cargo facility, animals must be moved and housed safely while being monitored for temperature, ventilation, and overall welfare. On the airside, teams must ensure animals are loaded correctly, containers are secured, and procedures are followed to maintain their safety during the flight.
As part of the Master Operating Plan (MOP), live animal transport procedures help ensure consistent handling and clear communication across all teams. This supports animal welfare while maintaining safe and efficient cargo operations.
Today, cargo operations support every stage of the live animal transport process, from acceptance and handling to aircraft loading and arrival. Through proper care, environmental controls, and coordinated procedures, cargo teams help ensure animals are transported safely, humanely, and efficiently.
The IATA LAR is embedded at every step, from acceptance to loading, ensuring animal welfare, safety, and consistent coordination across cargo operations.
Frequently Used IATA LAR Documentation
- Live Animal Acceptance Checklist (pdf)
- Excess Baggage Live Animal Acceptance Checklist (pdf)
- In-Cabin Live Animal Acceptance Checklist (pdf)
Traveler's Pet Corner
Detailed information on the transportation of your cat or dog by air is available on the Traveler's Pet Corner.
Live Animals and Perishables Board
IATA ensures that both safety and animal welfare are addressed in all regulatory issues pertaining to the transportation of live animals by air. IATA coordinates the Live Animals and Perishables Board (LAPB) and provides key input to the airline industry on issues such as animal welfare, identification, and animal behavior based on modern science. It is the role of governments to set and enforce the rules concerning the transportation of live animals. IATA, however, publishes the Live Animals Regulations, which all IATA members are expected to adhere to. These regulations are there to ensure that live animals are handled and transported in such a way that their welfare is top of mind by all parties involved and that they always travel in safe, healthy, and humane conditions.