JFK Airport’s VetPort to Undergo Multi-Million Dollar Upgrade

When dealing with pet relocation, airline facilities are crucial. According to the United States Department of Transportation, as of May 2009 all airlines must make sure there are pet relief areas, and escorts to those relief areas, for any passenger traveling with a service animal.  As a result, many U.S. airports have been creating and upgrading not only accommodations for service animals but for all of their pet passengers.

Kennedy Airport answered the call – and then some!

John F. Kennedy Airport in New York City announced plans in September 2012 to upgrade its animal care facilities – a proposed $35 million dollar upgrade!

The present “VetPort” at JFK is in need of renovation.  In order to accommodate even zoo-bound animals, renovation plans include:

• boarding kennels for about 150 dogs and 150 cats
• an aviary
• a clinic for smaller animals
• a hospital for specialized surgeries
• a grooming center
• a quarantine area
• an indoor exercise space
• a dormitory for staff

“Me-WOW.”  That is some upgrade.  Good on you, JFK!

Not all airports are updating at this level, but many do accommodate pets in some way.  For a list of pet-friendly airports, you can check here:  http://www.petfriendlytravel.com/airports.

Sources:

Pet Friendly Travel Website:  http://www.petfriendlytravel.com/airports

Wall Street Journal Online:  http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052970203630604578073083761448920.html

Animal Land Pet Movers – Blog – Arianna Licet Ariza