World's first airport terminal for animals to open in 2016

Your pets are about to start having a better airport experience than you.

Starting in 2016, beloved pets travelling in and out of the John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York will be doing so in style, in the world’s first airport terminal designed just for animals.

Dubbed ARK, the $48-million, 178,000 square-foot terminal will operate as a comfortable waiting area for all animals — domestic, farm, zoo and exotic — that includes “an overnight pet resort Paradise 4 Paws kennels, ample state-of-the-art cargo holding facilities, vets, an aviary and even climate-controlled stalls to ensure total relaxation prior to departure,” the BarkPost reported.

According to a press release, ARK will be housed in the previously vacant Building 78, and should create 190 jobs and bring in $108 million in rent for the Port Authority over the next 20 years.

“The Port Authority is proud to partner with ARK to make air travel at JFK more humane for animals and convenient for pet owners,” said Port Authority Chairman David Samson when ARK was first announced in 2012. “ARK, our private sector partner, will invest $32 million that will result in a world-class animal handling facility and establish a preeminent equine medical and surgical practice.”

"It is indeed unique. Some people seem to question its necessity, but if a private company wants to sign a multi-decade lease with PANYNJ, then by all means. This facility is in the cargo area of JFK, which sees tenants come and go, so this can be a good deal for a potentially economically unstable part of the airport,” Phil Derner of NYC Avaition told the Gothamist.

“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. As long as this being in the cargo area doesn’t bring about a horse-related Goodfellas Lufthansa heist, it is just fine with me.”

John J. Cuticelli, Jr., CEO of Racebrook Capital, said that the currently facilities for animals are quite old and can add hours to a trip. The new animal terminal will provide a facility directly on the runway.

“All of the additional handling costs are eliminated. It is a much more efficient, humane process,” he said.

ARK is scheduled to open in the first quarter of 2016.