[nfbmi-talk] The Friendly Area of O'Hara Airport

[Terry D. Eagle]

Animal/Pet Relief Room Opens at O'Hare International Airport

Date: Tuesday  October  20, 2015 | Source: Chicago Department of 

Aviation

 

CHICAGO, October 20, 2015 - The Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA) 

announces the opening of an indoor service animal/pet relief room at 

O'Hare International Airport.

 

Located past security checkpoints in the Rotunda area of Terminal 3, 

the room is specially designed to accommodate passengers traveling 

with service animals or pets. It is particularly convenient for those 

with layovers/connecting flights at O'Hare.  It will enhance the 

traveling experience for individuals with disabilities because they no 

longer need to pass back through security to relieve their service animal.

 

The recently-opened indoor service animal/pet relief room at O'Hare is 

located just north of the Rotunda in Terminal 3.

 

The room has two, 2-foot by 4-foot pet relief areas complete with 

artificial grass covering, miniature fire hydrants and pop-up 

sprinkler systems to wash away liquid waste into a drain. In addition, 

a mounted hose bib and reel is available for manual spraying and plastic
bags are provided for clean-up.

The room is enclosed, has a door with a glass pane that opens and 

closes automatically, and is designed for wheelchair access. The room 

also includes two sinks for passenger use.

 

"We are pleased to offer this new amenity for passengers, especially 

those who depend on the assistance of service animals when they travel 

through our airport," said CDA Commissioner Ginger S. Evans. "This is 

another way we are making O'Hare International Airport more accessible 

to the traveling public and creating a more welcoming environment for
visitors to Chicago."

The room features two pet relief areas with hydrants, and plastic 

bags, sinks and a hose for clean up.

 

The CDA coordinated with the Mayor's Office for People with 

Disabilities

(MOPD) to ensure the room is compliant with the Americans with 

Disabilities Act (ADA) standards.

 

"The new indoor animal relief area located in the secured terminal of 

O'Hare International Airport will enhance the traveling experience for 

individuals with service animals, particularly those with connecting 

flights," said MOPD Commissioner Karen Tamley. "This feature is 

another step towards our goal of making Chicago a world class accessible
city for people with disabilities."

 

In addition to the new airside animal relief room, there are three 

outdoor service animal/ pet relief areas located near the lower level 

curb front of Terminals 1, 2 and 5. The Terminal 1 and 5 outdoor 

locations were opened in

2009 and the Terminal 2 location was added in 2014. Midway 

International Airport also has an outdoor service animal and pet 

relief area located near the lower level curb front at the north end 

of the terminal that opened in 2009.

 

 Real grass, gravel or wood chips are used inside the fenced-in areas 

and plastic bags and garbage cans are provided. CDA and custodial 

staff monitor the areas throughout the day to ensure cleanliness.