April 2024
As a Member of the International Pet & Animal Transportation Association, I recognize that in order to fulfill my obligations to the animals in my care, to my customers and to the animal transportation industry by all modes of transport, my business must be governed by honorable standards and to represent and support IPATA’s policies and procedures in a cordial manner, addressing any concerns in a professional and respectful way.
Therefore, I pledge:
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To provide the highest standard of care for the animals entrusted to me, being constantly attentive to their security, safety and well-being, and to place their welfare above all other business concerns which includes a strong recommendation to have a BOAS Fit-To-Fly assessment done on all high-risk breeds as defined in the BOAS Assessment Program before shipping, regardless of the carrier’s requirement.
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To obey all applicable International, Federal, State and Local laws as well as licensing and insurance requirements governing animal care and transportation.
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To follow the IATA Live Animals Regulations (LAR) minimum standards for shipping and handling of animals which includes following the IATA recommendations regarding documentation, tranquilization/sedation, crating, care and handling during air transport.
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To follow the animal welfare regulations of all countries involved (origin, transit and destination) as it relates to the care and handling of animals during transport.
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To not knowingly transport an animal that does not comply with all airline or country requirements; to avoid participation of any kind in falsifying documents or circumventing import requirements that undermine the health and security of the destination country.
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To respect the issuing and registration of all patents, trademarks and copyrights.
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To deal professionally in accordance with the instructions from the hiring agent.
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To deal honestly and fairly with my colleagues and with the general public.
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To represent my products and services fairly and honestly.
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To avoid any slander, defamation or threat against any involved party and to avoid unfair competitive practices, actions or business practices in general which would result in dishonor upon or distrust of my colleagues, IPATA or the animal transportation industry in general.
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To comply with IPATA’s Competition Law and Anti-Trust Policy which prohibits competitors from agreeing on prices they will charge, products they offer, customers they serve or markets in which they will compete and discussing any such information in person, by telephone, email or social media.
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To invoice all accounts promptly and to pay all accounts due according to the terms agreed upon.If no terms were agreed, payment should be made no later than 30 days from invoice date.
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To respond within 15 days to any notification by the IPATA Ethics Committee of a filed complaint.
I understand that, as a member in good standing, I may display the IPATA MEMBER logo on my promotional materials and website after I have completed my provisional year of membership. I understand that IPATA does not “endorse” any IPATA member and that IPATA has the right to require changes to any promotional materials or website that incorrectly makes reference to the relationship between IPATA and a member. If my company status changes, through termination of membership or non-payment of dues, and I am no longer a current member of IPATA, I understand that it will be my responsibility to remove the IPATA MEMBER logo and reference to IPATA membership from my website and promotional materials immediately.
It is understood that each IPATA member company is individually owned and operated. As such, each is responsible for establishing their own business practices related to policies, pricing, payment terms and customer service.
Each member is responsible for resolving complaints directly with clients or other IPATA members. If complaints are filed directly with IPATA, the member will be notified of the complaint so that it can be resolved either through direct negotiation with the complaining party or through appropriate legal channels. It is understood that the membership status of a current member may be referred to the Ethics Committee for violations of the above Code of Ethics and membership may be revoked or other appropriate penalties applied for just cause.
