Midway Airport Now Has A Bathroom For Your Pets To Use

By Kirsten Onsgard in News on Aug 19, 2016 7:28PM

When you have to go, you have to go—and that goes for the fluffy heroes that are service animals too. But thanks to a new “pet relief room” at Midway International Airport, animals won’t have to hold it until their owners can take them outside.

The indoor service animal/pet relief room, located on the 'A' Concourse across from Gate A-5, is complete with 2-foot by 4-foot piece of artificial grass and a fake fire hydrant—basically all the amenities Fido looks for in a prime poop spot. It also includes an automatic flushing system and hose to wash away liquid waste, along with bags for solid waste clean up.

Though all animals can use it, it is especially designed for passengers with disabilities. Sliding doors means it is compliant with standards set by the Americans With Disabilities Act.

The pet bathroom will be most convenient for travelers with pets or service animals who are transferring flights at Midway. Previously, owners needed to take their pets outside to an area on the north side of the airport, and then re-enter through security.

Pet bathrooms past security checkpoints in all U.S. airports are now mandated by the federal aviation department, according to the Chicago Tribune. A similar animal relief room oped at O’Hare in October 2015.

The Midway room cost $25,000, funded by the Chicago Department of Aviation.