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Bringing a dog to the airport can be stressful for both the owner and the dog, with new sights, sounds, smells, and people to encounter. Airports and airlines have different rules and regulations regarding dogs, and it is important to be aware of these before bringing your dog to the airport. Some airports are more dog-friendly than others, with dedicated pet relief areas and even pet boarding facilities. Most airlines will allow dogs, but they must be well-behaved, and there are often fees and health requirements to consider.
Can you bring a dog to the airport?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location of pet relief areas | Inside or outside each terminal |
| Requirements for pet relief areas | Areas for pets to have a bathroom break, typically include patches of real or fake grass, space to move around, running water, clean-up provisions, a fire hydrant, and a canopy in case of bad weather |
| Pet-friendly airports | Minneapolis-Saint Paul Airport, Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, Washington Dulles International Airport, Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport |
| Airlines that allow dogs | American Airlines, Alaska Airlines |
| Requirements for dogs on flights | Well-behaved, not excessively barking, cannot growl or act aggressively, in good health, health certificates or proof of vaccination (for cargo), CGC title |
| Additional requirements for dogs arriving in the U.S. | Depends on the dog's travel history in the six months prior to arrival, additional requirements for dogs arriving from high-risk countries for rabies |
| Other considerations | Stressful environment for dogs, changes in diet and water, time-zone changes, dehydration, interruptions to medication schedules |
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What You'll Learn
Airports usually have pet relief areas
Airports can be stressful places for dogs due to the loud noises, crowds, strange smells, and general craziness of the environment. However, many airports are equipped with pet relief areas, so your dog can stretch their muscles, have a drink of water, and relieve themselves. In the United States, a federal regulation requires airports serving 10,000 or more passengers annually to have areas inside or outside each terminal where pets can take a bathroom break. These areas typically include patches of real or fake grass, space to move around, and waste bags and receptacles.
For example, Terminals 1 and 2 at the Minneapolis-Saint Paul Airport have several pet relief areas, including an indoor post-security area with fake grass and a sink for easy cleanup. Terminal 1 has a space dedicated to pets near the baggage claim, and Terminal 2 has a grassy area near the baggage claim and Gate H11. Additionally, this airport has a 24/7 pet boarding facility offering overnight boarding, doggy daycare, spa treatments, and dog training services.
Austin-Bergstrom International Airport has a "dog walk" with lighting and landscaping, located in a pre-security area near the parking garage. It includes a drinking fountain, bags, and receptacles for disposing of dog waste. Bark & Zoom is located onsite and offers pet boarding, parking, car care, and shuttle services to and from the terminal.
Washington Dulles International Airport has several designated service animal or pet relief areas. There are two relief areas in post-security locations in the concourses for convenience, and three other relief areas are pre-security and located outside the main terminal. Both the indoor and outdoor stations are supplied with waste bags, receptacles, and a sink for handwashing.
When traveling with a dog, it is important to do your research ahead of time and talk to your airline to ensure there is room for your dog on the flight and to confirm any guidelines. Training your dog to behave appropriately in crowded and noisy places, such as bus stations, can also help prepare them for the airport environment.
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You can bring a dog to the airport if it's a service animal
If you are travelling with a service dog, it is important to arrive at the airport earlier than usual. You must check in with the airline counter to confirm that they have your completed DOT Transportation Form. Airline staff may also inspect your service dog to ensure it is clean, well-behaved, and under your control.
The DOT allows airline staff to consider items such as harnesses, vests, and tags to determine whether an animal is a service dog. These items are popular with service dog owners because they distinguish their working animals from normal pets. They help manage uncomfortable interactions with the public and staff members and prevent intrusive inquiries about why the dog is present. However, these items alone are not enough to qualify a dog as a service dog.
If your trip includes a flight on a partner airline, you’ll need to contact them and complete all the required forms for travelling with a service animal. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) sets the requirements for bringing dogs into the United States. These rules apply to all dogs, including service dogs, and returning pets. All customers, regardless of citizenship, must follow the CDC’s requirements.
If you have a flight over 8 hours, the Department of Transportation Service Animal Relief Attestation Sanitation Form is also required, stating your animal won't need to relieve itself or can do so without creating a health or sanitation issue. Your service animal must be permitted to accompany you in the space under the seat in front of you. Certain small service animals may be permitted to sit on your lap, if it can be done so safely. Your service animal cannot block a space that must remain unobstructed for safety reasons (e.g. an aisle or access to an emergency exit).
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Some airlines require health certificates for dogs
When travelling with a dog, it is important to check the specific requirements of the airline you are flying with, as well as the import regulations of your destination country. Some airlines require a health certificate, also known as a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection, signed by a veterinarian. This certificate indicates that your dog is healthy and not showing any signs of infectious or contagious diseases that could put your pet, other animals, or public health at risk. It also confirms that your dog is up to date on all necessary vaccinations, including rabies.
The time frame requirements for health certificates vary depending on the airline and the country of destination. Some airlines require the certificate to be issued within 10 days of travel, while others may require it to be issued within 30 days. It is recommended to obtain a health certificate within 10 days of travel, as this is the most common requirement. Additionally, some countries may have specific time frame requirements, such as less than 10 days, so it is important to check the guidelines of your destination country.
It is worth noting that not all airlines require health certificates for dogs. Some airlines only require health certificates for checked dogs, while others may not require them at all. For example, Allegiant Airlines no longer requires health certificates for dogs, and Alaska Airlines has changed its policy regarding health certificates for in-cabin pets multiple times. Therefore, it is crucial to verify the current policies of your chosen airline before assuming that a health certificate is necessary.
Aside from health certificates, there may be other requirements and restrictions to consider when travelling with a dog. For instance, American Airlines does not accept dogs as carry-on pets if they originate from or have visited a high-risk country for rabies within the last six months. Additionally, some countries, such as Canada, have suspended the import of commercial dogs from high-risk countries for rabies. It is important to research the specific regulations and restrictions of your chosen airline and destination country to ensure a smooth travel experience with your dog.
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You may need to pay a pet travel fee
When bringing your dog to the airport, it's important to be aware of the potential costs involved. Some airlines, like American Airlines, allow you to pay the pet travel fee at the airport or at a travel centre using a credit card or paper voucher. However, they do not accept cash or cheques for payment. It's worth noting that pet fees are non-refundable and apply per kennel, each way.
The fees for transporting your pet may vary depending on factors such as the size of your animal and kennel, as well as the trip details. For instance, American Airlines mentions that fees apply for each connection segment if your trip includes a voluntary stopover or connection of more than four hours. Therefore, it's always a good idea to check with your airline beforehand to understand their specific policies and payment methods.
Additionally, when travelling with your dog, there may be other costs to consider beyond the pet travel fee. For example, you may need to purchase a specific carrier or kennel that meets the airline's requirements. These can have size and type restrictions, such as soft-sided collapsible kennels, and may need to fit under the seat without excessive collapsing.
Furthermore, depending on your destination, there could be additional costs for meeting specific entry requirements. For instance, when travelling to certain countries with your dog, you may need to provide health certificates or proof of vaccination within a specified timeframe. Failure to provide the necessary documentation may result in additional costs or even denial of entry for your dog. Therefore, it is essential to research the requirements of your intended destination thoroughly.
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Dogs must be well-behaved and not aggressive
If you are considering bringing your dog to the airport, it is important to be thoughtful about whether your dog should be in such an environment. Airports are noisy, crowded, full of strangers, odd-smelling, and stressful to animals. A dog that is well-behaved at home may not react well to the craziness of the airport environment.
Airlines require that dogs must be well-behaved when flying, meaning that dogs should not bark excessively, and cannot growl or act aggressively. If your dog is flying via cargo, you will need to check them in with your airline as soon as you arrive at the airport. If your dog is travelling with you in the cabin in a carrier, you will proceed through TSA screening. To go through security, your dog will need to come out of their carrier and go through the full-body scanner. Once you are through security, most airports have pet relief areas, so be sure to make time for your dog to relieve themselves. While waiting to board your flight, you may be able to have your dog out of their carrier to stretch their legs. However, once you and your dog are on the flight, your dog will need to stay in their carrier and are not permitted to sit on their owner's lap.
To prepare for a flight, it can be helpful to train and practice with your dog beforehand. For example, some dog trainers set up rows of chairs to simulate an airplane to teach a dog how to sit under a seat in a carrier. It can also be helpful to bring your dog to loud and crowded dog-friendly places, like bus stations and dog-friendly stores, to help them be more prepared for the sights and sounds of the airport.
Before deciding to fly with your dog, it is important to do your research and talk with your dog's vet about whether flying is safe and appropriate for your dog. You should also talk with your airline prior to purchasing tickets to ensure there is room on the flight for your dog and confirm any guidelines for your specific flight.
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Frequently asked questions
It depends on the airport and whether your dog is a service animal. Some airports only allow service animals inside the building. However, U.S. federal regulation requires airports serving 10,000 or more passengers annually to provide pet relief areas inside or outside each terminal.
Dog-friendly airports include Minneapolis-Saint Paul Airport, Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, Washington Dulles International Airport, and Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. These airports provide pet relief areas with amenities such as fake grass, drinking water, and clean-up provisions.
It is recommended to train your dog to handle crowded and noisy environments, such as by taking them to bus stations or dog-friendly stores. You should also talk to your vet to ensure that flying is safe and appropriate for your dog, considering factors such as their health, diet, and medication schedule.
Airlines require dogs to be well-behaved, with no excessive barking, growling, or aggressive behaviour. Your dog must be able to fit comfortably inside a closed/zipped carrier, which will need to go through the TSA screening process. Remember to also check the specific health and vaccine requirements of your airline.
You can usually pay the pet travel fee at the airport or a travel centre using a credit card or paper voucher. Some airlines, such as American Airlines, do not accept cash or cheques for payment.
