AirCare Pets - News
Michelle to Melbourne
Michelle’s trip to Melbourne
"The International Pet and Animal Transportation Association
is a non-profit trade association of independent members who are
dedicated to the safe and humane transport of pets and other animals"
On Friday the 11th of March, we sent one of our Pet Travel Consultants, Michelle to Melbourne to the
Oceania IPATA conference held in the Double Tree by Hilton Hotel. Here at Air Care Pets we are
dedicated to upskilling our staff to provide a quality, up-to-date and hassle-free service. So, lucky for
Michelle, she got a quick trip to Melbourne for four days, even though she was busy working most of the
time.
IPATA described the event as: “Another great international conference for pet shipping experts has
completed that was rich in:
• Networking, both regional and global
• Latest technology solutions in shipping
• Airline cargo specifications and future plans
• Unique crate options
• Animal health challenges
• Shipping to and from Australia
• DNA Testing for Canine Breed Determination
• Pet Tracking & GPS”
Whilst this is the ‘official’ account of the conference, we caught up with Michelle to get her opinion of
the IPATA Conference:
Melbourne's famous horse teams outside the conference hotel.
Why do you think it’s important to be a IPATA member?
“You become a part of a community of companies that care about the safe transport of animals who can
offer insider information that you would otherwise be unaware of. We agree with the IPATA philosophy
here at Air Care Pets and we wanted to be a part of a global alliance that regularly meet and share
information that allows us to give the best possible care and travel plans for our pets. “
What was the most valuable thing you learnt from the conference?
“Definitely visiting the enormous 144 Hectare site of the Mickleham Quarantine facility in Melbourne,
now the only one in Australia. The vast size, remarkable cleanliness and quality construction was all
suited to the animals and took the requirements of all animals into consideration in the design of the
facility. I was very impressed with the facilities.”
What was the best part of your trip and why?
“Even though I went over for the conference, in my spare time I got to visit my brother and his family. It
was really special to me that I was able to mix business with pleasure.”
Was there anything you wish you could have had more time doing or learning about?
“I wish they talked more about special arrangements for handling Brachycephalic cats and dogs. These are pets that have ‘snub noses/flat faces’ which are susceptible to an increased risk of heat stroke and breathing problems when exposed to stressful situations or extreme heat such as travelling on an airplane. All I want is what’s best for the pet and their family and I feel like there is a lot more that could be done to remedy this situation with these breeds, such as; education and wide spread knowledge of the issues that these pets have, specifically in regards to travel. Everyone from the owner, breeders to the cargo handlers should all be informed and aware of the complications of travel.”
And finally, did you have a good time?
“Yes, would do it again 100%. It was a very valuable experience for me, as I got to make new contacts with other members of IPATA, catch up with long- term international colleagues, and learn a lot of important information that I would not have known had I not got the opportunity to go the conference.”
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