JFK Port Security
The ARK at JFK plays a critical role in safeguarding the JFK Port and the United States from unwanted security incursions or breaches The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey has granted The ARK and its personnel the exclusive right to provide a variety of animal handling, veterinary, and kenneling services at JFK International Airport. The ARK facility is located opposite Passenger Terminal 7, directly on the ramp/tarmac to facilitate more efficient and humane handling of animals traveling through JFK.
Portions of The ARK have been designated by US Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) as a bonded warehouse or Container Freight Station (CFS). The ARK holds both a Type 2 and Type 3 bond allowing the facility access to CBP’s Automated Commerical Environment (ACE) Air Automated Manifest System (AMS) under its unique FIRMS code, to track imports of AVI (live animals) and confirm clearance status and other agency updates. A sophisticated security system ensures that entrance is granted only to employees and authorized visitors. All employees are subject to TSA and CBP background checks and hold Security Identification Display Area (SIDA) badges with US Customs seals and attend ongoing security training to obtain various other airside privileges. Visitors to The ARK must submit required proof of identification to be escorted airside and be vetted by CBP 48-hours in advance prior to being escorted into bonded areas.