DALLAS, TEXAS – October 9, 2017 – Over 250 members of the International Pet and Animal Transportation Association (IPATA) will gather in Dallas, Texas, October 20-24, 2017 for the annual International Conference, the world's largest gathering of pet shipping professionals. This year's theme is, Connecting the Puzzle Pieces of Human and Animal Behavior.

Pet shippers move your pet from point A to point B, work directly with the airlines and keep up-to-date with the rules and regulations of different countries. During their annual meeting, pet shippers will meet with airlines from across the globe, learn about changes in government requirements and explore animal health and behavior so that they can better prepare them for travel. Highlighted sessions include:

Member Country Engagement with the World Organization for Animal Health

Dr. Michael David, National Director, Int'l Animal Health Standards Services USDA-APHIS-VS-NIES

Improving the Global Assignee Experience Through Pet Relocation

Mark Frederick, PhD, Director of Global Talent Management IOR World

Transportation Tips for Pawsitive Outcomes

Lana Fraley Rich, Catsultant(R)

The Animal and Human Bond: When Your Pet Dies

Dr. Diane Pomerance, SPCA of Texas

During the conference, attendees will participate in community service activities such as making blankets for rescue and shelter cats and dogs, as well as bid on silent auction items which will benefit the Texas Husky Rescue. To close the conference, attendees will recognize industry leaders at the Black Tie and Boots Annual Gala and Awards Ceremony.

We are expecting more than 250 attendees this year, from more than 145 different companies and 40 different countries. Attendees include airlines, government officials, animal handlers, pet moving providers, kennel operators, veterinarians and others who are dedicated to the care and welfare of pets during transport. For more information about IPATA’s Annual International Conference in Dallas, click here.

About IPATA

The International Pet and Animal Transportation Association (IPATA) is a non-profit, worldwide trade association for animal handlers, pet moving providers, kennel operators, veterinarians and others who are dedicated to the care and welfare of pets and animals during transport. The organization was founded in 1979. It began with six founding members and now has more than 440 members in over 80 countries. IPATA serves its members, the pet transport industry, and the public at large. For more information, or to find a professional pet shipper, visit www.ipata.org.

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Media Contact:

Kim Cunningham

IPATA Communication Director

e-mail: