JFK Debuts The Ark at JFK

Feb 26, 2017

What:
A new facility for animals has opened at New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK). The ARK at JFK bills itself as “the world’s first privately owned 24/7 animal airport terminal, quarantine (pending USDA approval) and full-service transportation center for the import and export of animals of all sizes and types.” The center, which will be open 24 hours per day, including weekends and holidays, aims to provide pre- and post-travel care and veterinary services for all animals traveling as cargo or excess baggage, from companion animals to birds and livestock.

Why It Matters:
Whether it’s a lap dog or a Clydesdale horse, there’s a lot that goes into the transport of an animal — including the worry over whether it will be humanely treated in the process. Now, agents can help put clients’ minds to rest by suggesting The Ark at JFK, which will hopefully set the standard for high-quality, safe and compassionate animal transport services.

Fast Facts:
- Phase 1 services include The ARK Pet Oasis, Equine & Livestock Export Center and Aviary In-Transit Quarantine.

- Phase 2 is expected to take place in the second quarter of this year and will include a full-service ARK Import-Export Center featuring equine quarantine/import, a Grooms’ Lounge and The ARK Aviary.

- The ARK at JFK is slated to become fully operational this summer. Phase 3 services, operated by sub-tenants, will include a full veterinary clinic, a veterinary blood laboratory and a pet boarding and grooming facility.

- The ARK Pet Oasis is a resource available to all airlines, pet shippers and pet owners. The ARK at JFK Equine and Livestock Export Center provides essential resting stalls for horses and livestock departing JFK. The In-Transit Aviary Quarantine provides isolation rooms in a bonded warehouse, enabling commercial shippers to schedule several hours to overnight rest stops for birds traveling through the U.S.

- Travelers can state on their waybill that their animal is to be taken to ARK at JFK if there is a delay or stopover.

What They are Saying:
“The opening of The ARK Pet Oasis, In-Transit Aviary Center and Equine & Livestock Export Center marks the inaugural opening phase of The ARK at JFK,” said John J. Cuticelli, Jr., founder and chairman of ARK Development/The ARK at JFK. “Four years ago, we embarked on this process to address the unmet needs for the import and export of companion, sporting and agricultural animals at JFK. Transporting live cargo by plane can be a complex and arduous process for owners and animals alike. Our goal is to create a more efficient and safe process by reducing the need for additional travel and offering trained animal care staff immediately pre- and post-flight. The ARK provides a healthy and comfortable environment, and sets new international airport standards for comprehensive veterinary, kenneling and quarantine services.”