Four new locations will allow animal companions to relieve themselves without exiting and re-entering the security checkpoint.
MIAMI – In conjunction with National Dog Day, Miami International Airport officially launched its indoor Service Animal Relief Area (SARA) program on August 26, when the first of four new SARA locations was unveiled to the public at Gate D-34. Thanks to the new SARA locations, service animals and pets can now relieve themselves without having to exit and re-enter the security checkpoint. The four SARA locations are equipped with a patch of Astroturf, two sprinkler heads and a drainage system to maintain cleanliness, as well as cleaning supplies for owners. The SARA facilities are in addition to MIA’s three outdoor animal relief areas.
“Our new SARA facilities will help make traveling through MIA even more convenient for passengers with service animals or pets who prefer to remain in the post-security areas of the airport,” said Miami-Dade Aviation Department (MDAD) Director Emilio T. González.
Erinn Tackett, Owner of Tackett Service Dogs of Palm Beach and the consultant for MIA’s SARA program, joined MIA officials at the opening with two service dogs, who “christened” the new facility.
The SARA program is one of many customer service amenities MIA is introducing this year. Others include a recently opened Yoga Studio, the MIA Airport Official V2 mobile app, and coming soon, airport-wide nursing suites and a children’s learn-and-play center.
From left: MDAD Landside Division Director and ADA Coordinator Barbara Carlo; Erinn Tackett; MIA Deputy Director Ken Pyatt; and service dogs Bella and Bradley, at the opening of MIA’s SARA program.
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