Qatar Airways scales up pet handling cargo services: Report

8 August 2024

NT Bureau
Doha

Qatar Airway has scaled up its live animal handling facilities, enabling the airline to handle an increasing number of animals flying as cargo on its flights, and airline website has reported.

“The number of animals Qatar Airways transports is increasing each year. Last year the airline transported more than 550,000 animals, including 9,500 horses,” AirlineGeeks reported.

Qatar Airways has recently opened a new animal center to facilitate the carriage of live animals. The facility is the largest and newest in the world. It greatly enhances the experience for all animals arriving in or transiting through Doha’s Hamad International Airport, the report adds.

The 5,260 sqm facility is equipped with many features, including.

A modern “Groom’s Room” attendant lounge for specialists accompanying animals, providing a comfortable living space within the animal center.

Fully temperature-controlled facility.

Manned by trained veterinary staff.

Kennel Capacity: 140 dog kennels and 40 cat kennels.

Horse Stables: 24 stables distributed in five zones with separate airflows for proper segregation.
Separate rooms for birds, live fish, reptiles, day-old chicks and animals loaded on unit load devices.
Airside interface with five truck docks and six dolly docks (for horses and livestock).