Brussels Airport is celebrating the fifth anniversary of its Animal Care & Inspection Centre (ACIC), which opened in 2020 as the first of its kind in Europe and complies with the new European standards for animal welfare in air transport.
Since its opening, nearly 10.000 mammals have passed through the ACIC gates, including thousands of dogs, cats, competition horses, and a remarkable variety of farm animals and exotic species. In addition, there are countless insects, fish, and birds. The center, considered unique worldwide in its specialized logistics and comprehensive animal welfare, has established itself as a major hub for the transport of live animals and sets new standards in the industry.
Unique infrastructure for animal travelers
While almost 70.000 human passengers use Brussels Airport every day, countless animal travelers—four-legged, feathered, and hounded—move along in the background. Some of these animals are allowed to travel in the cabin with their owners under certain conditions, while others are transported in the cargo hold. The ACIC also offers a solution for animals that require temporary accommodation during their owners' absence. Opened in 2020, the state-of-the-art Animal Transport Center was designed with the clear goal of ensuring the safety, comfort, and tranquility of all animals during transit or departure.
The 2.000-square-meter center has boasted impressive numbers since its opening: It has housed nearly 5.500 dogs, 800 cats, and 1.600 horses. In addition, there are a variety of farm animals such as cattle and sheep, and even exotic animals such as hippos, snow leopards, and hammerhead sharks. In total, the ACIC has cared for nearly 10.000 mammals over the past five years, not including fish, reptiles, and birds. This impressive diversity and number underscores the need for and success of such a specialized facility.
Animal welfare in focus: State-of-the-art equipment and expertise
The ACIC was designed and equipped from the ground up with a focus on safe and stress-free animal transport. It features state-of-the-art facilities that meet the specific needs of different animal species:
- Spatially separated import/export areas: This separation minimizes stress for the animals and ensures smooth customs and health controls.
- Veterinary laboratory: Our own laboratory enables rapid diagnoses and compliance with veterinary standards.
- Mobile stables and adapted rest areas: Flexible accommodation options that can be adapted to the size and type of animals.
- Daylight and central control: Each housing area has natural light and is equipped with a unique central system for adjusting light, temperature, and ventilation. This allows the environment to be optimally tailored to the specific needs of each animal species—be it birds, reptiles, ruminants, fish, or others.
- Specialized areas: The center offers 11 horse stables, multi-purpose areas for inspections, and even a cold storage room for insects, demonstrating the ACIC's high level of specialization. There's also an outdoor grassy area for dogs, allowing them to exercise and get some fresh air.
The center has been IATA CEIV Live Animals certified since 2022. This certification from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) is a recognized guarantee of quality and compliance with international standards in animal transport and demonstrates the high level of processes and animal welfare at the ACIC.
Arnaud Feist, CEO of Brussels Airport, commented on the success: "The ACIC embodies our commitment to animal welfare and operational excellence. Thanks to this center, Brussels Airport has become a major EU hub for the transport of live animals, whether companion animals, farm animals, or exotic animals. We are proud to celebrate these five successful years with our partners and teams."
The ACIC's success is also due to the dedicated efforts of around ten specialists from partner dnata, who work closely with airlines, ground handlers, and the Federal Agency for the Safety of the Food Chain (FASFC). The ACIC also houses an FASFC border inspection post, which must always conduct inspections upon the import and export of live animals to ensure compliance with European health regulations. This collaboration between the private sector and public authorities is crucial for the smooth and safe handling of animal transport.
Remarkable stories from the ACIC
Although the ACIC treats each animal with the utmost care, some experiences remain particularly memorable and memorable for the center's teams. Highlights of the past five years include the professional handling of extremely rare and complex animals, such as Hippos, snow leopards and hammerhead sharksThese cases require a high level of expertise and specialized logistics. Another impressive achievement was the reception of 489 alpacas at once, which underscores the center's capacity and flexibility.
More recently, the ACIC also played a key role in the departure of the three pandas Tian Bao, Bao Di and Bao Mei to China, which are of great importance for global species conservation work. Equally significant was the arrival of the three golden snub-nosed monkeys Lu Lu, Juan Juan and Liu Yun, which was carried out in collaboration with the renowned Pairi Daiza Animal Park. The center's expertise was expressly praised by the management of Pairi Daiza Animal Park.
Puria Mahlouji, a member of Pairi Daiza's zoological management team, emphasized the professionalism and care shown: "There can be no compromises when it comes to animal welfare. Thanks to the dedication of the teams from Brussels Airport and the ACIC, the giant pandas, the koalas, and recently also the golden monkeys Lu Lu, Juan Juan, and Liu Yun, enjoyed VIP treatment during boarding and disembarkation, as well as throughout the transfer to and from the airport. The arrival and departure of valuable animals is an essential part of Pairi Daiza's conservation mission. We commend the professionalism, helpfulness, and consideration shown by the teams at Brussels Airport." Such highly sensitive transports demonstrate the immense importance of the ACIC for international species conservation projects and the collaboration between zoos and airports.
Advice for travelers with pets: What to look out for
As the summer months and the associated travel season approach, Brussels Airport would like to remind travelers of some important tips for traveling with pets. Compliance with these regulations is crucial to ensuring a smooth and stress-free journey for both pet and owner:
- Airline-specific rules: Each airline has its own regulations regarding the transport of animals. However, generally, only dogs and cats are allowed in the cabin, with a maximum weight of 8 kilograms. Pets must always be transported in a sturdy cage or carrier that complies with IATA guidelines.
- EU pet passport and identification chip: It is essential that the pet has a valid EU pet passport and an identification microchip. The microchip must comply with ISO standard 11784 or 11785 and must have been implanted before the rabies vaccination.
- Rabies vaccination: Dogs must be vaccinated against rabies at least 21 days before departure. Travelers should consult their veterinarian well in advance to ensure all vaccinations and deadlines are met. Entry into many countries is not possible without a valid rabies vaccination.
- Travel outside the EU: When traveling outside the European Union, it is strongly recommended to contact the embassy of the destination country. There you can obtain information about any additional requirements, such as special health certificates, quarantine regulations, or import permits. These regulations can vary considerably depending on the country.
Following these instructions is crucial to avoid unnecessary complications at the airport and ensure the welfare of the animal throughout the entire journey. Brussels Airport's ACIC not only serves as a state-of-the-art transit point but also as a model for responsible and animal-friendly aviation.
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