Qatar Airways Cargo opened its new Animal Centre - the world's largest animal facility

Qatar Airways Cargo opened its new Animal Centre - the world's largest animal facility spanning 5,260 square metres and located near Hamad International Airport and the Qatar Airways Aircraft Maintenance Hangar. Qatar Airways Cargo, the world's largest animal carrier, has reinforced its commitment to animal welfare by investing in the new centre. Along with the opening, it relaunched its Next Generation Live offering, which set new standards for live animal transport.

The facility, which has been planned for four and a half years, will provide 24-hour veterinarian care as well as innovative facilities customized to the needs of various animals. It can hold 140 dog kennels and 40 cat kennels. There are also 24 horse stalls, divided into four zones with different airflows for proper segregation. It also contains specialty areas for a variety of animals, including day-old chicks, birds, fish, reptiles, and exotics. 

The Advanced Animal Centre uses cutting-edge technology, such as advanced heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems and several docks, to ensure effective operation. The facility has the capacity for up to 47 Unit Load Device (ULD) positions, allowing it to manage a wide range of animal transportation needs with accuracy and care.

The Next Generation Live product features additional enhancements such as the Kennel Calculator Tool, which predicts the optimal kennel size, assuring comfort and compliance with IATA Live Animals Regulations (LAR); Streamlined Customer Service: Procedures have been streamlined for faster and more efficient customer contacts, with dedicated Control Tower for the most critical shipments. Digitalised IATA LAR Training: Ensures rapid compliance and improves personnel expertise in animal handling. & Pet Card Service: Continues to provide a personal touch by giving updates and images of pets in transportation, hence improving customer experience and peace of mind.