World’s First Animal Terminal, The ARK, Now Open at JFK International Airport

By: Brittany Bevis

If you’re a regular EquineChronicle.com reader, you might remember a story we reported on back in 2015 about plans to build the World’s first animal airport terminal at JFK International Airport in New York City. Phase I of the project opened its doors yesterday offering an in-transit pet center, aviary center, and horse and livestock departure facility.

Phase II is expected to open later in 2017, which will include the full-service import/export center with Equine Quarantine/Import, Grooms’ Lounge, and ARK Aviary. Phase III will include additional onsite services such as a veterinary clinic, blood laboratory, and a pet boarding and grooming facility.

What is The ARK? Think Noah’s Ark, but with the latest in technological advances and all the comforts of home for your furry, four-legged, family members! The Equine and Livestock Export Center is equipped with 23 individual 12′ x 12′ stalls that have been outfitted with steel-framed, open airway, front stall doors, non-slip flooring, and high quality hay and bedding. This spacious and modern equine facility serves as a stopping point for equines and other livestock that are traveling either domestic or international.

All animal handling activity can occur indoors or under cover, improving comfort and safety for both humans and animals. A reserved parking and trailer drop-off area optimizes agent ground transportation for easy animal unloading. Additionally, a lounge area (opening Q1 2017) will offer rest and comfort for all horse grooms pre-departure. – The ARK

John J. Cuticelli, Jr. CEO, Racebrook and Founder and Chairman of ARK Development is aware of how stressful air travel can be for pets and competition animals. “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.”

For more information about the world’s first, privately-owned, 24-hour animal terminal, and airport quarantine center, The ARK at JFK, check out the fast facts below.

The ARK Pet Oasis

The ARK Pet Oasis services the needs and promote the welfare of all furry companions traveling as live animal cargo, including:

• Educating pet parents on travel requirements.
• Micro-chipping pets pre-travel.
• Evaluation of readiness to fly, ensure that documents and crates meet IATA and specific airline standards.  Provision of food and water as needed, pre-flight relief.
• Just-in-time pick-up and delivery directly to/from aircraft in customized and branded vehicles.
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  Photo Credit: The ARK at JFK/AnthonyCollins.nyc

  Reception of animals on inbound flights, evaluation and treatment of any acute medical conditions, crate and animal cleaning, relief, feeding and watering.

• Veterinarian and licensed veterinary technician on call for emergency care.
• U.S. Customs clearing for pets arriving from international origins.
• In-transit quarantine for animals between flights to/from international destinations as needed.
• Individualized identification of animals and crates to ensure that pets depart on correct flight.
• Premium service individual animal reports available including photograph and information on activity.

The ARK at JFK is located at Cargo Building 78 at New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) on 14.4 acres and will fully open in summer 2017. Approved by the Board of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANYNJ), The ARK is being constructed by ARK Development, LLC. The $65 million state-of-the-art facility will provide both airside and landside services, including a USDA-approved import quarantine, in-transit companion, animal kenneling, boarding, and veterinary and diagnostic services.

For more information, visit www.arkjfk.com.