Vancouver Airport: A Haven For Dogs And Owners

Vancouver International Airport (YVR) is a pet-friendly airport that allows certified service dogs and guide dogs to be present throughout the terminal facilities. The airport also has pet relief areas located both inside and outside the terminal. There are six full-service pet relief areas post-security on the A/B, C, and D piers, as well as at the South Terminal. Additionally, outdoor pet relief areas can be found outside International Arrivals at the entrance to Chester Johnson Park and at the South Terminal Building.

Certified service and guide dogs are allowed throughout the terminal facilities

Vancouver International Airport (YVR) welcomes certified service dogs and guide dogs throughout its terminal facilities. This means that passengers travelling with certified service dogs and guide dogs can take their dogs with them inside the airport terminal.

YVR also has pet relief areas located both inside and outside the terminal. There are six full-service pet relief areas post-security on the A/B, C, and D piers, as well as at the South Terminal. These relief areas are available for any passenger travelling with pets or service animals.

The locations of the pet relief areas are as follows:

• A/B Pier: Across from the play area, before Starbucks.
• C Pier: Across from Gate C29, right of the washrooms in the alcove.
• D Pier: Across from Gate D72, and near Gates 76 and 77, and between gates 58 and 62.
• STB: Gate G1-2, by the vending machines in the corner.

In addition, there are two outdoor pet relief areas pre-security: one outside International Arrivals at the entrance to Chester Johnson Park and one at the South Terminal Building (STB) across from the north entrance.

It is important to note that passengers should contact their airlines for specific policies and fares regarding the transportation of pets or service animals. Additionally, passengers should contact CATSA for information on security screening for pets or service animals.

There are six full-service pet relief areas post-security

Vancouver International Airport (YVR) has six full-service pet relief areas post-security. These are located on the A/B, C, and D piers, as well as at the South Terminal. The relief areas are available for any passenger travelling with pets or service animals.

The A/B Pier pet relief area is located across from the play area, before Starbucks. The C Pier pet relief area is across from Gate C29, to the right of the washrooms in the alcove. The D Pier has two pet relief areas: one across from Gate D72, and another near Gates 76 and 77, and between Gates 58 and 62. The South Terminal Building (STB) pet relief area is located at Gate G1-2, by the vending machines in the corner.

In addition to these post-security pet relief areas, there are also two outdoor pre-security pet relief areas. One is located outside International Arrivals at the entrance to Chester Johnson Park, and the other is at the South Terminal Building (STB) across from the north entrance.

There are also outdoor pet relief areas pre-security

Vancouver International Airport (YVR) has both indoor and outdoor pet relief areas. The outdoor pre-security pet relief areas are located outside International Arrivals at the entrance to Chester Johnson Park and at the South Terminal Building (STB) across from the north entrance.

The outdoor pre-security pet relief areas are conveniently located for passengers travelling with pets or service animals. These areas are easily accessible and provide a comfortable space for pets to relieve themselves before entering the airport terminal. The outdoor setting offers fresh air and space for pets to walk around and stretch their legs, especially for those that have been travelling or waiting for extended periods. The relief areas are equipped with the necessary amenities, such as waste bags and disposal units, to maintain a clean and hygienic environment.

The outdoor pre-security pet relief areas at YVR are separate from the indoor relief areas, which are located post-security on the A/B, C, and D piers, as well as at the South Terminal. The indoor relief areas offer convenience for those who are already inside the terminal and are designed to accommodate pets and service animals that are in transit.

Vancouver International Airport recognises the importance of providing adequate facilities for travellers with pets or service animals. By offering designated relief areas, the airport ensures the comfort and well-being of the animals while also maintaining a clean and hygienic environment for all passengers. These pet relief areas are essential for travellers with animals, as they provide a safe and appropriate space for the pets to relieve themselves, adhering to the airport's cleanliness standards.

The airport also has therapy dogs to help passengers manage anxiety

Travelling with Pets or Service Animals

Vancouver International Airport (YVR) has pet relief areas located both inside and outside the terminal. There are six full-service Pet Relief Areas post-security on the A/B, C, and D piers, as well as at the South Terminal. The relief areas are available for any passenger travelling with pets or service animals.

Locations:

• A/B Pier: Across from the play area, before Starbucks.
• C Pier: Across from Gate C29, right of the washrooms in the alcove.
• D Pier: Across from Gate D72, and near Gates 76 and 77, and between gates 58 and 62.
• STB: Gate G1-2, by the vending machines in the corner.
• Outdoor pet relief areas pre-security are located outside International Arrivals at the entrance to Chester Johnson Park and at the South Terminal Building (STB) across from the north entrance.

The Airport Therapy Dogs Initiative

Vancouver International Airport is also a part of the Less Airport Stress Initiative, which includes therapy dogs to help passengers manage anxiety. The airport therapy dogs are available in the terminal from Monday to Friday from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. These dogs are specifically trained to be interacted with and are there to help passengers manage anxiety associated with travelling, work, and general stress.

Certified Service Dogs and Guide Dogs

Certified service dogs and guide dogs are welcome throughout YVR's terminal facilities.

There are specific procedures for dogs travelling in the hold

Vancouver International Airport (YVR) is located on Sea Island and is home to many animals, including service dogs, working raptors, and wildlife. The airport is generally welcoming to dogs, with certified service dogs and guide dogs allowed throughout the terminal facilities.

Pet Relief Areas

Vancouver International Airport offers both indoor and outdoor pet relief areas. There are six full-service pet relief areas post-security on the A/B, C, and D piers, as well as at the South Terminal. These relief areas are available for any passenger travelling with pets or service animals.

Specific Procedures for Dogs Travelling in the Hold

When it comes to dogs travelling in the hold, there are specific procedures to follow. Here are the key points to keep in mind:

• Contact Your Airline: It is essential to get in touch with your airline in advance to understand their specific policies and requirements for transporting pets in the cargo hold. Each airline may have different regulations and fees associated with this service.
• Health and Vaccination Certificates: When travelling with your dog in the cargo hold, ensure you have valid Health and Rabies vaccination certificates for your dog. These certificates are typically required by airlines and help ensure your dog's health and safety during travel.
• Cargo Hold Requirements: The cargo hold of an aircraft is a designated area for transporting animals and other types of cargo. It is important to understand the requirements and conditions of this space, including any size or breed restrictions, ventilation, temperature control, and other factors that may impact your dog's comfort and well-being.
• Crates and Kennels: When travelling in the cargo hold, your dog will need to be securely contained in a crate or kennel. Familiarize yourself with the airline's specifications for crate or kennel size, ventilation, and other necessary features to ensure your dog's comfort and safety.
• Check-In and Pick-Up Procedures: The process for checking in and picking up your dog at the airport will vary depending on the airline. In most cases, you will need to check in your dog at the airline's cargo facility, which is typically located on the airport grounds but outside the terminal. Make sure you understand the specific procedures and location to ensure a smooth process.
• Seasonal Considerations: Depending on the time of year, additional considerations may be necessary. For example, during summer, ensuring adequate ventilation and temperature control in the cargo hold is crucial for your dog's comfort. Similarly, in winter, you may need to take extra precautions to protect your dog from cold temperatures during the journey.
• Flight Duration and Connections: When planning your travel itinerary, carefully consider the duration of the flight(s) and any layovers or connections. Long flights or extended layovers can impact your dog's well-being, so try to choose direct flights whenever possible. Additionally, be mindful of any time spent outside the aircraft during layovers, as your dog may need access to relief areas or additional care.
• Number of Animals: Most airlines have limits on the number of animals allowed in the cargo hold. Typically, a maximum of two animals is permitted per aircraft. This restriction is in place to ensure adequate space and comfort for all animals on board.
• Breed Restrictions: Certain dog breeds may be restricted from travelling in the cargo hold due to health or safety concerns. Airlines often have specific policies regarding brachycephalic (short-nosed) dog breeds, as they may be more susceptible to respiratory issues during air travel. Always check with your airline to confirm any breed-specific restrictions or requirements.
• Documentation and Obtaining NOC: When travelling with your dog in the cargo hold, you will likely need to provide specific documentation, including health certificates and a No Objection Certificate (NOC). The NOC is a document that confirms your dog meets all the requirements for air travel and is approved for transport. This process may vary depending on your airline and destination, so be sure to allow sufficient time to obtain the necessary documentation.

By following these procedures and working closely with your chosen airline, you can ensure a safe and comfortable journey for your dog when travelling through Vancouver International Airport.

Frequently asked questions