‘Would you like a glass of slightly-chilled bone broth before take-off?’ says the flight attendant to the slobbering English Mastiff lounging, more like overflowing, in a seat beside his companion in first class. Is the next step in the evolution of four-legged traveling companions the offering of airline doggy meals?
The term ‘fur babies’ for dogs became popular in the early 21st century; before this, everyone just had a dog in the backyard. The dog was loved and chatted to in that peculiar sing-song manner that everyone seems to use when talking to a dog; some were spoiled and allowed in the house; others were not so lucky, having to bunker down in a dog kennel plonked somewhere in the garden or by the back door. Worse still for the kids of that generation was being told to do the ‘poo patrol’—there was no such thing as ‘poo bags’; it was seen as punishment and was usually handled with a shovel. Hopefully you had a spare block of land next door to throw your dog’s excrement over the fence. Oh, so shocking behavior by today’s standards, when multi-colored plastic poo bags have replaced the shovel, and there are no vacant blocks of land in suburbia.
The family pet dog was a ‘just a dog’ that roamed the yard with the kids and was only let inside the house when a parent said so. The cultural shift today is very different. Many people have an intense, sometimes even wild, devotion to their pets, often treating their animals as if they were their own children or best friends. This phenomenon is evident in the way pet owners go above and beyond to pamper their fur babies, spending exorbitant amounts on luxury food, designer accessories, and elaborate costumes for that must-be-seen at doggy parade. Some individuals even redecorate entire rooms in their homes to create a cozy paradise for their pets, complete with plush bedding, custom furniture, and high-tech toys. While others will treat their beloved pet like royalty—with elaborate birthday parties, hiring pet photographers, or creating personalized memorials when their fur babies are gone—this is a far cry from the life of a family pet pre-2000. Pets are now family members rather than mere animals, as seen on social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, where pet owners share photos and stories about their dogs' antics. Apparently dogs post-2000 are into couture clothing, boutique hotels, require pampering in the form of massages, can talk back, and must be taken on holidays.
With the rise of a pet’s status, it’s little wonder that airlines jumped onto the bandwagon to allow people to travel with their beloved animal. By doing this, they then had to come up with the next phase of pet travel that was never an issue when they were flown in the rear of a plane in an animal crate—airport comfort stations for animals have arrived. Traveling can be stressful for dogs due to unfamiliar environments, loud noises, and the physical strain of transit. Heaven help you if your fur baby is a cat and you have to take it into a designated ‘pet relief station’ packed with restless dogs!
Hundreds of major international airports now feature dedicated pet and assistance animal relief areas (Service Animal Relief Areas, or SARAs). These dedicated animal ablution areas are typically located post-security or near baggage claim and feature artificial turf, wash-down systems, and waste bags. These amenities range from pet-friendly lounges and designated rest areas to state-of-the-art kennels, grooming, and pet massage, all designed to ease the stress of travel for pets and their owners. In addition to comfort and convenience, many international airports now offer comprehensive veterinary services. On-site clinics or partnerships with local veterinary clinics allow pets to receive necessary health checks, vaccinations, or even emergency care during layovers or delays.
Dubai International Airport and Singapore Changi Airport have introduced luxurious pet lounges that rival human airport lounges in comfort, complete with climate control and calming music. But, the crème de la crème of pet amenities can be found at Rome’s Fiumicino International Airport, which recently introduced an innovative service called Dog Relais. This new facility aims to make the journey more comfortable and convenient for pet owners by providing a dedicated space where dogs can relax and receive care during layovers or before flights. It’s a well-equipped, secure area with a variety of amenities, including comfortable resting zones, water stations, and shaded areas to help keep dogs calm and happy. Clean and hygienic, the area is designed to be spacious enough for dogs to move around freely, with separate zones for small and large breeds—no mention of cats, unfortunately, for cat lovers. Additionally, the facility offers grooming services, pet sitting, and even some basic training options, making it a comprehensive stop for pet owners. This service is particularly beneficial for travelers on long layovers or those flying internationally, as it allows them to tend to their pets without the stress of leaving them at a kennel or risking their comfort in unfamiliar surroundings.
Providing animal relief areas not only benefits pet owners but also sets a new standard for airports worldwide to be judged on, emphasizing the importance of accommodating all travelers, including their furry companions.
NB: It may not be advisable to take your fur baby on holiday in Vietnam, China, Nigeria, Indonesia, South Korea, or India, as dog meat is still on the menu in these countries.
Gail Palethorpe, a self proclaimed Australian gypsy, is a freelance writer, photographer and eternal traveller. Check out her website Gail Palethorpe Photography and her Shutterstock profile.
