Global air and travel services provider dnata claims it has ensured the safe transportation of over 6,500 animals through its Animal Care and Inspection Centre (ACIC) at Brussels Airport (BRU) between 2023 and during 2024 so far.

The state-of-the-art ACIC, a 2,000 sqm facility dedicated to the secure handling of live animals, received the International Air Transport Association’s (IATA) Centre of Excellence for Independent Validators (CEIV) certification in 2022 for its superior live animal handling processes.

Stef van Binst, managing director of dnata Belgium, said: “We are proud to provide globally recognised, safe and reliable live animal handling services at Brussels, consistently delivering best-in-class services to our customers and owners who are naturally anxious about their pet’s wellbeing while travelling.

“In close cooperation with our partners and authorities, we will continue to invest in our operations and world-class facilities to ensure travel comfort for our animal guests.”

Upon arrival at the ACIC, dnata’s handlers carry out thorough paperwork reviews and security checks and ensure the animals are comfortable with adjustable temperature and light controls.

Dogs are walked regularly in the special export garden, while cats are provided with a litter box. A veterinarian is available to address any signs of distress.

dnata’s animal handling team follow IATA’s Live Animals Regulations (LAR) to ensure the humane and safe transport of animals.

The team is also skilled in building crates for larger animals and operates under stringent regulations to ensure pets remain calm and comfortable during transit.

In 2023 and during 2024 so far, dnata’s ACIC facility has handled over 1,000 dogs, including police dogs, and imported over 4,000 boxes of pet fish, along with various reptiles and spiders.

dnata operates with a team of 140 aviation professionals at Brussels Airport, managing over 100,000 tonnes of cargo annually.

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