From here to there, and there to here, we make sure your animal receives outstanding care

The ARK is the only approved animal care facility for JFK airport by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. The ARK at JFK is an active bonded Container Freight Station (CFS) participating in the ACE Cargo Release Program. Open 24/7 to support airlines with any delays, cancellations, or holds.

US customs and boarder protection security area
  • Utilize The ARK’s firms code: EAC1 for any transfer of animals. See official CBP Pipeline
  • ARK employees are SIDA trained and badged.
  • All ARK vehicles are branded, temperature controlled, and have PANYNJ plates authorized for ramp transport. Drivers are certified by the PANYNJ and are authorized to escort essential personnel airside.
  • Direct airside access with color-coded doors allows for easy pick-up and drop-off of animals.
  • IATA travel crates #100-#700 with extender kits available for sale.

ARK PET OASIS - Dedicated to the Welfare of In-Transit Pets

Air travel for pets can be a complex and difficult process. Throughout North and South America, pets transported as live animal cargo and excess baggage spend hours pre- and post-flight confined in their transport crates, sitting in a cargo warehouse without food, water or relief. ARK Pet Oasis seeks to mitigate both the pet parent’s and the animal’s concern and anxiety. While we cannot change your traveling pet’s experience while in flight aboard the aircraft, studies have shown that the superlative care provided pre- and post flight greatly reduces the stress of travel. ARK Pet Oasis serves as a central resource available to all airlines, pet shippers and pet parents 24/7, servicing the needs and promoting the welfare of companion animals travelling as live cargo.

ARK Pet Oasis

ARK Pet Oasis is the first facility of its kind in North America. A central resource available to all airlines, pet shippers and pet parents 24/7, it services the needs and promotes the welfare of all pets traveling as live animal cargo.

We ensure that all in-transit companion animals receive rest and care upon arrival, departure and in-between domestic and international flights.

Special design features include:

  • Airside location for direct access to aircraft
  • Proprietary ARK-branded vans for safe transport of pets to and from aircraft
  • Ample parking for drop-off or pick-up of your animals
  • Veterinary triage area for acute medical care
  • 100% air exchange
  • Isolation kennels and quarantine rooms for infectious animals
  • Thorough cleaning and disinfection protocols to prevent transmission of illness
  • Sound panels to absorb excess noise
  • Dedicated outdoor relief area for dogs
  • 47 dog kennels
  • 12 cat kennels

    Pre-departure:

  • oasis-paw-iconDelivery of vaccines, micro-chipping and preparation of health documents provided on-site by USDA-certified veterinarians (appointment only)

  • Airline crate compliance check and education on crate best practices

  • Crate sales

  • Airline check-in and review of travel and health documentation

  • Coordination with airlines for accurate flight departure times

  • Just-in-time delivery to the aircraft in official ARK vehicles. No more waiting in hot or cold cargo facilities!

  • Animal relief, feeding and watering

  • Unique ARK ID to ensure your animal departs on the correct flight

    Upon Arrival:

  • As a U.S. Customs bonded warehouse, our staff can relieve and care for all inbound international animals immediately post-flight, even if they are awaiting to clear U.S. Customs and Border Protection requirements.


  • U.S. Customs clearing option, to assure your pet clears Customs “wheels up,” or before they land at JFK


  • Animal relief, crate cleaning and basic grooming, feeding and watering


  • Veterinary care, if deemed necessary, provided on-site


  • Pet photo and report emailed to you to communicate your pet’s well-being (extra charge)


  • Any required isolation or self-quarantine (depending on country of origin)

    In-Transit:

  • Animal relief, crate evaluation and cleaning, and basic grooming for pets during layovers

  • Provide U.S. Customs clearance as the first port of entry into the United States (optional)

  • Coordination of arriving and departing flights

  • All other services above, as needed

Resources:

Before you fly, please check the United States Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service’s (USDA APHIS) Pet Travel website for all health requirements, both domestically and internationally and IATA Traveler’s Pet Corner for acceptable crate sizes and dimensions for dogs and cats. Also, contact your airline for all information.

Equine Export

The welcoming Equine and Livestock Export Center is a USDA-approved rest and inspection facility, staffed by experienced and dedicated grooms that understand the unique demands of equine care. We have created a special environment to put owners, grooms and most importantly, our equine guests at ease before they catch their next international flight.

female horse trainer holds reigns of race horse in holding facility

  • equine-hoof-icon(23) individual 12×12 stalls with non-slip flooring, high quality timothy hay, access to fresh water, and ample bedding

  • equine-hoof-iconDirect loading from landside transportation (trailers) into export stalls

  • equine-hoof-iconAround the clock supervision and care by knowledgeable, experienced and dedicated equine staff

  • equine-hoof-iconPre-approved grooms and handlers can have access to their horses while at The ARK

  • equine-hoof-iconMore efficient and safe movement: Indoor USDA pre-departure medical check and direct loading into jet stalls for departure

  • equine-hoof-iconGrooming upon arrival and prior to departure, as well as other special services upon request

  • equine-hoof-icon24/7 observation by experienced staff

  • equine-hoof-icon24/7 Emergency care by Veterinary Services at JFK. Cornell Ruffian Equine Specialists are also less than 7 miles from The ARK

  • equine-hoof-iconEnhanced biosecurity protocols in place to prevent disease transmission

Equine Import & Quarantine

Importing horses can be stressful for owner, agent and animal. Our specialty USDA-approved Equine Import and Quarantine center is the first of its kind in the United States. Focused on safety, efficiency in process and comfort, our goal is to provide the highest level of care for your precious cargo, so your horses get to where they are going and leave healthy and happy.

Horse with colt

  • (48) 12×12 individual climate-controlled stalls

  • Non-slip, Padenpor flooring, and epoxy covered walls

  • Natural lighting to accommodate circadian rhythm

  • 100% air exchange and negative pressure transfer to prevent re-circulation

  • Ante-room for each horse’s equipment and supplies

  • Twice (2x) daily feedings with high quality timothy hay and special feed upon request

  • 24/7 observation by experienced staff

  • Direct loading from jet stalls into quarantine, by specially designed ARK vehicles

  • Daily grooming and hand walking upon request

  • Bio-security oversight by Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine

Aviary & In-Transit Animals

Birds of a different feather require unique care and handling. The ARK Aviary & In-Transit Animal Facility can accommodate commercial and individual shipments of birds, non-domesticated mammals, and exotic animals. USDA-approved team members are always on-site to ensure these delicate creatures are appropriately cared for at every turn of their stay.

Four birds on a perch

  • The ARK can provide care for commercial shipments of birds and other non-domesticated animals transiting through JFK, LGA, and EWR

  • Temperature controlled and quiet holding areas

  • Approved coordinator for specialty live animal shipments through JFK

  • Coordination with government agencies such as US Fish & Wildlife, USDA, and CBP for required inspections and clearance

  • Planeside transportation to minimize stress and movement within JFK