IAG Cargo has improved its animal-handling capabilities at Madrid-Barajas Airport.

According to IAG, every animal travelling through Madrid will now receive a full veterinary check-up and be taken care of by a team of 25 dedicated staff.

“Animal welfare is a priority for us at IAG Cargo and we pride ourselves in going above and beyond the requirements set out by the IATA Live Animal Regulations,” said Daniel Johnson, manager of global products at IAG Cargo. “Having worked closely with the City of London Animal Reception Centre at Heathrow, we have an unrivalled understanding of the needs of a huge variety of species, including endangered animals. With direct connections to hundreds of locations worldwide, being able to offer expert animal care at Madrid will offer peace of mind to our customers wishing to safely transport almost any type of animal to virtually anywhere in the world.”

The check-up will be undertaken by experts from the Hospital Veterinario Alberto Alcocer and will take place every two hours. The Live Animal Product at Madrid will also benefit from investments in bespoke in-house training on animal handling, welfare regulations and container requirements, according to IAG Cargo.