Air and travel services provider dnata will open a dedicated animal handling centre at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS) this summer.
Spanning 2,380 sq m, the purpose-built temperature-controlled centre is part of the dnata Cargo City Amsterdam complex and will include separate holding areas, quiet zones, adjustable lighting and an on-site vet to ensure continuous care.
The facility will also house stables for over 70 horses, supported by rigorous biosecurity protocols.
The new centre is designed to meet the highest global standards, including IATA’s Centre of Excellence for Independent Validators (CEIV) Live Animals certification.
In addition, dnata said its animal handling team is fully trained and regularly updated on IATA’s Live Animals Regulations (LAR), the industry benchmark for humane and compliant animal transport.
Jan van Anrooy, managing director, dnata Netherlands, said: “Our new animal handling centre is built entirely around animal wellbeing. From calm surroundings to expert care, every detail supports a safe and comfortable journey.
"We’ll continue working closely with our partners to raise the bar for live animal logistics in Amsterdam and beyond.”
The new animal handling facility complements dnata's existing 2,000 sq m Animal Care & Inspection Centre at Brussels Airport.
In 2024, nearly 200,000 live animal shipments were recorded globally – an 11% increase since 2019. At Schiphol alone, dnata handled 22,500 separate shipments last year.
Opening in July, dnata Cargo City Amsterdam is a 61,000 sq m fully automated hub that will be capable of processing more than 850,000 tonnes of cargo annually, including pharmaceuticals, perishables, dangerous goods, aircraft engines and vehicles.
