Pet Relief Area Opens at Midway Airport

CHICAGO, IL - Those who fly with their pets or service animals will now get some relief while at Midway Airport.

An indoor service animal/pet relief room is open at the ‘A’ concourse of the airport, the Chicago Department of Aviation announced Wednesday.

The airport’s addition will “enhance the traveling experience for individuals with disabilities because they no longer need to pass back through security to relieve their service animal,” according to the department.

The 2-foot by 4-foot area is located directly across from Gate A5 and has artificial grass covering, a miniature fire hydrant and an automatic flushing system. There’s also a mounted shower with flexible hose and plastic bags for clean-up.

Prior to the opening of this room, air travelers with pets or service animals had to exit the terminal and re-enter through security in order to relieve the animals.

“We are pleased to now offer this new amenity for passengers at Midway, especially those who rely on service animals when they travel through our airport,” CDA Commissioner Ginger S. Evans said. “Now both of Chicago’s airports are more accessible to the traveling public and have a more welcoming environment for visitors to Chicago.”

An outdoor service animal/pet relief area has been in place at the airport since 2009.