MONTREAL — Air Canada is the first airline to receive IATA recertification for the safe transportation of live animals.

Air Canada was awarded the Center of Excellence for Independent Validators for Live Animals Logistics (CEIV Live Animals) certificate.

In 2021, Air Canada Cargo safely transported over 11,500 different animal shipments across its network.

“We are very proud to be recognized for our work in operating to the highest global standards for the worldwide transport of all live animals, and being the first airline to be re-certificated continues to position Air Canada Cargo as an industry leader. Every year, we expertly and safely handle thousands of complex shipments, from rescued dogs, endangered animals transported in conservation efforts and, of course, family pets. Air Canada Cargo’s dedicated employees handling animals are specially-trained, and I thank them for their diligence in treating all animals as precious cargo while in our care,” said Jason Berry, VP, Cargo at Air Canada.

Air Canada was the first airline to receive the CEIV Live Animals certification in 2018, a standardized global certification program to improve and reinforce the safety and welfare of animals travelling by air.

As part of the recertification process, a thorough audit was conducted by IATA’s specialists, who reviewed Air Canada Cargo’s live animal transport policies and procedures.

Compliance with the IATA Live Animal Regulations (LAR) was fully reviewed as was compliance with protocols like the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).