{"id":7970,"date":"2017-08-29T17:27:43","date_gmt":"2017-08-29T21:27:43","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.atl.com\/?p=7970"},"modified":"2017-08-29T17:43:15","modified_gmt":"2017-08-29T21:43:15","slug":"atls-relief-areas-provide-haven-for-service-animals-passenger-pets","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dev.atl.com\/atl\/atls-relief-areas-provide-haven-for-service-animals-passenger-pets\/","title":{"rendered":"ATL\u2019s relief areas provide haven for service animals, passenger pets"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"\"<\/a>

Service Animal Relief Areas are available for all passenger pets at Hartsfield-Jackson.<\/p><\/div>\n

By Anika Robertson
\nSenior Editor\/Assistant Public Relations Manager<\/em><\/b><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ATL leaders marked the completion of the seventh Service Animal Relief Area \u2013 the most animal relief areas of any other airport in the United States \u2013 during a press event last week next to the newest relief area at the International Terminal.<\/p>\n

\u201cThese areas allow for easier, more comfortable travel for guests and their pets while meeting federal requirements under the Americans with Disabilities Act,\u201d said Airport General Manager Roosevelt Council, Jr., who was joined Aug. 24 by members of Georgia Guide Dog Users. \u201cEach year, more than 2 million pets take to the skies, so we know these areas offer a welcome bathroom break for our beloved animals.\u201d<\/p>\n

These facilities not only provide pet comfort, but also increase the quality of ATL\u2019s passenger experience.<\/p>\n

Rita Harris, president of Georgia Guide Dog users, said she is thankful for the project.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt is important for us because we, as visually impaired, are faced with challenges as well as having things accessible to us,\u201d Harris said.<\/p>\n

\u201cIn solidifying our commitment to individuals with disabilities, we have made a significant investment,\u201d said Steve Mayers, ATL\u2019s director of customer experience and ADA coordinator. \u201cThis will enable our passengers with disabilities to have the convenience of providing care for their pets and a de-stressed area.\u201d<\/p>\n

Each Service Animal Relief Area is spaciously equipped with pet supplies and concrete and grassy turf areas as well as a ground-level drinking fountain. All equipment is ADA accessible, including an automated entry door.<\/p>\n

Pet cleanup is simple with biodegradable pet waste bags and an overhead shower hose. The floor surface is antimicrobial, seamless, and it is stain and slip-resistant. A single sink is stationed on an adjacent wall for travelers to freshen up before leaving the space.<\/p>\n

Each relief area is always open at the following locations: T7, A10, B33, C19, D Centerpoint, E14 and F7.<\/p>\n

In addition, two outdoor dog parks at Hartsfield-Jackson offer relief and relaxation. Poochie Park, a 1,000-square-foot dog park in the Ground Transportation area on Domestic Terminal South, is located outside of doors W1 and W2. An additional pet relief area is located on the arrivals level of the International Terminal, right outside of door A1.<\/p>\n

\u201cService animals are loved and treated as family members by their owners, and we want them to be safe and comfortable, too,\u201d Mayers said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Share<\/div>