DUSTIN COOK Edmonton airport set to host daycare facility for canines

Parting with a canine companion can be the toughest part about flying off for a vacation. But furry friends staying behind in Edmonton will soon be able to accompany their owners and see them off prior to departure with the opening of the first Dogtopia daycare in an airport.

The city’s second Dogtopia dog daycare location is expected to open in a new building at the airport next summer, the Edmonton International Airport announced in a news release Tuesday.

“Keeping current with travellers’ changing needs, EIA recognized that pets have become loved family members and proper care for their dogs at a convenient airport location is an important travel amenity for Edmonton travellers,” spokesman Chris Chodan said in the release.

Air travellers will be able to drop off their pooches at the facility and also have access to high-definition webcams to check in on their dogs while away from home.

Construction of the airport Dogtopia initially began in 2017 but was delayed as a result of issues with the planned repurposed building, further complicated by flooding last spring, Chodan said.

The two parties made a decision to construct a new building rather than renovate an older, existing building with potential land drainage issues.

The doggie daycare is expected to be located close to JetSet Parking, by the entrance to the main terminal.

“While Edmonton Airports recognizes this has caused a delay for Dogtopia and customers, the airport authority is confident this decision ensures a high quality and excellent long-term site at the airport,” Chodan said in the news release.

Dogtopia operates 79 locations across Canada and the United States including an existing Edmonton location in Oliver.

The pet franchise offers daycare, boarding and spa services and the opportunity for owners to check in whenever they’d like via webcam.