IAG Cargo has announced the launch of its enhanced animal handling capabilities at Madrid-Barajas Airport. From this month, every pet travelling through Madrid will benefit from a full veterinary check-up and a new 25-strong care team dedicated to ensuring the safe transit of each animal.

The veterinary check-up, undertaken by qualified staff from the Hospital Veterinario Alberto Alcocer will take place every two hours with staff continuously monitoring food and water intake. In addition, investments in bespoke in-house staff training on animal handling, welfare regulations and container requirements are the first phase of enhancements IAG Cargo is making to the Live Animal Product at its Madrid hub.

“Animal welfare is a priority for us at IAG Cargo and we pride ourselves in going above and beyond the requirements set out by IATA Live Animal Regulations” commented Daniel Johnson, manager global products, IAG Cargo.

“Having worked closely with the City of London Animal Reception Centre at Heathrow, we have an unrivalled understanding of the needs of a huge variety of species, including endangered animals. With direct connections to hundreds of locations worldwide, being able to offer expert animal care at Madrid will offer peace of mind to our customers wishing to safely transport almost any type of animal to virtually anywhere in the world.”