The City of London Corporation’s Heathrow Animal Reception Centre (HARC) has secured its third consecutive International Air Transport Association (IATA) CEIV Live Animals re-certification, reaffirming the facility’s position as a leading centre for the safe and humane transportation of live animals by air.
The internationally recognised accreditation provides independent confirmation that HARC continues to meet the highest global standards covering animal welfare, specialist handling facilities, staff training and operational excellence.
The latest re-certification follows an independent assessment of the centre’s facilities, procedures, staff expertise and compliance with regulatory requirements.
Based at Heathrow Airport, HARC plays a critical role in protecting the UK’s biosecurity. Its teams carry out health and welfare checks on animals entering the country, ranging from family pets and livestock to zoo animals and exotic species.
The centre’s work is also essential in helping prevent the spread of diseases such as rabies, while ensuring that animals arriving in the UK meet strict welfare requirements.
HARC holds a unique position within Europe as the continent’s only CEIV Live Animals-certified Border Control Post. It is also the UK’s only Live Animal Border Control Post designated to handle all species.
Situated on the perimeter of Heathrow Airport, the facility enforces UK and international import regulations and works closely with airlines to maintain high standards of animal welfare throughout the transportation process.
The scale of its operations is significant. HARC cares for millions of animals every year, including thousands of pets, hundreds of horses, as well as millions of fish, reptiles and invertebrates.
Peter Dunphy MBE, Chair of the City of London Corporation’s Port Health and Environmental Services Committee, said there could be no compromise when it comes to animal welfare.
“When it comes to animal welfare, there is no room for compromise, and HARC is setting the international benchmark for the safe and humane transport of animals by air,” he said.
“Achieving our third CEIV Live Animals re-certification is an important endorsement of the expertise and dedication of our staff, who continue to deliver the gold standard of care for animals travelling through one of the world’s busiest airports.”
Brendan Sullivan, Global Head of Cargo at IATA, also congratulated HARC on securing its third CEIV Live Animals certification.
“As Europe’s only CEIV Live Animals-certified Border Control Post, HARC is leading by example and helping to raise standard for the safe, healthy and humane transport of animals,” Sullivan said.
