So, I wonder, is there someone there watching this patch of grass to make sure that people pick up after their dogs? Or is it going to turn into one big landmine?

@farcedude: Whoa there, the TSA doesn't like you using the word "landmine" in relation to anything (including the pet bathroom) at an airport.

@AreYouConfusedYet?HowAboutNow?: Oops, my bad, how 'bout this:
"Or is it going to turn into one big brown smear?"

Fort Wayne International Airport, which is a lot smaller than JFK (but is still a very nice-and friendly-airport), has a doggy-doo area, too.

Not sure if it has a fire hydrant, though.

[www.news-sentinel.com]

I think this is speciests. Where is the large sand box for cats?

@Munchie:
American Airlines doesn't care about CAT People.
*snicker*

What about those of us who are 'super smellers' and don't want a dog by us on a plane?

Oh, I see... The dogs can pee on that hydrant but the minute I try to relieve myself on one of those things, it's illegal? :(

@Munchie: The security checkpoint is one huge "let me show you my butt" arena for cats.

As the carrier was going through the x-ray machine, the cat in question was standing on top of the machine with tail up, showing everyone in line its butt.

@TacoDave: Drive.

Only one dinky hydrant? I would of expected a few of them spaced out, and full size too!.

@Munchie: The Gothamist article refers to "canine or feline friends." I don't know about other cats, but my cat's such a spoiled indoor cat that grass scares the hell out of him.

Is the pet area in a secure area? As in, will you have to go back through security when you go back into the airport, or not?

@TacoDave: Or take the train. Despite the fact that 59% of Americans have dogs, and the fact that it needs more passengers, Amtrak is still dog-free. :(

I saw this in Hawaii just 2 weeks ago, granted they were patches about half that size meant for service dogs but others could be placed, even had bags and disposal areas right on the gate

@icantreplyright:
across the ocean ?

@TCama:
my cat would piss all over that pristine grass, he knows what he likes

@anduin: Maybe just stay home then?

@TCama: No it's outside at the departure area of the terminal where people get dropped off. At the very end of it before the ramp. It's still good though, last chance for your pet to go before being put into cargo.

Shouldn't we call this above and beyond? Cudos! I have 2 four legged friends, though they will never be flying as far as I know... one would never make it to the airport without getting car sick, let alone takeoff and landing!!!

@SonalStevenson:
Mostly because Amtrak is slow and very expensive!

@icantreplyright: Pretty sure you all missed the joke, or at least I hope this was a joke in reference to that one flight attendant.

@STrRedWolf: yeah, my dog generally has to sniff a good 500 or 600 bushes and trees before choosing the appropriate one to pee on

@farcedude: That was my immediate thought as well. Since we're in NYC and we have a pooper scooper law, I am sure all the people walking their dogs will do the right thing and train their dogs to clean up after themselves.

@MFfan310: That fire hydrant looked like it was photoshopped in. But from some of the comments made, I guess it's really there.

I think there is one of these outside the very last United Terminal at LAX.

@dohtem: Maybe you're doing it wrong; try getting on all fours and lifting your leg instead of standing (squatting?) and peeing. That's the only difference, really. Pee is pee.

@pmcpa4: +1! In a blog that routinely criticizes the airlines for, well, pretty much everything (and rightly so, I might add), at least AA is sorta making an effort to maybe not be so offensive in basically most things they do. So partial-kudos, AA. Partial kudos.

@SonalStevenson: Amtrak doesn't have to abide by ADA laws?

I think the hydrant is a nice touch, except that unless the dog has watched TV to know he's supposed to like hydrants, how will he guide his blind owner there? Besides, Seeing Eye puppies are trained to squat, not life a leg. I helped raise one for a summer.

Interesting ... IIRC both Salt Lake City airport and Calgary International airport also have little dog walk areas in the airport.

For me, it was a convenience issue -- and a nice touch that makes a long trip for a dog a little bit easier.

@dohtem: A lot of places you can get away with urinating in public, as that is not expressly forbidden. It's the whole exposing yourself thing that most places have a problem with.

/Yes, I know this isn't true everywhere, and I'm sure your particular municipality disagrees, but you see, I don't care.

@Wombatish:

That flight attendant was afraid of the dog