JFK Port Security

The ARK at JFK plays a critical role in safeguarding the JFK Port and the United States from unwanted security incursions or breaches. The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey has granted The ARK and its personnel the exclusive right to provide a variety of animal handling, veterinary, and kenneling services at JFK International Airport. The ARK facility is located opposite Passenger Terminal 7, directly on the ramp/tarmac to facilitate more efficient and humane handling of animals traveling through JFK.

Portions of The ARK have been designated by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) as a bonded warehouse or Container Freight Station (CFS). The ARK holds both a Type 2 and Type 3 bond allowing the facility access to CBP’s Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) Air Automated Manifest System (AMS) under its unique FIRMS code, to track imports of AVI (live animals) and confirm clearance status and other agency updates. A sophisticated security system ensures that entrance is granted only to employees and authorized visitors. All employees are subject to Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and CBP background checks and hold Security Identification Display Area (SIDA) badges with U.S. Customs seals and attend ongoing security training to obtain various airside privileges. Visitors to The ARK must submit required proof of identification to be escorted airside and be vetted by CBP 72-hours in advance prior to being escorted into bonded areas.

In addition to creating a more humane and safe equine transfer process, The ARK at JFK greatly enhances security on the tarmac at JFK during equine arrivals and departures by eliminating the need for outside transportation vehicles and non-JFK authorized personnel to be present plane-side during the loading and unloading of horse stalls from the plane. Upon import, horses are settled into the USDA-approved ARK Import Quarantine within minutes of unloading from the plane, enabling veterinary review and the required blood-drawing to occur within a climate controlled and secure environment. Horses and livestock departing the United States, or being exported, load directly into transportation stalls from the facility, greatly improving efficiency for animals and handlers alike.

The ARK Pet Oasis provides critical shelter and handling for companion animals awaiting examination and definitive determination of entry status from CDC/USDA/CBP. Small animals may be securely transferred in-bond to The ARK’s FIRMs code, EAC1. During their stay, they are accommodated in spacious kennels and afforded care and attention by experienced animal handlers. While reducing risks for the carriers (animals need not wait in cargo warehouses or rooms), this process improves import security and chain of custody for CBP and CDC.

abstract technology security on global network background vector illustration

Biosecurity – What It Is and Why It’s Important

The ARK at JFK conducts its operations in compliance with rigorous and stringent biosecurity practices and protocols developed by Cornell University’s College of Veterinary Medicine. These operating procedures are designed to protect the U.S. against the introduction of foreign, emerging or zoonotic (transmittable to human) animal diseases or pests and contaminants either accidentally or intentionally.

Biosecurity practices are embedded into all aspects of The ARK’s operations, from review of imported animal health documentation to hygienic animal handling practices, to cleaning and disinfecting animal accommodation areas and equipment, to quarantine shower-in and shower-out, to incineration of animal waste. The implementation and application of the The ARK’s biosecurity protocols are regularly reviewed by trained personnel. The floors and walls of animal handling areas are coated with a patented epoxy finish that both resists contamination and facilitates cleaning with required disinfection agents. The ARK at JFK is the first facility of its kind to be approved to utilize VIROX’s Accelerated Hydrogen Peroxide® based disinfectant Intervention® for equine operations and Rescue® for all small animal. These products are not only environmentally sustainable but are safe for humans and animals alike.

Biosecurity at our borders is critical to protecting our nation’s citizens, its agricultural assets and the environment from the negative impact of pathogens. Imported animals and accompanying feed, tack, equipment and soft goods contaminated accidentally or intentionally have the potential to create major disruption to domestic and international trade markets, transportation, as well as food safety and security.

Intervention Logo
Rescue Logo