CHICAGO, May 28, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- United Airlines has opened a new, on-airport kennel facility at its Chicago O'Hare International Airport hub. The kennel provides exceptional accommodations and amenities for animals traveling via United's acclaimed PetSafe service.

The kennel, which is located inside United's new cargo facility, has 28 individual enclosures and allows different species of animals traveling with the airline to be held comfortably in separate, ventilated and temperature-controlled areas. The O'Hare facility also has a fleet of specially built, temperature-controlled PetSafe vans that the airline uses exclusively to transport pets to and from its Chicago flights as quickly and comfortably as possible.

United's Chicago kennel is the third facility of its type that supports the airline's PetSafe service. United operates similar pet kennel facilities at its Houston and Newark hubs. The Spot Experience – the same service partner that provides care at United's Newark kennel – is operating the airline's Chicago facility. Its staff members ensure all the enclosures are kept clean and sanitized, walk and exercise pets and provide grooming and bathing on request.

"We have an industry-leading pet travel program and this new kennel facility allows us to further extend our best-in-class service to the animals traveling through Chicago," said United's Vice President of Cargo Robbie Anderson. "The comfort and care provided by our dedicated PetSafe team offers our customers peace of mind whether they are shipping their pets or traveling with them."

About United
United Airlines and United Express operate an average of 5,446 flights a day to more than 370 airports across six continents. In 2012, United and United Express carried more passenger traffic than any other airline in the world and operated nearly two million flights carrying 140 million customers. United is investing in upgrading its onboard products and now offers more flat-bed seats in its premium cabins and more extra-legroom economy-class seating than any airline in North America. In 2013, United became the first U.S.-based international carrier to offer satellite-based Wi-Fi on long-haul overseas routes. The airline also features DIRECTV® on 200 aircraft, offering customers more live television access than any other airline in the world. United operates nearly 700 mainline aircraft and has made large-scale investments in its fleet. In 2013, United will continue to modernize its fleet by taking delivery of more than two dozen new Boeing aircraft. The company expanded its industry-leading global route network in 2012, launching nine new international and 18 new domestic routes. Business Traveler magazine awarded United Best Airline for North American Travel for 2012, and readers of Global Traveler magazine have voted United's MileagePlus program the best frequent flyer program for nine consecutive years. According to the 4th annual Switchfly Reward Seat Availability Survey published by IdeaWorksCompany in May 2013, United has the most saver-style award-seat availability among the largest U.S. global airlines. United is a founding member of Star Alliance, which provides service to 194 countries via 27 member airlines. More than 85,000 United employees reside in every U.S. state and in countries around the world. For more information, visit united.com or follow United on Twitter and Facebook. The common stock of United's parent, United Continental Holdings, Inc., is traded on the NYSE under the symbol UAL.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130404/MM89155LOGO)

SOURCE United Airlines