Aptly named The Ark, the world’s first airport terminal for animals will be opened at John F Kennedy International Airport in early 2016.
Costing a cool US$48 million, the terminal will span 17,000 square meters and serve as a cargo holding area for all animals. That includes exotic, farm, zoo and domestic animals, while they await transportation to their next destination.
With an overnight pet resort run by Paradise 4 Paws and a veterinary centre, the terminal will also have climate-controlled stalls to ensure animals are as relaxed as possible.
While travelling with pets certainly poses its challenges, the plan has received mixed responses. Speaking to the Gothamist about the venture, Phil Derner of NYC Aviation said, “When it comes to travel, animals have always had the short end of the stick, flying in dangerous and uncomfortable conditions in the bellies of aircraft. Regardless of animal type, I am all for anything that improves their treatment.” He also added that the development is a good deal for a potentially economically unstable part of the airport.
What do you think of this venture, which aims to alleviate some of the stress and confusion of air travel for animals and their owners? Should there be better facilities for animals who are forced to fly? Or is this a waste of money?
Read more about The Ark at BarkPost.