General Mitchell International Airport installed an indoor Service Animal Relief Area. The new area is separate but adjacent to the family restroom in the Concession Mall.

The Service Animal Relief Area contains a soft, green, synthetic grass that's designed specifically for dogs. It sits atop an under-grass flushing system that moves water and cleaning solution across a sloped floor.

"Mitchell Airport is constantly innovating, and we’re pleased to offer this new area to make the Airport even more accessible to those with service animals," County Executive Chris Abele says. "This new area provides a cleaner, safer, better environment for service animals and their owners."

Service animals are specially trained to perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability. Mitchell Airport partnered with Leader Dogs for the Blind to ensure that the new area meets modern animal relief facility standards.

The new area, which was formerly used as a restroom, was required by the U.S. Department of Transportation. Outdoor designated Pet Relief Areas are located at the exits from both ends of Ticketing and Baggage Claim.