Active Member Requirements
EXPERIENCE: IPATA members are recognized as professionals, providing quality services around the world. It is
recognized that some members are new to the pet shipping industry while others have been transporting family pets
for years. A mentoring program is available to assist all members. This program is especially valuable as a training
tool for those who are new to pet shipping as they establish their own policies and procedures.
All applicants must have the following documents at the time they apply for membership and/or meet the
following requirements:


BUSINESS LICENSE(S): Applicants must provide proof that they are legally registered or licensed to conduct
business in their country and in their state province or city, if applicable. (See IPATA website for License
requirements for countries around the world.) Prospective members will be required to provide the details on
their type of company structure (corporation, sole proprietorship, partnership, etc.), the year the company was
established and the principal owners of the company. Applicants will need to indicate whether they are a
charitable/non-profit organization or a for-profit company.

PET SHIPPING LICENSE: Applicants must provide proof that they are registered or licensed to perform pet
transportation services to the general public and to serve as an intermediate handler receiving pets from their
owners and delivering them to airlines or other transportation companies, if required by their country.
 For U.S. “Active” members, you must be registered with USDA as an Intermediate Handler, Class B Dealer
or Transporter as required under the U.S.’s Animal Welfare Act. For a definition of which type of
registration applies to you, go to USDA Animal Care and refer to "License and Registration Information" for
definitions of animal transporters, intermediate handlers and Class B Dealers. To obtain the registration or
licensing requirements, call the regional Animal Care Office that covers your state. The location and phone
numbers are listed at the very bottom of USDA's Licensing/Registration page.
 For Non USA members, check the licensing requirements on the link above or contact your Ministry of
Agriculture to see if your country requires a license for you to transport pets.
The prospective new member will be required to supply the license numbers, issuing authorities, business name
in which they are listed and expiration dates and a copy of the license.

INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS:
 Auto Insurance: Applicants must have auto insurance (if required by their country) and provide a copy of
the insurance policy or certificate showing the insurance carrier, name of the insured and expiration date.
 Liability Insurance: Applicants must have business liability insurance (if required in by their country) and
provide a copy of the insurance policy or certificate showing the insurance carrier, name of the insured and
expiration date.

Members are required to maintain licenses, permits and insurances current at all times and to update their records
with IPATA on an annual basis when membership dues are paid for the upcoming year.
SERVICES PROVIDED: Applicants currently provide or will provide pet shipping services to the general public.
COMPANY BACKGROUND INFORMATION: At time of application, the company will need to include a
narrative background on their company and their mission statement. Websites may be in a language other than
English but need to also include English text as English is the international language for business transactions.
LETTERS OF REFERENCE: An applicant must provide two letters of reference, including at least one letter of
reference from an IPATA member with whom it has worked in the past. If an applicant has not worked with an
IPATA member, the applicant should provide two letters of reference, a statement that they have not worked with
any IPATA members, and a statement outlining what the applicant would contribute to IPATA as an active member
of the organization and what the applicant expects from an IPATA membership that they do not current have.
FINANCIAL RESOURCES: IPATA members provide services to each other which may involve extension of
credit and payment after services are rendered. This is frequently based on trust and cooperation rather than on credit
checks or payment terms required from the general public. Prospective members are expected to have sound
accounting practices and a solid financial base which will allow them to meet their financial obligations in a timely
manner.
Prospective members are required to agree to follow IPATA’s Membership Criteria, Code of Ethics and By-Laws at
the time they join.
Rev: April 18, 2014
After Your Membership Application Is Accepted
All new applicants join as provisional members for one year, regardless of experience.
 An announcement will be sent to the IPATA membership, with a Membership Information page.
You may include a brief (one – two paragraphs) introduction to your company on that page. There is
a section on Page 4 of the application form where you can provide the narrative you want included
with your introduction to other IPATA members. The focus of your introduction should be on what
services you can provide to other IPATA members.
 Provisional members have access to the MOS (Members Only Section) of the website which includes
Country Profiles, reference materials and other valuable aids for pet shippers. They have free access
to all on-line training modules, are listed in the internal membership directory (which includes
members’ after hours contact details, cell phones, etc.) and are members of the internal group email
list for sharing of shipping information and asking questions.
 Provisional members have a list of mentors available for guidance and direction.
 Provisional members are not listed in the public domain part of the website until they have met all
conditions of the provisional membership and are converted to Active membership at the end of their
provisional year.
 Provisional members will be identified as such in the internal membership directory so that all current
members are aware of the new members.
 During the first year, at least one staff member in the company must complete the Basics Pet
Shipping Proficiency Exam with a minimum score of 80%. If the exam is not satisfactorily
completed during the first year of membership, the provisional member may extend the provisional
membership for a second year.
 When a provisional member passes the proficiency exam, they will receive a certificate with the person’s
name and company name on it. Once a provisional member has received this certificate and completed
their provisional year of membership, its membership will automatically convert to “Active” membership.
The member company will then be included in the list of professional pet shippers in the public domain
part of the website.
 If the exam is not satisfactorily completed within two years of membership, the provisional membership
will be cancelled. However, the applicant may reapply for membership at a later date. At this time, the
applicant will begin the process again as a new applicant, which will re-start the timetable. The applicant
must pay all applicable fees.
 There are training modules provided in the Members Only Section that contains content covered in the
Proficiency Exam.
IPATA Membership Information
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IPATA MEMBER RESPONSIBILITIES
(Membership Criteria)
Implemented by IPATA’s Board of Directors, December 4, 2008
1. It is agreed that it is my responsibility to continuously meet the licensing and business
requirements of my home country, state/province and city; that failure to meet these
requirements may result in my IPATA membership being revoked.
2. I agree to follow the IATA standards for shipping and handling of animals which
includes following the IATA recommendations regarding tranquilization, crating, care
and handling during air transport.
3. I agree to follow the animal welfare regulations of my country and the destination
countries of my shipments as it relates to the care and handling of animals during
transport.
4. I understand that, as a member in good standing, I may display the IPATA MEMBER
logo on my promotional materials and website. 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.
5. It is understood that each IPATA 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.
6. Each member is responsible for resolving complaints directly with clients or other
IPATA members.
7. 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.
8. It is understood that the membership status of a current member may be referred to the
Ethics Committee for violations of the above Membership Criteria, the Code of Ethics or
the By-Laws and membership may be revoked or other appropriate penalties applied for
just cause.
IPATA Membership Information
-3-
IPATA Code of Ethics
As a member of the Independent Pet and 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 my business must be governed by honorable standards.
Therefore I pledge:
1. 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.
2. To obey all applicable international, federal, state and local laws as well as licensing
requirements governing animal care and transportation.
3. To respect the issuing and registration of all patents, trademarks and copyrights.
4. To deal honestly and fairly with my colleagues and with the public, including paying
all accounts due according to the terms agreed upon as well as to represent my
products and services fairly and honestly.
5. To avoid any slander or defamation of my colleagues and to avoid unfair
competitive practices, actions or business practices in general which would result in
dishonor upon or distrust of my colleagues or the animal transportation industry in
general.
6. To respond within 30 days to any notification by the IPATA Ethics Committee of a
filed complaint.
IPATA Membership Information
-4-
IPATA Membership Application
Please be sure to read all the information included with this application. There is important information on pages 6-9 about how your application will be processed and what
happens when an application is approved. Please provide accurate and complete information—exactly as you would like to see it displayed in your company listing--and
submit the required copies of your licenses, permit, certificates, your proof of insurance and other required documents.. Incomplete or missing information will slow down
the application process. Applications containing false or misleading information will be rejected. Please attach your application as a Word Document.
Date Received
IPATA Ref #
2014-
Company Information
(Please enter your information exactly as you would like it displayed in the IPATA Member Directory.
Please include the international dialing code for your country in all telephone/fax numbers.)
Company
Name
Physical
Location
Address
City
Province/
State /
Postal Code
Country
Company
Website
(English Required)
Office Phone 2
Office Fax
Mailing
Address
City
Province/
State /
Postal Code
Country
Company
Email
Office Phone 1
Office After
Hours Phone
Contact Name
How did you
hear about
IPATA?
Business
Structure
Contact Email
☐ Internet
☐ Magazine
☐Other
Other Description
We are a:
We are:
Legal Business
Name
Legal Owner
Legal Owner
Legal Owner
Company Mission
Statement
Company Background /
Description
☐ IPATA Member
☐ Corporation
☐ For Profit
Member Name
☐ Partnership
☐ Sole Proprietorship
☐ Non-Profit/Charity
Date
Established
Position/Title
Position/Title
Position/Title
Licenses
Current Business License(s)
Complete the information on all current licenses that are required for you to conduct business in your country, state, or city (business licenses or
permits, incorporation registration/license; company tax identification / VAT number; social security number/employer identification number.).
Copies Required. Email a copy of each license (PDF preferred) to bj@ipata.com.
☐ Check here if no business licenses are required in your country, state, or city.
License 1
License #
Name / Type
Issued By
Date Issued
Expiry Date
License 2
License #
Name / Type
Issued By
Expiry Date
Expiry Date
License 3
License #
Name / Type
Issued By
Expiry Date
Expiry Date
Rev: April 18, 2014
IPATA Membership Application
Current Pet Shipping License(s)
Complete the information on all current licenses that are required for you to ship pets in your country, state, or city. Copy Required. Please email a
copy of each license (PDF preferred) to bj@ipata.com.
(*US Applicants You MUST be licensed or registered with USDA as an Intermediate Handler or Class B Dealer, and your license information MUST
be entered in one of the sections above or your application will be returned.)
☐ Check here if no pet shipping licenses are required in your country, state, or city.
License Name
License #
or Type
Issued By
Date Issued
Expiry Date
☐ Check here, copy section(s) above, complete information, and attach to this application if you have more licenses.
US applicants only; not a requirement for membership.
TSA
Send a copy (PDF preferred) of your TSA certificate.
☐ Yes
☐ No
Approved
Insurance
Vehicle Insurance (Copy Required)
Carrier /
Date Issued /
Provider name
Expire Date
Policy
Policy Value
Certificate #
☐ Check here if no vehicle insurance is required in your country, state, or city.
Business / Liability Insurance (Copy Required)
Carrier /
Date Issued /
Provider name
Expire Date
Policy
Policy Value
Certificate #
☐ Check here if no business/liability insurance is required to conduct business in your country, state, or city.
Pet Shipping Contacts/Staff In Your Company
Primary Contact
First Name
Title/Position
Office Telephone
Cell Phone
Contact 2
First Name
Title/Position
Office Telephone
Cell Phone
Contact 3
First Name
Title/Position
Office Telephone
Cell Phone
Contact 4
First Name
Title/Position
Office Telephone
Cell Phone
Contact 5
First Name
Title/Position
Office Telephone
Cell Phone
☐ Ms.
☐ Mrs.
☐ Mr.
☐ Dr.
☐ Ms.
☐ Mrs.
☐ Mr.
☐ Dr.
☐ Ms.
☐ Mrs.
☐ Mr.
☐ Dr.
☐ Ms.
☐ Mrs.
☐ Mr.
☐ Dr.
☐ Ms.
☐ Mrs.
☐ Mr.
☐ Dr.
Accounting Contact
☐ Ms.
☐ Mrs.
☐ Mr.
☐ Dr.
First Name
Title/Position
Office Telephone
Cell Phone
Rev: April 18, 2014
Add contact to IPATA Group Email List:
Last Name
Direct Email
Office Fax
Free Phone
Add contact to IPATA Group Email List:
Last Name
Direct Email
Office Fax
Free Phone
Add contact to IPATA Group Email List:
Last Name
Direct Email
Office Fax
Free Phone
Add contact to IPATA Group Email List:
Last Name
Direct Email
Office Fax
Free Phone
Add contact to IPATA Group Email List:
Last Name
Direct Email
Office Fax
Free Phone
Add contact to IPATA Group Email List:
Last Name
Direct Email
Office Fax
Free Phone
☐ Yes
☐ No
☐ Yes
☐ No
☐ Yes
☐ No
☐ Yes
☐ No
☐ Yes
☐ No
☐ Yes
☐ No
Physical Facilities
Physical Address where business is conducted:
Check if the following apply
☐ Air conditioned vehicle adequate to transport crated animals
☐ Quarantine area
☐ Internet access
☐ 24-hour phone
☐ Fax
Describe the
facilities (size;
location (industrial
area, home-based),
office complex, etc.)
Business Category
based on your primary core business
(Please select only one category; and enter information for only that category.)
☐ Pet Shipper/Forwarder.
I ship pets by air and ground.
Airports Served
☐ Ground Transporter.
I only provide ground transport services for pets.
Please describe your service area(s):P
Please Use International Airport Codes
Closest major airport to your facility/where you
are located. Enter only one (1).
Airports where you provide services through
your own offices or direct employees
(not using an outside agent). List up to five (5)
Other Airports Served
(These airports will show up in the narrative part of your
listing, they do not show up in the search results when
searching on a specific country or state.)
Services You Provide
Please check the services that you provide in-house (services provided by your employees);
the services you can arrange for your clients (services that your company does not provide using your own employees).
Service
Boarding
Credit Cards (Accept payment by credit card)
Grooming
Kennels Custom or Modified
Kennels Standard airline sizes
Long Distance Road Transport
Local Pickup and Delivery
Government Approved Quarantine
Veterinary Services
Import and Export services
Freight Forwarding
Customs Broker
In-House
Can Arrange
Cannot Provide
☒
☐
☐
☐
☐
☐
☐
☐
☐
☐
☐
☐
☐
☐
☐
☐
☐
☐
☐
☐
☐
☐
☐
☐
☐
☐
☐
☐
☐
☐
☐
☐
☐
☐
☐
☐
What Special Services can you provide that are not
listed or specified above (cat boarding, electronic
fencing, plant shipping, etc.)
Species
Birds
Dogs & Cats
Exotics
Fish
Can Ship
☐
☐
☐
☐
Horses
Lab Animals
Livestock (Small)
Other
Can Ship
☒
☐
☐
☐
Experience
Company Experience
How many years has this company been in business, legally operating under this company name?
How many years has this business been providing pet shipping services to the general public?
Average number of animal shipments per month during the last 12 months?
Owner/Staff Experience
Name of the owner, principal, or staff member in charge of pet shipping
Above person’s years of experience providing pet shipping services to the general public
Above person’s years’ pet shipping experience with this company
Above person’s years’ pet shipping experience with another company
Name of other company
☐ New Company or Pet Shipping Service? If this company or pet shipping division/section has been operating for less than
IPATA Membership Application
-2-
two years, please complete this section.
Please tell us about your new
company or service. When did
you start up; why did you decide
to start a new company or
service? More?
Other Professional Associations You Belong To
Organization Name
Organization Name
Organization Name
Year joined
Year joined
Year joined
References
Required An applicant must provide two (2) letters of reference, including at least one letter of reference from an IPATA member with whom it has
worked in the past. If an applicant has not worked with an IPATA member, the applicant should provide two letters of reference, a statement that
they have not worked with any IPATA members, and a statement outlining what the applicant would contribute to IPATA as an active member of the
organization and what the applicant expects from an IPATA membership. (Please submit your letters by email, PDF preferred to bj@ipata.com)
IPATA Members with whom you have done business.
Company Name
Telephone
Contact Name
Email
Company Name
Contact Name
Telephone
Email
Company Name
Contact Name
Telephone
Email
References Provided By (May include the IPATA members listed above)
Company Name
Contact Name
Telephone
Email
IPATA Member?
☐ Yes ☐ No
Reference Letter Submitted
Company Name
Contact Name
Telephone
Email
IPATA Member?
☐ Yes ☐ No
Reference Letter Submitted
☐ Yes
☐ No
☐ Yes
☐ No
Alternate
Statement
Introduce Yourself to Other IPATA Members
When an applicant is approved as a member of IPATA, we send an announcement to all IPATA members, with a temporary page for our Membership Directory.
You may include a brief—one – two paragraphs—introduction to your company for inclusion on that page when/if your application is approved. Focus on the
services and quality of services you can provide to other IPATA members. Enter your text below; the field will expand to accommodate your message.
Terms and Conditions
By submitting my information, I confirm my agreement with and certify that
1.
IPATA has my permission to contact the references listed on this application and other IPATA members in my home country or region to
verify the accuracy of the information provided.
2.
I currently comply with my home country, state/province and city regulations and licensing requirements for conducting business and for
providing pet transportation services which involves accepting live animals for carriage and either providing transportation services directly or
tendering animals to transport companies for domestic or international commerce.
3.
I certify that I am providing (or will provide) pet transportation services to the general public and to other IPATA members and not just to my own
clients.
4.
I agree that any disputes arising through the application process of membership shall be governed by Texas law; that the location of any dispute
shall be in Texas; that I consent to jurisdiction in Texas and that any dispute shall be resolved conclusively through arbitration, rather than
litigation.
5.
I understand that IPATA has the right to deny membership to any prospective member who does not meet the Membership Requirements or does
not agree to comply with IPATA's Membership Criteria, Code of Ethics or By- Laws.
IPATA Membership Application
-3-
Affirmations
☐ I have read and certify that I meet the Active Member Requirements (Page 6)
☐ I have read and agree to comply with the IPATA Membership Criteria (Page 8)
☐ I have read and agree to comply with the Code of Ethics (Page 9)
☐ I have read and agree to comply with the By-Laws
Please click on the link to read the By-Laws.
☐ I understand that if my application is approved, I will be a Provisional Member for one year. To achieve active membership status, I will
complete the Basics Pet Shipping Proficiency Exam within the provisional year of membership.
(All five boxes much be checked before you application can be processed.
If they are not checked, then please feel free to reapply at a later date.)
I certify that
The information provided on this application is true and correct to the best of my knowledge. It is understood that acceptance of this application by
IPATA is subject to verification as to the accuracy of the information listed. All information provided will be kept confidential to IPATA, its
Officers, Directors and Membership Committee and is for the sole purpose of determining eligibility for membership in IPATA.
Type the full name of the person submitting this application:
Signature of the person submitting this application:
Company Name
Method of Payment
All Payments Must be Made in US Funds
A non-refundable application fee of $500.00 (US Currency) is due with this application. Please note that payment must be received before your
application can be processed. Annual dues payment of $475.00 (US Currency), prorated from the month application is received. For credit card
payments, the application fee will be charged when the application is verified as complete; the pro-rated dues payment will be processed only after the
application has been approved. A receipt for all payments will be sent to the applicant.
Non-Refundable Application Fee:
$500.00
$
Annual Dues: $475.00
# Months left in year x $40.00 = $
$
Payment Processing for – Applies to dues only
$
Total Payment Enclosed / Authorized
$
I am paying by
☐ Check (Enclosed)
500.00 (USD)
15.00
☐ Credit Card
Name on credit card:
CC Number:
Expiration Date:
CCV Code:
Postal Code of Billing Address:
Submitting Your Application
We prefer that all documents/items be submitted electronically/as attachments to an email. Please submit the following documents, if
applicable:
☐ Application Form: Please attach your application as a Word Document
☐ Payment
☐ Copy of Business License(s)
☐ Copy of Pet Shipping License(s)
☐ Copy of Vehicle Insurance Certificate
☐ Copy of Business Liability Insurance Certificate
☐ Copy of TSA certificate
Submit your application to
B. J. McGee, Membership Services Coordinator: bj@ipata.com
Direct Line: +1 903 769-2848 Fax: +1 903 705-6922
IPATA Membership Application
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