International Pet and Animal Transportation Association Awards Ceremony 2018

Each year awards are given at the IPATA International Conference to companies that further the mission of IPATA in promoting the safe and humane transport of pets and other animals. Each award is only given when a truly deserving recipient is identified, not necessarily annually. The 2025 Awards Ceremony at theBangkok Conference was part of the "Meow Wow", held on the last evening of the conference. Recipients have no knowledge prior to the announcement that they will receive the award and surprise is evident as their names were called.

INDUSTRY PARTNER AWARD

The Industry Partner Award recognizes a person, organization, or company on behalf of some type of consultancy, business products, or services that pushed the barriers within the industry. It is open to members and non-members of IPATA whose partnership with IPATA has resulted in improved welfare, improved business for IPATA members, or enhanced ability to serve customers.


Photo: (left to right) Jake Holiday, Animal Aircare Ltd., Zara Bradfield Animal Aircare Ltd., and Derek Huntington, IPATA Past President.

Animal Aircare Ltd., UK, Garners
IPATA’s Industry Partner Award at Annual Conference

The IPATA Industry Partner Award recognizes individuals, organizations, or companies that have made exceptional contributions to the pet transportation industry.

Animal Aircare Ltd. consistently demonstrates a commitment to providing first-class care for animals, setting industry standards for safety, comfort, and well-being. Their dedication to animal welfare, coupled with their expertise in animal transportation and exceptional customer service, has made them an invaluable partner to IPATA and its members.

IPATA Awards

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

The Lifetime Achievement Award honors individuals whose lifetime body of work demonstrates dedication to the industry and to IPATA. This individual is of the highest integrity and worthy stature. This award is not mandated to be presented every year - only when someone has been identified as truly worthy of recognition for their "lifetime body of work."


Photo: Peter Walvis was unable to travel to Bangkok for the conference but joined in the celebration via a Zoom link with the emcee during the annual gala.

Peter Walvis, of 3A Transcontrol in Sao Paolo, Brazil, Awarded Lifetime Achievement Award at IPATA International Conference

IPATA’s Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes an individual who has demonstrated outstanding service to IPATA or to the safe and humane transportation of pets.

Peter began as a pet shipper in 1988, joined IPATA’s membership in 2002 and has been a dedicated member of IPATA for over 20 years, exemplifying the core values of the organization. His unwavering commitment to the safe and humane transport of pets around the world highlights his leadership in the industry. Known for his integrity and dedication, Peter consistently goes above and beyond to support fellow IPATA members and advance the field of pet transport.

IPATA Awards

BEST OPERATIONAL SERVICE PROVIDER

The Best Operational Service Provider Award honors an individual that provides operational service that is consistent at an exceptional level and is an inspiration to the pet shipping industry and its members. The award recognizes an individual who exemplifies professionalism, empathy, compassion, efficient response, accuracy of the information, and customer service

Pictured left to right: Lee Fisher, Airpets UK and Derek Huntington, IPATA Past President

IPATA Presents the Best Operational Service Provider Award to Lee Fisher, Airpets UK, during the IPATA International Conference

IPATA's Best Operational Service Provider Award honors an individual who provides operational service that is consistently an inspiration to the pet shipping industry and its members. The award recognizes an individual that exemplifies professionalism, empathy, compassion, efficient response, accuracy of information and customer service.

This year's recipient, Lee Fisher, Airpets UK., has demonstrated exceptional professionalism, empathy, compassion, and efficiency in their work. His expertise in the pet and animal industry has made him an invaluable resource for both colleagues and clients.

IPATA Awards

MILLIE WOOLF MEMORIAL LEADERSHIP AWARD

The Millie Woolf Award is presented in memory of Millie Woolf, one of the six founding members of IPATA, who was a driving force that made IPATA the international network of professionals that it is today. Millie recognized the need for an organization that could provide education in the transport of household pets, and that unified companies into pooling their resources to provide the safest transport of these pets. Millie exemplified her phrase, "I gave it my best." The recipient must be a person, company, or association that exemplifies "I Gave It My Best" by providing, supporting, or developing opportunities that advance the professionalism of persons involved in the safe and humane transport of animals.


Photo: (left to right) Dr. David Landers, Derek Huntington, IPATA Past President.

Dallas, Texas Pet Shipper – Dr. David Landers of AirVets Pet Relocation - Receives the Prestigious Millie Woolf Memorial Leadership Award at IPATA 2025 Annual International Conference

Dr. David Landers joined IPATA in 2010 and has served on the board of directors and participated in a number of committees and task force initiatives. He currently serves as IPATA's Treasurer.

Dr. Landers was instrumental in helping establish the IPATA Brachycephalic Certification Program (BOAS), an IPATA training program on the transportation of Brachycephalic breeds, which has a specialized group of veterinarians qualified to perform Fit to Fly Assessments, allowing more animals to fly while ensuring the safety of those that shouldn't.

He is a graduate of Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine. He has a special interest in canine and feline medicine, as well as exotic animal medicine, including a wide range of species, from birds, small mammals, and reptiles to primates, large cats, and occasionally hoof stock such as zebras and camels.

He has been providing the unique service of international pet relocation, moving animals around the world daily. He also currently serves as a Battalion Commander in the Texas State Guard Medical Brigade.

IPATA Awards

EXCELLENCE AWARD

The Excellence Award is given in recognition of an individual, company, or organization that has made outstanding efforts to public service initiatives and/or who have contributed to the improvement of animal welfare with substantial impacts on humanitarian or animal welfare efforts.


Photo: Lisa Cinciripini, Across the Pond Pet Transit, LLC, Founder & Manager, Director of Global Services

Lisa Cinciripini of Across the Pond Pet Transit, LLC Presented with The IPATA Excellence Award at the 2025 IPATA International Conference

The IPATA Excellence Award recognizes individuals, companies, or organizations that have made significant contributions to public service initiatives and/or animal welfare efforts, and Lisa has demonstrated an unwavering passion for animal welfare, evident in her work, interactions with clients and colleagues, and care for the pets she transports.

She has been instrumental in advocating for pets, and her dedication to animal welfare is inspiring. She has demonstrated her commitment to providing exceptional service to clients and military families who frequently move their pets, while prioritizing their well-being.

Congratulations to all our wonderful IPATA pet shipping experts for improving the humane transport of animals worldwide!

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