Airport offers pooches some preflight relief
- Brandy Dela
Vega RENO GAZETTE-JOURNAL 12/17/2004 09:19 pm
From traveling terriers to carry-on cocker spaniels,
jet-setting pooches now have a place to burn off some energy, have a
preflight drink or take care of their business before boarding planes
at Reno/ Tahoe International Airport.
The facility opened a new gate just for four-legged
passengers. Gate K-9 Bark Park opened Friday morning amid much panting,
sniffing and tail wagging.
The new feature is located outside the building
north of the baggage claim area and is equipped with running water,
mutt mitts so owners can clean up after their dogs, and a fire hydrant
for, well …that should be obvious.
Pampered pets of airport employees and dogs visiting
from local animal shelters were welcomed to christen the event. A canopy
covers the fenced area as a shield from weather.
Airport spokesman Brian Kulpin said an increase
in dogs traveling with their owners, whether as service dogs or pets,
prompted the idea for a puppy playpen. “During the summer, we saw a
lot of people come through with pets,” he said. “And in a community
like this, people love their dogs and like to take them everywhere they
go. It just made sense.” Most airlines that service RTIA allow pets
as luggage either in the cabin or as cargo, Kulpin said.
Although airlines are becoming more pet friendly,
few airports have facilities for pets, said Krys Bart, executive director
of the Airport Authority of Washoe County. “As far as I know, we are
only the second airport besides Phoenix that has something like this,”
she said. Bart said response from passengers has been positive.
“We decided the dogs needed a place where they
could get a drink of water and rest before the stress of a flight,”
she said.Timing for the opening of the canine park is excellent as more
passengers bring their pets with them during the holidays, said Steve
Pansky, federal security director for Transportation Security Administration.
“We get an increase during this time of year,” he said. “They are obviously
accepted by the airlines and by us, but we do screen them also to ensure
they’re safe.”
Representatives from the Northern Nevada Humane
Society and the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals made
appearances at the ribbon-cutting ceremony with canine companions.
Alex Werbeckes, Dynika Heyboer and Tenney Vaughn,
all Swope Middle School students, won a contest to name the park and
were on hand to cut the ribbon. Two chose the name “Bark Park,” while
one thought of “Gate K-9.” Each student received a gift certificate
to Meadowood Mall. Werbeckes, a seventh grader at Swope, said he got
the idea for a name from his dog, Spike. “My dog barks a lot, so I thought
of Bark Park,” he said. “It’s a great idea.”
Santa stopped by the ceremony to hand out candy
canes and pose with man’s best friend. Those pooches who had to wait
in line for Santa happily munched dog biscuits. “What a terrific idea,”
said Geri Herrick, office manager for NNHS. “It is a way of acknowledging
just how important peoples’ pets are to them.”
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