• City of London Corporation’s Heathrow Animal Reception Centre secures third consecutive IATA CEIV Live Animals re-certification
• International accreditation recognises excellence in animal welfare and specialist handling
• Facility plays a vital role protecting the UK's biosecurity

The City of London Corporation’s Heathrow Animal Reception Centre (HARC) has achieved International Air Transport Association (IATA) CEIV Live Animals re-certification for a third consecutive cycle.

The globally recognised accreditation independently verifies that HARC continues to meet the highest international standards for animal welfare, specialist handling facilities, training and operational excellence in the transportation of live animals by air.

The re-certification follows an independent assessment of HARC's facilities, procedures, staff expertise and regulatory compliance.

Operating from Heathrow Airport, HARC protects the UK's biosecurity by carrying out health and welfare checks on animals entering the country, from family pets and livestock to zoo animals and exotic species.

The centre plays a vital role in preventing the spread of diseases such as rabies while ensuring animals meet strict welfare requirements.

HARC remains Europe's only CEIV Live Animals-certified Border Control Post and is the UK's only Live Animal Border Control Post designated for all species.

Located on the perimeter of Heathrow Airport, it enforces UK and international import regulations and works with airlines to ensure high standards of animal welfare.

The facility cares for millions of animals each year, including thousands of pets, hundreds of horses, and millions of fish, reptiles and invertebrates.

Chair of the City of London Corporation's Port Health and Environmental Services Committee, Peter Dunphy MBE, said:

"When it comes to animal welfare, there is no room for compromise, and HARC is setting the international benchmark for the safe and humane transport of animals by air.

“Achieving our third CEIV Live Animals re-certification is an important endorsement of the expertise and dedication of our staff, who continue to deliver the gold standard of care for animals travelling through one of the world's busiest airports.”

Global Head of Cargo at IATA, Brendan Sullivan, added:

“We congratulate the Heathrow Animal Reception Centre on achieving CEIV Live Animals certification for a third time. As Europe’s only CEIV Live Animals-certified Border Control Post, HARC is leading by example and helping to raise standard for the safe, healthy and humane transport of animals.”

ENDS

Notes to editors

The City of London Corporation is the governing body of the Square Mile dedicated to a vibrant and thriving City, supporting a diverse and sustainable London within a globally-successful UK – www.cityoflondon.gov.uk.