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 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 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.
Ewa Malcher
