First ‘dedicated’ animal bathrooms makes a trip to Brisbane airport easier for those with Guide Dogs. The two new facilities, which are an Australian first, are located at the Brisbane international and domestic terminals. This means travellers with assistance animals won’t have to leave the building when their dogs receive the ‘call of nature’.
Departing and transiting international passengers will no longer need to go through customs, immigration or security screening either every time their dog has to be relieved. As well, it reduces the need for assistance animals to be fasted before long flights.
The new bathrooms are fully wheelchair accessible, have separate ventilation systems, contain an artificial turf area, a wash down facility for the turf, a dispenser and bin for doggy doo bags, a water bowl for dogs, as well as a sink for people to wash their hands. The entry door is electronically operated and the room is fitted with hearing augmentation loops and visual emergency alarms.
“Universal design is about access for all,” said Guide Dogs Queensland, CEO Chris Laine. “When you design collaboratively and in consultation with travellers and relevant organisations such as Guide Dogs Queensland, these principles prepare for a balanced and real-world positive result.”
Caption: Instructors Katie Kerr and Jason Stankoski with Dr John Vance and Guide Dogs from left, Kadon, Icon and Vogue.