Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
News
Dogs Can Do Their Business Before American Flights At JFK
By
Jen Chung
Published Jul 15, 2009
Modified Jul 15, 2009
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
Never miss a story
Email address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .
By
Jen Chung
Published Jul 15, 2009
Modified Jul 15, 2009
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
We rely on your support to make local news available to all
Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
American Airlines has added a creature comfort outside its terminal at JFK International Airport. According to the press release, the new "Pet Relief Area at the terminal's departure level" is for "passengers with pets [to] give their canine or feline friends a final chance to relieve themselves before packing them away in their kennels for the flight." American's Facilities Maintenance Manager at JFK, Joseph Daly, explained, "American Airlines is sensitive to the needs of passengers who travel with their pets. Pets that travel have comfort needs, too, so we wanted to provide a way for them to be comfortable before boarding their flight, just like the rest of us." Here's AA's traveling with pets policy.
The Pet Relief Area is in a 30-foot by 50-foot enclosure, "including a 1,000-square-foot patch of natural grass....five-foot wide entrance gate, a walkway and two benches" plus a 'Mutt Mitt' dispenser, trash barrel, and bright red fire hydrant. This was announced yesterday—the same day that Pet Airways, the all-pet airline, launched.
Newsday reports the turboprop plane, which was modified to carry 50 dogs or cats, "took off from Republic Airport in East Farmingdale Tuesday" and stopped in "Washington, Chicago and Denver on the way to Los Angeles, with mandatory potty breaks to ensure passengers' comfort." An attendant checks up on the pets every 15 minutes during the flight. Pet Airways' founder explained, "We're for pet lovers, obviously, and for people who are relocating, going on vacation and dropping the pet off with Grandma, for pets going to shows and for pet rescue and adoption."
Tagged
american airlines
pet airways
pet relief area
pets
travel
traveling with pets
Jen Chung
Jen Chung is a former WNYC and Gothamist editor.
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE news
NY Archdiocese will soon settle $800M clergy sexual abuse claims
The deal would compensate over 1,300 alleged victims and help the church avoid bankruptcy.
By
Arya Sundaram
Published Oct 24, 2026 at 6:31 p.m. ET
Chinatown residents file lawsuit against after-hours construction on new 'mega jail'
Residents cite sleep disruption and dust-induced illness from nearly ‘round the clock’ construction.
By
Arya Sundaram
News
Chinatown residents file lawsuit against after-hours construction on new 'mega jail'
Residents cite sleep disruption and dust-induced illness from nearly ‘round the clock’ construction.
By
Arya Sundaram
Peepapalooza: NYC is heading to the Hudson Valley to watch the leaves
By
Elizabeth Shwe
and
Sean Carlson
NYPD: Officer shot, injured knife-wielding woman during ‘chaotic’ night at Queens home
By
Ryan Kost
3 slates vying to run Jersey City school board as city stares down major tax hikes
By
Michael Sol Warren
Never miss a story
Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.
Sign upEmail address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .