“Pet Park” Pet Relief Area Opens at HSV

Traveling with pets and service animals just became easier for passengers at Huntsville International Airport. The airport recently opened its first designated Pet Park, which provides a convenient place where passengers traveling with animals can give them a restroom break. The new Pet Park, a requirement by the Department of Transportation for accommodating service animals, is located outside just west of the terminal building and encompasses a fence-enclosed area with grass, bench, and a pet waste disposal system. Passengers are encouraged to allow their pets to utilize the pet relief area prior to going through security checkpoint; however, for those passengers that are passed security checkpoint but need to allow their pets to utilize the pet relief area, an airline attendant may escort the passenger and pet to and from the area.

According to Doug Kreulen, Director of Operations at Huntsville International Airport, “The most recent survey conducted by the American Pet Association showed that 62 percent of Americans now own pets, and with the increase in pet-friendly restaurants, hotels, and theme parks, it is clear that more and more Americans are going to be traveling with their pets. Therefore, the addition of the Pet Park to our airport was an obvious necessity and a way to better serve the needs of our passengers.”