The facility at Hamad International Airport measures 5,260 square metres and has full temperature control to optimise comfort.
It has 140 dog kennels and 40 cat kennels, and has 24 stables for horses distributed in four zones with separate airflows.
The centre also has specialty areas for day-old-chicks, birds, fish, reptiles and exotic animals.
Handling features include airside and landside interfaces with multiple docks, and is equipped with a HVAC system for maintaining optimal air quality.
The facility has the capacity to handle up to 47 ULD positions with specialised ULD rooms for various operations.
The Live product has been enhanced with the Kennel Calculator Tool to determine the ideal kennel size for comfort and compliance with IATA Live Animals Regulations (LAR) standards.
Customer service has been streamlined for more efficient customer interactions with a dedicated Control Tower for the most sensitive shipments.
IATA LAR training has been digitalised for compliance and to enhance staff proficiency in animal handling.
A pet card service has been launched to share updates and photos of pets during transit to enhance the customer experience and give them peace of mind.
Mark Drusch, Chief Officer Cargo at Qatar Airways Cargo, says, “With our new Animal Centre and service enhancements, we're not just setting new standards for animal transport, we're actively working towards a future where every aspect of our operations reflects a deep respect for animal welfare, embodying our commitment to making a meaningful difference in their lives.”