International Air Transport Association Launches LAR Verify to Enhance the Safety and Efficiency of Live Animal Transport Worldwide: Know More

Published on April 16, 2025

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has unveiled LAR Verify, an advanced digital platform aimed at enhancing the safe and efficient transportation of live animals by air.

LAR Verify allows airlines, shippers, and freight forwarders to access detailed, operator-specific requirements for live animal shipments, as outlined by the IATA Live Animals Regulations (LAR). These regulations have been the cornerstone of global air transportation for live animals for over 50 years. The new platform streamlines compliance by automating critical tasks such as booking, planning, acceptance, and handling of live animal shipments.

IATA’s data reveals a significant growth in the sector, with almost 200,000 live animal shipments recorded worldwide in 2024, reflecting an 11% increase since 2019.

“The volume of specialized cargo—live animals in particular—continues to grow. To manage this opportunity safely and efficiently, a single digital portal that provides access to relevant LAR regulations and facilitates data sharing is mission critical. As envisioned by IATA’s ONE Record initiative, the release of LAR Verify is a key milestone towards achieving a single source of truth for live animal shipments,” said Brendan Sullivan, IATA’s Global Head of Cargo.

LAR Verify can be seamlessly integrated into cargo management systems, simplifying its incorporation into existing workflows. It offers comprehensive information on:

• Regulations for states and operators, covering export, import, transit, and transfer of live animals.
• Documentation requirements, such as import licenses specific to each destination.
• Animal classification and technical standards, including container specifications and labeling.
• Real-time updates on regional embargoes and trade regulations, particularly those related to managing disease outbreaks.

Additionally, through an API, shippers and freight forwarders can upload all necessary documents for airline verification. Once the documents are confirmed, airlines can issue physical acceptance of the cargo, eliminating the need to move live animals until travel is officially confirmed.