Airport opens new area for animals
July 24, 2019
Pets now have their own place at the Sioux Falls Regional Airport.
The airport opened its animal relief area near Gate 4 this week. It’s a turf-like surface that even includes a toy fire hydrant.
There’s also a sink for owners.
People will be asked to pick up after their animals, but the surface of the area will be automatically cleaned with water after people and animals leave the room.
Executive director Dan Letellier said that in addition to service animals that assist people who are blind, airports increasingly are accommodating animals such as dogs that provide owners emotional support.
Animals on the airport’s first floor can relieve themselves outside.
The U.S. Department of Transportation requires airports to provide relief areas for service animals. Larger airports must provide at least one relief area inside each terminal building.
The new area at the Sioux Falls airport used to be a space for yoga. The airport is exploring other options for that.
