AirHeart Pet Hospital is now open for business at JFK International Airport in New York City.
Pets and people can travel just a little bit safer now that one of the world’s most major airports has opened a full-service animal hospital on site. AirHeart Pet Hospital, located at 78 Old Rockaway Boulevard in Jamaica, Queens.
The hospital resides inside The ARK, which is the world’s first privately owner, 24-hour animal terminal and airport quarantine center.
The ARK is a 65 million dollar facility. It spans 14 acres, and acts as a quarantine center for traveling animals. Animals are quarantined here from 3-30 days, depending on their place of origin, physical condition, and vaccination records.
The ARK functions to prevent and control the spread of disease. It contains 48 climate-controlled horse stalls, as well as an aviary for birds to be cared for under the supervision of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Named after Amelia Earhart, AirHeart Pet Hospital will provide primary and emergency care to pets traveling through the airport, as well as pets living near the airport and animals owned by JFK staff members. JFK employees will receive a free first exam and a 10% discount on all veterinary services.
In addition, AirHeart will be working alongside ARK to treat and prevent the spread of disease; the pet hospital will work closely with the U.S. Center for Disease Control.
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More than 2 million pets and live animals are transported annually in the U.S., with about 15,000 of those animals passing through JFK airport. In addition to that, there are about 2,000 service dogs working with the military and other government agencies who may need medical care on their way through.
Because of its location and volume of traffic, JFK stands to face some of the most challenging medical issues in animals. According to Lauren Jordon, DVM, AirHeart Pet Hospital is therefore equipped with the newest medical technology and a highly professional staff.
AirHeart Pet Hospital employees 5 veterinarians, 7 licensed veterinary technicians, and 7 veterinary assistants. With 6 exam rooms, 2 isolation wards, 3 patient wards, a dental suite, radiology suite, 2 operating rooms, a treatment room, a surgery prep area, pharmacy, and a lab, this hospital truly is full-service.
Initally, the hospital will operate Monday-Saturday from 8AM-8PM. After July 31st, their hours will expand to Monday-Saturday, 8AM-midnight, and Sundays from 8AM-6PM.
Dr. Linda D. Mittel is a senior extension associate at the Animal Health Diagnostics Center at Cornell’s College of Veterinary Medicine. She believes that AirHeart will also play an important role in minimizing the spread of diseases among animals.
With more and more people traveling with their pets, this hospital at JFK Airport will provide a crucial service to pets and pet owners alike.
