IPATA International Pet and Animal Transportation Association
Since its inception in 1979, the International Pet and Animal Transportation Association (IPATA) has been at the forefront of ensuring the highest standards in global animal transport. As a prestigious non-profit trade association, IPATA unites independent members across the world, all dedicated to safe, humane, and professional pet relocation services. Under the leadership of Dr. Gerry Pahl, we continue to uphold our reputation as the trusted authority in international pet shipping and exotic animal transport.
Our network of experienced professionals is passionate about facilitating safe pet relocation experiences globally—whether you are moving across continents or locally. With countless successful journeys, IPATA remains a resource for animal welfare-focused transportation solutions. Emphasising humane animal shipping practices and ethical handling standards, we are here to make every pet’s journey safe and professional.
Engage with IPATA's vibrant community keeps you updated and empowers your reach within the industry by staying informed about innovative global pet transport solutions.
Dr Gerry Pahl IPATA Professional timeline
2010 Membership with IPATA
2015-2018 Voted and elected for IPATA Director at Large
2018 – 2021 Voted for and elected IPATA secretary by global IPATA pet shipper
2015 Research and Development taskforce set up for Brachycephalic and industry understanding for Snub Nosed airline safety active participation, data collection and Professional research.
2018 Recipient the IPATA Excellence Award for professional research and Industry understanding of Snub Nosed Brachycephalic breeds
2018 Chairperson role for the Research and Development Taskforce for Brachycephalic breeds
2021 President Elect for IPATA , Voted and Elected for from Global IPATA pet shippers
2021Chairperson role for IPATA membership committee
2022 Collaborative R&D Taskforce set up BOAS global certification program for pet shippers and participating veterinarians
2023 Winner and Recipient Millie Woolf Memorial Leadership Award recognised as someone who advances the education and professionalism of safe and humane animal transportation. This is IPATA’s most prestigious award, and it’s presented in memory of Millie Woolf, one of the highly respected founders of IPATA.
2025 Commenced Presidency IPATA
“Gerry’s leadership of IPATA’s R&D Task Force is exemplary. He has been instrumental in working with this task force, stakeholders and the airlines to promote the developed ‘Fit-to-Fly’ program' Dr. Pahl is a professional veterinarian with over 25 years of experience and the Managing Director of PetExportVet"
Hazel Imrie, IPATA President 2021-2024
Dr. Pahl has lectured fellow pet shipping colleagues at the IPATA Asia Regional Conference and International Conferences since 2015. His impressive timeline includes but is not limited to the following.
Rome International Conference 2015 - Pet shipping of snub nose breeds by air transport
Bali regional Conference March 2015 - Snub Nosed Breeds and pet travel & Animal Behaviour pet shipping
Kuala Lumpur International Conference 2016 - Transportation Stress-What it is & How pet movers can reduce it during pet shipping & transport
Melbourne International Conference October 2016 - Management of Specific Diseases affecting travelling Pets
Dallas International Conference Texas 2017 - Puzzling Parasites & how they affect us
Melbourne International Conference 2018 - Awarded IPATA EXCELLENCE AWARD
Chicago International Conference 2019 - Snub Nose Breeds an update on IPATA'S Research & Development project for pet shippers
Virtual Webinar 2020 - Pet shippers helping owners determine fitness to fly for pet moving
Virtual Webinar IATA 2021 - Update on IPATA Research and Development
Virtual Conference ATA 2022 - Update on IPATA Research and development snub nose project
Hawaii International Conference 2022 - Introduction to worldwide pet movers of BOAS certification & Live BOAS Assessment Workshop
Hong Kong Regional Conference 2023 - Set up Pilot Study for pet shipping brachycephalic snub nosed breeds on Cathay Pacific Airways for Hong Kong to Uk & Australia.
Hong Kong 2023 - Initiated Cathay Pacific to become IPATA members enhancing cooperation between the association and industry aviation stakeholders.
