What IPATA Is
IPATA (the International Pet and Animal Transportation Association) is a trade association for professional pet shipping companies. Membership isn't a government requirement to ship a pet, but it signals that a company has agreed to certain industry standards and has experience navigating international pet travel logistics.
Why It's Worth Checking
Pet shipping is a largely unregulated industry in many places, which means quality and reliability vary widely between companies. IPATA membership is one signal — not a guarantee — that a company has relevant experience and accountability within the industry.
Examples of IPATA-Member Companies
Companies like Starwood Pet Travel, Jetpets, and PetAir UK are examples of IPATA members that specialize in different regions and types of moves — always confirm current membership status directly with the company or IPATA rather than relying solely on a website badge, since membership can change.
Questions to Ask Any Pet Shipper
- Can you confirm your current IPATA membership directly?
- What's your specific experience with my destination country?
- What's included in your quote, and what happens if something is delayed?
- Can you provide references from recent clients who shipped to a similar destination?
IPATA membership is a helpful signal, not a substitute for doing your own due diligence on any specific company before hiring them.