Source：CAAC news-On May 8, Shenzhen Airport welcomed 10 adorable pets to its newly inaugurated pet departure lounge, marking the official launch of China’s first dedicated pet departure lounge at the domestic cargo terminal. This milestone is a significant step in Shenzhen Airport's innovative approach to pet travel, aiming to meet the increasing demand for pet transportation with professional and thoughtful services. The new facility reflects Shenzhen's commitment to creating a pet-friendly city, providing a warm and inclusive experience for pet owners.

“The pet departure lounge at Shenzhen Airport is a commendable initiative. It has made me feel extremely reassured about traveling with my pet. This service has also shown me that Shenzhen is a city full of humanistic care,” said Ms. Liu, one of the first users of the pet departure lounge, who praised the environment and services after using the facility to board her pet for an out-of-town trip.

According to the China (Shenzhen) Comprehensive Development Research Institute, the pet ownership community in Shenzhen, primarily consisting of "post-80s," "post-90s," and "post-00s," continues to grow, with the city now home to over 500,000 pet cats and dogs. As the number of pets increases, so do their diverse needs. In recent years, Shenzhen has been actively enhancing its "pet-friendly" initiatives, implementing policies, and improving facilities and services to reflect this ethos across various aspects of society.

As a key urban gateway, Shenzhen Airport has been proactive in responding to the city's "pet-friendly" policies by offering personalized services for pet transportation. In 2018, the airport introduced a "pet-friendly waiting area." Building on this foundation, the airport has now undertaken a comprehensive upgrade of its pet transportation facilities, service processes, and offerings, providing more thoughtful, reliable, and convenient services tailored to pet owners, showcasing the city's civility and warmth.

The Shenzhen Airport Pet Departure Lounge, located in the domestic cargo area B1, spans approximately 210 square meters and is equipped with a comprehensive monitoring system. This system provides 24-hour surveillance and alerts for temperature, humidity, PM2.5, PM10, and ammonia levels. In addition to gentle lighting, healthy materials, and a clean environment, the lounge features separate areas for cats and dogs, giving each pet its own waiting space to enjoy a "comfortable" pre-flight experience.

Beyond its top-tier facilities and environment, the one-stop pet travel service introduced by Shenzhen Airport sets a new standard for pet travel. Operated by a professional pet technology company, this service includes specialized security screening lanes, dedicated caretakers, regular inspections, on-demand feeding and watering, and free boarding services for pets in case of flight delays. The service also connects transportation resources, covering both the "first mile" and "last mile" of pet travel, ensuring seamless integration of "air and ground" operations.

“Traditionally, pets in air transport have often been treated as cargo. However, ‘fur babies’ have become integral members of many families,” said a Shenzhen Airport representative. “The establishment of the pet departure lounge transforms the previous mixed transport method for pets and cargo. Leveraging digital platforms and IoT technology, the lounge incorporates remote medical diagnostics and health measures to ensure maximum safety and comfort for pets. Additionally, the lounge features entertainment spaces to help alleviate travel anxiety for pets.”

Moreover, consumers utilizing the one-stop pet travel service can track their pets’ status throughout the journey via a mobile app and access online medical services for emergency situations. The service also includes pet ticket booking, dedicated pet vehicles, pet travel crates, and handling of quarantine and inspection documents, covering the entire pet travel experience with comprehensive monitoring, location tracking, human-pet video interaction, and remote medical support.

The establishment of China's first pet departure lounge at Shenzhen Airport sets a new benchmark for domestic pet-friendly services. Internationally, several renowned airports have already set standards in pet care.

In the United States, airports such as Denver International, Minneapolis-Saint Paul International, and Los Angeles International have dedicated pet relief areas and lounges, providing comfortable spaces for pets to rest and move. Notably, Denver International Airport features Wag Hotels, a pet resort offering comprehensive services.

These airports demonstrate a deep care for travelers with pets through dedicated areas and services, setting an example for pet-friendly practices in domestic airports. Shenzhen Airport’s initiative is inspired by these advanced practices and tailored to domestic needs, aiming to enhance service levels and create a more convenient and comfortable travel environment for pet owners.

As Shenzhen Airport celebrates the launch of its pet departure lounge in a spirit of warmth and innovation, attention turns to inter airport China 2024, set to take place from September 4 to 6, 2024, at the China International Exhibition Center in Beijing. The airport design forum will be another highlight, resonating with Shenzhen Airport's pet-friendly vision and driving global airport design toward more human-centered, intelligent, and sustainable directions.

inter airport China 2024 will bring together leading airport designers, architects, planners, and industry experts for in-depth discussions on airport construction. The forum will review past achievements in airport design, focus on future trends, and explore how innovative designs can enhance passenger experience, optimize operational efficiency, and promote environmental protection and sustainability.

For more information, please contact
Penny Pei
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