Elizabeth A. Schuette, President and CEO of The ARK at JFK oversees all day-to-day operations of JFK International Airport’s animal health, reception, and quarantine center.

The ARK provides safe and humane animal reception, accommodation, handling, and transport services to airlines and their ground handling agents as well as shippers, forwarders, and individuals. Elizabeth works closely with senior TSA, CBP, USDA, and CDC officers, Port Authority of New York and New Jersey officials, IATA representatives, as well as airline executives, public health officials, and veterinary medical experts. Elizabeth is an active contributor to animal shipping trade organizations including the International Pet and Animal Transportation Association (“IPATA”) and Animal Transportation Association (“ATA”).

The ARK Pet Oasis is a 4,000 S.F. animal reception center comprising 47 dog kennels, 12 cat kennels, 4 isolation kennels, and a secure cargo delivery area. The facility also features an enclosed outdoor relief area, grooming tub, drying table, laundry room, food prep/kitchenette, and veterinary triage station. ARK-branded vans for safe and temperature-controlled transport of pets. With direct airside access, ARK Pet Oasis is a Customs Bonded Warehouse and Container Freight Station (“CFS”); it is authorized to receive and handle animals that have not yet cleared customs due to late arrivals or customs holds directly from the carrier. Floors and walls are covered with a bio-secure epoxy finish that enables thorough disinfection. The facility is serviced by a sophisticated HVAC system that provides 100% air exchange to 4 separate zones. The kennel areas are well-insulated to contain sound and reduce stress. Operations and bio-security protocols are overseen by The ARK at JFK’s Chief Medical Officer in conjunction with Cornell University’s College of Veterinary Medicine.

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