TikTok viewers are fascinated by a behind-the-scenes look at how horses travel by airplane, revealing a surprisingly luxurious and carefully managed process. From custom-built stalls to dedicated in-flight care, the video shows that these frequent-flying horses are far more comfortable in the air than most people might expect.
The video is courtesy of The ARK, the animal reception center at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York, and shows the high style in which these horses travel. A traditional cargo plane is converted for equine transport with trailer-style stalls. Each stall is complete with water, hay, and in-flight grooms to care for the horses’ every need.
“Wish I could have my own stall while traveling,” joked one viewer after seeing the well-appointed accommodations.
“How do I become a horse attendant?” jokes one person in the comments.
Another chimes in with “Would you like some hay, sir?”
It’s a brief clip, but the account features other videos that further explain the horse transport process from arrival at the facility to departure of the plane. In addition to some being private pets, other horses are actually athletes, traveling to compete all over the world.
This video from 2024 features members of a U.S. Equestrian team preparing for their journey to the Paris Olympics:
What is The ARK at JFK?
Only a handful of airports in the U.S. are equipped to transport horses, and one of them is JFK. The ARK is a “privately owned 24/7 animal reception center, equine quarantine facility, and full-service transportation center” located in the cargo area of the airport’s campus. The facility also provides pre- and post-travel animal care and veterinary services for animals beyond just horses, such as dogs, cats, birds, non-domesticated mammals, and exotic animals.
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In addition to acquiring the proper permits and health certificates, horses imported to the U.S. must quarantine for anywhere from 3 days to 60 days, depending on such factors as the country of origin and the reason for travel. This is where a place like The ARK comes in. Horses remain in the state-of-the-art facility until they complete their evaluation and are looked after by expert veterinary staff and highly-trained, caring handlers for the duration of their stay.
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This story was originally published by Parade Pets on Feb 5, 2026, where it first appeared in the Pet News section. Add Parade Pets as a Preferred Source by clicking here.