Airports Going Pet-friendly

Traveling and leaving your pet behind is about to become a bit easier for some travelers. Some major international airports, such as Denver, Miami and Minneapolis/St. Paul, are all set to implement pet friendly areas and services.

Airports, such as those in Denver and Minneapolis/St. Paul, have both made the decision to cater to a clientele that most airports have neglected in the past. Both airports have bought into the over $40 million per year pet industry by developing plans to include pet boarding facilities right on the airport grounds.

On Feb. 6 the Metropolitan Airports Commission for Minneapolis/St. Paul approved the request for the development of their Premier Pet Boarding Facility. Located within an existing 12,000 square foot building, the facility will include pet daycare, overnight boarding, a pet recreational/exercise area and parking and shuttle service to terminals for those boarding their pets.

The plan included the selection of the Animal Humane Society as chief operators of the facility. It was approved unanimously by the commission. The total projected cost for this project is $4.25 million to refurbish, expand and equip the existing structure.

The Denver International Airport has similar plans underway. City officials, who have been soliciting proposals for operation by private companies, foresee a 24-hour facility that would care for dogs, cats and even exotic pets and birds.

The company that lands the contract will both finance and operate these facilities. The Denver International Airport would charge rent for the land and collect a percentage of the revenue.

The Miami International Airport is seeking a greener approach. The airport, which already has three outdoor pet relief areas in place, is set to develop two new animal relief areas more akin to mini pet parks.

The first pet park, located outside their central terminal, is set to open by the end of May. The 2,077 square foot site will be dual-surface with both sodded areas and areas with crushed red brick. Shrubs, benches, a 4-foot picket fence and a fire hydrant will also be included.

The second pet park, located outside the south terminal, is set to open just one month later. The 1,523 square foot space will include the same features as the first pet park. Both pet areas will also include waste bag dispensers.
These pet parks will cater to those traveling with their pets as well as those with service dogs. Police K9s, a frequent site at the airport, will also be able to take advantage of these pet parks. Each new pet park will come at an estimated expense of $20,000 per location.

If your airport has yet to jump on the pet bandwagon do not despair. Pet boarding facilities are often available close to airports and offer shuttles to and from your terminal. The Kennel Club LAX is located adjacent to the Los Angeles International Airport and offers the largest indoor accommodations in Los Angeles. They offer a variety of services, from pet spa services to luxury accommodations. The Kennel Club will even board your birds and exotic pets. Mice and rats are even welcome at this facility.

Although some animals traveling through LAX often make comfort stops at the Kennel Club, the facility is not affiliated with the airport itself.

Watch for the Denver International Airport facility to open in February 2009 and the Minneapolis/St. Paul one to one to open in October of 2008. Both pet park areas at Miami International are set to be finished and open by the end of June.