TulsaPets Magazine November 2023

30 TulsaPets • November / December 2023 tation are only trained and certified service dogs, are allowed to fly free of charge with passengers. Therapy dogs, comfort animals, and pets do not fall into this category, according to USDOT, and the airline can charge for their flights. “The Department of Transportation doesn’t set a weight limit for service dogs but notes that airlines can require that a service animal fit within the handler’s foot space or on the passenger’s lap. Most important, the DOT recognizes all types of dogs as service dogs and does not allow airlines to set restrictions based on specific breeds. Service animals do not have to be in a crate. So it is best to reach out to the specific airline you are flying on to find out about any restrictions they have for pets since these can vary among airlines.” Systematically Spiffy The new indoor pet areas at Tulsa Interna- tional Airport are kept scrupulously clean. “The faux grass is cleaned at least daily,” Crook says. “There is a hose sprayer set up that custodians use to wash the grass and rinse off the cleaning agent. This is done in place; the grass is not removed. There is a flushing system under the grass. Every three hours, the system automatically flushes the floor under the grass and collects that water in a trench drain that is then pumped out by the system.” Service dogs, comfort animals, and pets are not the only canines in the terminal. The airport also hosts volunteer therapy dogs and bomb dogs. So next time you and your canine trek through TIA, notice all the four-footed fellows — and check out those facilities. GROOMING & BATHING 2234 E 56th Pl, Tulsa | (918) 749-5 255 | www.muddy-paws.org Come ride with us to Muddy Paws! 3750 S. Peoria • Tulsa, OK 74 105 • 918-748-4400 • www.riverbrookpetvet.com Katie L. Greenwell, DV M / Jana K. Layton, DVM / Lauren R. Davied, DVM Where you and your pet are family • Complete Veterinary Care • Surgery • Ultrasound • Geriatrics • Dentistry • Dental Radiography • Nutrition • Pharmacy • Cat-Friendly Guinness perches on the scale at Tulsa International Airport. Jerzy and this Southwest Airlines pilot are ready to start their jobs at Tulsa International Airport.