Travel can be stressful for many, it comes to no surprise that prior to 2020, it was estimated that two million domestic animals traveled on commercial flights and almost 78% of all pet owners traveled with their pets via planes, trains [efn_note] https://www.condorferries.co.uk/pet-travel-statistics .[/efn_note] and automobiles. There has been a shift to support individuals traveling with their furry friends. 2020 saw a 4% increase in pet ownership. The estimated number of dogs as pets has grown to 49 million in the US [efn_note] https://www.iii.org/fact-statistic/facts-statistics-pet-ownership-and-insurance.[/efn_note]. So, it is only safe to assume that we will see more of our four-legged friends in the air and in airports.
If you have ever flown into John F. Kennedy International Airport or Toronto Pearson International Airport you have probably already seen one of these designated areas. A Pet Relief Area is a designated space for travellers to take their pets to stretch their legs and relieve themselves. Also known as Pet Relief Stations, these areas can help calm the anxiety of pets and help by giving them a sense of security before they begin their long journey.
Building Code Requirements for Pet Relief Stations
In the United States, according to a federal regulation, any airport that serves more than 10,000 (https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/49/27.71) passengers annually is required to have pet relief areas in each terminal. There are many pet relief areas that are merely small patches of fake grass. However, many others are replicas of pet parks with real grass, faux fire hydrants with space to play. While in Canada no such requirements exist, 19 Canadian airports have dedicated pet relief areas.
With ATS Spec, our team will help you develop a customized specification to create the ideal Pet Relief Station.
Here are some areas to focus on when designing Pet Relief Areas:
Designing a Space to Make Pets Comfortable
- Pet Fountain
Stern Williams Metal Pedestal Pet Fountain (9002)
Features:
- Brushed aluminum spout is locked to stainless steel receptors and protected with vandal resistant steel guard
- Recessed self-closing push button valve(s) with outside stream adjustment
- Slow draining pet fountain receptor with pebble guard drain
- Woodland Green Powder Coat finish. Optional colors and stainless steel (-SS) are available
2. Artificial Grass
K9Grass Synthetic Grass Design
Features:
- 100% edge-to-edge drainage capabilities
- No-infill design prevents dogs from digging up and chewing on bits of rubber
- Premium materials and installed using customized methods for long-term durability
- The knitted, Flow-Through Backing™ of K9Grass allows liquids to immediately leave the surface, making it easier to sanitize and rinse
3. Fire Hydrant
Dogipot Fire Hydrant (#7731-Red)
Features:
- 33″ H x 15″ W
- Can be surface or in-ground mounted
- Corrosion-resistant thermoplastic coating
- One-piece vandal-resistant construction
Designing a Space to Make Pet Owners Comfortable
4. Waste Receptacle
Bobrick Floor-Standing Waste Receptacle with Top (B-2250)
Features:
- Surface-mounted corner waste receptacle is constructed of 22-gauge (0.8mm) satin-finish stainless steel with all-welded construction vinyl wall bumpers, rubber feet (less damaging to walls and floors)
- Additional hooks within unit to attach vinyl liner (replaceable and reusable)
- Has a capacity of 13 gallons (49.2 liters)
- Better odor control from the self-closing doors
5. Bag Dispenser
Aluminium Dogipot Junior Bag Dispenser (#1002-2)
Features:
- Available in 12-gauge powder coated forest green or black aluminum finish
- 400-bag capacity (includes two rolls of 200 count DOGIPOT® SMART Litter Pick Up Bags™)
- H: 15.5″ x W: 9.4″ x D: 3.25″ Weight: 7 lbs
- Front-locking access panel with two diamond bag dispenser slots
6. Sanitization Station
Spectrum Lockers Safe Screen Sanitization Station
Features:
- Made with easy-to-clean lab grade surface Trespa Panels which come in Single or Double (back-to-back) models
- Turn-key solutions for any facility, with custom options available
- Water and moisture resistant with a smooth finish which guarantees durability in high-traffic locations
- Custom engraving and logo options available on request
Keep the Space Clean and Fresh
7. Odor Removal
Prolitec AirQ Scent technology
Features:
- Replaces up to 10 traditional air fresheners
- Efficient and cost-effective and do not contain or generate any ozone
- Fragrances are compliant with air freshener safety standards of IFRA, the International Fragrance Association
- 100% compliant with the inhalation safety guidelines of the US Department of Labor Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
8. Drainage
Blucher 12” Wide Pre-Sloped Trench Drain (BT12 Series)
Features:
- AISI Type 304 stainless steel (optional 316 stainless steel)
- 1% longitudinal slope and 160 degree cross fall
- 12″(300) wide with varying lengths
- 1″(25) thick pedestrian duty mesh grating, and spigot outlet
9. Interceptor
Watts Hair, Plaster & Sediment Interceptor (SI-742)
Features:
- Acid resistant epoxy coated inside and out
- Specified for point-of-use sediment collection
- Wheel handle for easy basket removal and maintenance
- Optional stainless steel finish
- W: 7” L: 11″
The future of design for high traffic areas like airports is sure to include the needs of man’s best friend. If you would like to see a specification for the products featured in this blog and other product recommendations for Airport click here to download a written 3-part specification.
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