Inside The ARK at JFK: How Preparation Keeps Pet Travel Moving... even in Times of Uncertainty

The Ark at JFK

Traveling with your pets over the holidays? You might be wondering if the U.S. government shutdown could affect your plans. The good news is that, for now, key agencies like Customs and Border Protection, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) are operating as usual — keeping inspections, paperwork, and clearances on track.

Movement is just as steady at The Ark at JFK, an award-winning facility that provides pre- and post-travel care and veterinary services for thousands of animals each year. The team there emphasizes that preparation is key to a smooth journey. That’s why tools like the Digital Pet Passport from PadsPass are so valued.

Having medical information and travel documents all in one place helps owners navigate requirements with confidence and peace of mind. “It’s a really strong way for pet owners to consolidate all of their pet’s information in one place,” said Elizabeth Schuette, the president and CEO of Ark Import Export Center LLC. “From a customer perspective, it’s excellent — and we support and recommend those types of applications.”

Playtime soars high at The Ark at JFK

The Digital Pet Passport helps keep travel with pets manageable - without it, and with a shutdown in place, things could get tricky. “The most important thing is being aware of the requirements of wherever you're going, and allowing yourself adequate time to work with your veterinarian to ensure that your dog or cat meets all the travel requirements,” Schuette said. “It does get frustrating at times. We work with customers and sometimes they have to jump through a lot of hoops, making sure the vaccinations are right and that they're done at the right time — sometimes there are titre tests to ensure that the vaccine has worked and that the animals don't have any diseases. That all takes time.” If not done correctly, travelers face the very real threat of having their pet placed in the care of a facility.

So while some people can plan out an itinerary themselves for a simple journey, she recommends getting guidance from an expert for more complex trips. “We just want to make sure that people are well aware of any requirements of an arriving country. You also have to be aware, if you are going to multiple countries, that you have to have all the documents for the different [destinations]. That's the most important thing.” Pet owners also need to understand their individual animal’s temperament and choose the mode of travel that best suits their needs, Schuette added.

She explained that when travelers arrive without the proper paperwork for their pets — either because they are unaware of the rules or choose to ignore them — the CDC has the authority to intervene. Its first preference, she said, is to deny entry and send the animal back to its point of origin if there was no pre-approval or reservation in place. However, this can create complications when there is no immediate return flight available. In such cases, responsibility falls to the airline, which is required to cover temporary accommodations and related expenses. As a result, she noted, airlines have become far more diligent in verifying that all required documentation is complete before allowing animals to board.

Big hearts, bigger paws: The Ark at JFK

Travelers passing through New York City are fortunate to have access to The Ark’s world-class facilities should anything go wrong, but not every airport offers that level of support. “I think we're the major one within the United States. We have complete access to the airport and work with all the different cargo facilities as well as the different airlines. So it isn't devastating if it happens at JFK, but if it happens at another airport that does not have [a similar setup], then the airline is forced to start calling around, trying to find boarding or another option, or just leaving the animal sitting in the cargo facility, which isn't really optimal,” she said.

Getting furry travelers ready for takeoff at The Ark at JFK

The ARK at JFK handles a remarkable variety of animals — from household pets to horses, birds, and exotic species — providing both airside and landside services for boarding, kenneling, quarantine, import, export, and transport. Dedicated, climate-controlled vehicles move animals safely between aircraft, terminals, and cargo areas, ensuring comfort and care every step of the way.

The facility holds top-tier certifications, including IATA CEIV (Center of Excellence for Independent Validators in Live Animal Transport) and IPATA membership, and operates as a CDC Animal Care Facility and CBP-bonded location. These credentials, combined with its collaboration with major airlines, have established The ARK as a global benchmark for trusted animal air travel.