This week, Qatar Airways Cargo has unveiled its new live animal handling facility to the media, which is now the largest in the world in terms of size. Mark Drusch, the recently appointed chief officer cargo, has a strong commitment to animal welfare, stemming from his background as a board member for two US zoos. This new facility sets a high standard for the treatment of animals in transit.
With an on-site vet available 24/7, Qatar Airways has a team of four to five professionals dedicated to caring for pets during their journey. The facility features 140 dog kennels and 40 cat kennels, equipped with a ‘Kennel Calculator Tool’ to ensure compliance with IATA’S live animal regulations.
In addition to the pet accommodations, the facility houses 24 stables across four zones, catering to the transportation needs of horses. The upgraded padded floors in the horse stables aim to reduce stress by minimizing hoof noise, a lesson learned from the previous facility.
Given the significant horse transport market in the Middle East, Qatar Airways Cargo transported 10,000 horses last year. The Doha Hamad Airport serves as a key transhipment point for animals, with the facility offering ULD rooms for efficient handling of ‘break and build’ shipments.
Furthermore, the carrier provides amenities such as temperature-controlled rooms for animals with short layovers and dedicated spaces for vet checks and exercise for those with longer stays. The facility also includes a ‘groomer’s room’ for the comfort of the animal handling staff during their shifts.
