Lois Larson
Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) has strict rules regarding dogs and pets. Dogs are allowed inside the airport only if they are service animals or assistance animals travelling with passengers with disabilities. The airport provides eight pet relief areas in total, with both indoor and outdoor options available at each terminal. However, all non-service animals must be kept kenneled while in the airport's facilities, except when using the animal relief areas. Passengers with service animals can request an escort from their airline or Traveller's Assistance to the pet relief areas. Additionally, the airport offers a service called Now Boarding, which allows pet owners to drop off their pets, park their vehicles, and take a shuttle to the airport. Therefore, while dogs may not be able to freely walk around MSP Airport, the airport provides designated areas and services to accommodate dogs and their owners.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Pet relief areas | 8 in total, with 3 pre-security and 3 post-security stations in Terminal 1, and 1 pre-security and 1 post-security location in Terminal 2 |
| Pet relief area facilities | Artificial grass, fire hydrant, fresh water, sink, waste receptacles, benches |
| Pet boarding facilities | Now Boarding, located on airport property, offers 24-hour pet boarding and parking services |
| Service animal escort | Passengers traveling with service animals can request an escort from their airline or Travelers Assistance to the pet relief area |
| Non-service animal policy | All non-service animals must be kept kenneled while in the airport's facilities, except when in the animal relief areas or going through security |
| Cargo travel restrictions | Airlines may determine temperatures below 35°F or above 85°F to be unsafe for animal travel in the cargo hold |
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What You'll Learn
Relief areas for pets and service animals
The Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) provides eight pet relief areas in total. Terminal 1 has three pre-security locations and three post-security stations. Pre-security, there are pet relief areas located outside both Door 1 and Door 4 on the Baggage Claim Level. There is also a new pet relief area outside the Silver Parking Ramp and the Ground Level of the Rental Car Lobby in the Silver Ramp. Through security, there are three pet relief areas: located near the entrance to Concourse E in the Airport Mall, by Gate F6, and on the C/G Connector Bridge. Terminal 2 has one pre-security and one post-security location. Travellers can use the grassy area just outside Door 8 on Level 1 near baggage claim or the indoor pet relief area near Gate H11. The indoor pet relief stations are small but accommodating, with artificial grass and a fire hydrant, as well as sinks, dog bags, and waste receptacles. The outdoor stations are very convenient and accessible, providing benches for owners and space for dogs to stretch their legs. However, all animals should be leashed while using these areas, as they are only partially fenced.
Passengers travelling with a service animal can request an escort from their airline or Traveller's Assistance to the pet relief area. All non-service animals must be kept kenneled while in the airport's facilities, except when they are visiting the animal relief areas. Nearby pet boarding facilities are available through Now Boarding, which allows pet owners to drop off their pets, park, and take a complimentary shuttle to their terminal.
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Service dogs don't need carriers
If you are travelling with a service animal, it is exempt from being kept in a carrier at MSP airport. Assistance animals are allowed to travel with passengers who have disabilities, and certain exemptions are provided for these animals. However, some rules and restrictions still apply.
The MSP Airport pet policy requires that all non-service animals be kept in kennels while in the airport's facilities. This does not include trips to the animal relief areas, but animals should be leashed while using these facilities. There are eight pet relief areas in total, with six at Terminal 1 and two at Terminal 2. At Terminal 1, there are three pre-security locations and three post-security stations. At Terminal 2, there is one pre-security and one post-security location. Passengers travelling with a service animal can request an escort from their airline or Travelers Assistance to the pet relief area.
If your dog does not qualify as a service animal, there are other options for bringing it to the airport. Now Boarding allows you to drop off your pet, park at the facility, and then take a complimentary shuttle ride to your terminal. When you return, Now Boarding will pick you up from the terminal and return you to your pet and vehicle. This service is available 24 hours a day, and you don't need to be an airline passenger to use it.
If you are travelling with your dog as a checked bag, it is important to note that if the temperature is below 35 degrees or above 85 degrees, your airline may determine the conditions to be unsafe for animal travel in the cargo hold. In this case, your dog may need to fly as cargo. The Minneapolis-St. Paul pet policy requires all animal owners to independently collect their dogs at an airline-specific cargo building, and there is no shuttle service to these buildings.
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Pet-friendly boarding facilities
The Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) provides eight pet relief areas in total, with Terminal 1 having three pre-security and three post-security locations, and Terminal 2 having one pre-security and one post-security location. All non-service animals must be kept kenneled while in the airport's facilities, except when they are in transit to the animal relief areas. However, they should be leashed when using these facilities.
Now Boarding is a pet-friendly initiative by the airport that allows pet parents to drop off their animals, park, and take a complimentary shuttle to the airport. This service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and you don't need to be an airline passenger to use it. Now Boarding is useful if your animal is refused service or is too large to ride with you.
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Pet travel in cargo or cabin
If you're travelling with your pet, you'll need to check the specific policies of your airline. Some airlines allow small pets in the cabin, provided they are in a kennel that fits under the seat in front of you. Other airlines may allow pets to travel as checked baggage, or cargo.
At MSP Airport, Minneapolis, there are pet relief areas at both terminals. All non-service animals must be kept in kennels while in the airport's facilities, except when they are in the animal relief areas. However, they should be leashed when using these facilities.
If you are travelling with a service animal, you can request an escort from your airline or Traveller's Assistance to the pet relief area.
Delta Air Lines
Small dogs, cats, and household birds that meet the age, health, size, and kennel requirements can travel in the cabin for a one-way fee that is collected at check-in. The kennel must be small enough to fit under the seat in front of you, and your pet must be able to move around inside without touching the sides. Delta recommends a soft-sided kennel with maximum dimensions of 18" x 11" x 11".
American Airlines
American Airlines Cargo offers the American PetEmbark® service for pets that don't qualify to travel as carry-on or checked baggage. There are restrictions on pets travelling to certain countries, and specific requirements for kennels.
Other considerations
- If temperatures are below 35 degrees or above 85 degrees, your airline may determine that it is unsafe for your pet to travel in the cargo hold.
- If you are travelling internationally, you will need specific documentation for your pet.
- If you are travelling with a checked pet, you must provide water every 12 hours.
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Pet relief areas at MSP airport
Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) provides eight pet relief areas in total. Each terminal has indoor and outdoor options. Terminal 1 has three pre-security locations and three post-security stations. Pre-security, there are pet relief areas located outside both Door 1 and Door 4 on the Baggage Claim Level. There is also a new pet relief area outside the Silver Parking Ramp and the Ground Level of the Rental Car Lobby in the Silver Ramp, outside the doors on the east end of the building by the escalators. Through security at Terminal 1, there are three pet relief areas available: located near the entrance to Concourse E in the Airport Mall, by Gate F6, and on the C/G Connector Bridge.
Terminal 2 has one pre-security and one post-security location. Travellers can use the grassy area just outside Door 8 on Level 1 near baggage claim or the indoor pet relief area near Gate H11. The Terminal 2 area is relatively large with room to run, but all animals should be leashed while using these areas, as they are only partially fenced. The indoor pet relief stations are small but accommodating, with artificial grass and a fire hydrant. They are also equipped with sinks, dog bags, and waste receptacles. The outdoor stations are also small but very convenient and accessible, providing benches for owners to relax on while their dogs stretch their legs.
The airport also provides a pet-friendly initiative called Now Boarding, where passengers can drop off their pets, park at the facility, and then take a complimentary shuttle ride to their terminal.
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Frequently asked questions
Non-service dogs must be kept in a pet carrier at all times while in the airport's facilities, except when they are in a pet relief area or going through security.
The indoor pet relief stations are small but accommodating, with artificial grass, a fire hydrant, a sink, dog bags, and waste receptacles. The outdoor stations are also small but conveniently accessible, with a bench for owners and space for dogs to stretch their legs.
Now Boarding is a 24/7 pet boarding facility located on airport property. You can drop off your dog, park your car, and then take a complimentary shuttle to your terminal. When you return, Now Boarding will pick you up from your terminal and return you to your dog and vehicle.
