The world’s first animal-only terminal—JFK Airport unveils “The Ark”!

▲ Dog pool at JFK Airport (Photo / Paradise 4 Paws Facebook page)

By Rita

New York’s JFK Airport will launch a pet-friendly activity area in spring 2016The animal-dedicated terminal “The Ark”will make animal transport more convenient.

This Bible-inspired terminal “The Ark” offers many unexpected pet services, including basic ones like grooming and veterinary check-ups, as well as a rehabilitation center, lawns, and an aviary. For overnight stays, there’s a pet resort operated by “Paradise 4 Paws,” featuring a dog-paw-shaped pool, a real jungle exclusively for cats, and stables. The pet area is monitored by cameras, so owners don’t have to worry about their furry friends wandering off.

▲ Animal terminal at JFK Airport (Photo / Visual China Group / AP)

According to HuffPost, the main mission of “The Ark” is animal quarantine. In fact, JFK Airport handles around 70,000 animals each year, not just dogs and cats, but also horses, cows, goats, sloths, birds, aardvarks, pigs, and sheep. The project CEO stated, “We hope to create a more humane and efficient model for animal travel.”

▲ Animal quarantine at JFK Airport’s animal terminal (Photo / Visual China Group / AP)

How deep do your pockets need to be to enjoy such services? The guests of “The Ark” are high-income individuals, mainly travelers willing to spend over NT$30,000 to fly their dogs. For example, Paradise 4’s dog suites cost around NT$1,500 per day, while more premium facilities, such as a regular human bed, start from NT$3,000 per day.

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