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To the help group: Following is a message that was sent to all the airlines in Wichita
by a service animal advocacy organization with the guidelines they would like
to see at the nation’s airports when a service animal relief area is
constructed. Please note that there are apparently no official national
standards or guidelines that we have found for the design of such a facility,
and the regulation doesn’t specify any either. However, ACI-NA is
working on developing some as we speak. The airports in Reno and Denver
have already built relief areas and I have photos if anyone would like to see
them. Victor D. White, A.A.E. ================================================================================================= Dear Airline Station Manager, The Department of Transportation has set
forth new rules requiring the installation of service animal relief areas at
all U.S. airports. (see the relevant paragraph from the Final
Rule below my signature) As one who
frequently meets & picks up other assistance dog handlers
who travel through our airport as well as travels through our airport
with my assistance dogs, Blair or Shane, and as an IAADP member; I would
like to know if you were aware of this mandate that all U.S. airports are
required to have installed service animal relief areas by May 13, 2009. The rules were set forth in 2008 and
require a cooperative effort on the part of assistance dog training
programs and those of us partnered with assistance service dogs. I am a
member of IAADP and would be happy to find out more information to assist our
airport to be in compliance if it isnt already accomplished. The Coalition of Assistance Dog
Organizations, representing the International Association of Assistance Dog
Partners (IAADP), Guide Dog Users Inc. (GDUI), Assistance Dogs International
North America (ADI NA) and the Council of U.S. Dog Guide Schools (CUSDGS), has
shared the following GUIDELINES with the U.S. Department of Transportation
Guidelines for Service Animal Relief Areas at Airports 1. Service animal
relief areas should be established within the secured perimeter.
2. The location of service animal relief areas should be negotiated between
airlines, airport operators, assistance dog training programs and assistance
dog partners. Representatives of TSA should be asked to participate in these discussions.
3. A minimum area of 10 feet by 10 feet should be set aside for each relief
area. If space permits a larger area should be designated.
4. Grass or other natural surfaces are preferred. Additional surfaces may
be wood chips or gravel.
5. Every service animal relief area must be accessible for physically disabled
individuals using wheelchairs or other mobility devices.
6. The service animal relief area must be maintained by airlines and/or airport
operators.
7. All service animal relief areas should have bags for pick up, pooper
scoopers and trash receptacles.
8. Service animal relief areas should be fenced in with gates wide enough to
provide wheelchair access.
9. Escort service staff must be trained about these requirements and notified
of the mandate to provide escort service to and from the service animal relief
area for disabled passengers accompanied by assistance dogs.
10. Other airline staff, such as Complaint Resolution Officials, must be
trained about these requirements and know the location of designated service
animal relief areas. Below
is the language used in the final rule published in the Federal Register Part
II Department of Transportation 14 CFR Part 382 Nondiscrimination on the Basis of
Disability in Air Travel; Final Rule Page
39 382.51 Paragraph
only: One new requirement at U.S. airports is to
provide, in cooperation with the airport operator, animal relief areas for
service animals that accompany passengers who are departing, arriving, or
connecting at the facility. From:
help-owner@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:help-owner@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx] On
Behalf Of Richard.Stein@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
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