
Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) is one of the most pet-friendly airports in the country, with several indoor and outdoor animal relief areas. These Pet Ports are located in every terminal, as well as outside the airport on the Departing Flights Road and outside the baggage claim. The Philadelphia International Airport pet policy requires all owners to clean up solid waste after their dogs and keep non-service animals in their crates and carriers while travelling through the airport. Service animals are allowed to travel with passengers who have disabilities, and airlines may ask questions to determine if your pet qualifies as a service animal.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Pet relief areas | 7 indoor areas known as "Pet Ports", located post-security near flight gates in every terminal; outdoor areas located on the Departing Flights Road and outside baggage claim |
| Pet relief area facilities | 4-foot high fences with latch gates, mulch surface, benches, faux fire hydrants, biodegradable pet waste bags, concrete dog paw prints, pop-up sprinkler systems |
| Pet travel options | In-cabin, shipped as cargo, or as checked baggage |
| Rules for non-service animals | Must be kept in crates or carriers while in the airport; must be leashed when outside the crate/carrier |
| Rules for service animals | Allowed to travel with passengers with disabilities; some exemptions and restrictions apply |
| Advice for pet owners | Understand different laws for airports and airlines; contact the airline in advance to understand their rules, complete necessary paperwork, and carry vaccination and licensing tags |
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What You'll Learn

Philadelphia International Airport's pet relief areas
Philadelphia International Airport is considered one of the most pet-friendly airports in the United States. The airport has seven indoor animal relief areas, known as "Pet Ports", located in every terminal. There are also outdoor relief areas on the Departing Flights Road and outside the baggage claim buildings.
The Pet Ports are designed to provide appropriate facilities for service animals, pets, and airport security canines. They vary in size from 250 to 600 square feet and are enclosed by a four-foot-high fence with a latching gate. Inside, there is a four-inch-deep mulch surface, a bench, a faux fire hydrant, a biodegradable pet waste bag dispenser with a receptacle, and a concrete dog paw print.
The outdoor, pre-security pet relief areas have similar features to the indoor areas, including a four-inch mulch surface, a bench, a faux fire hydrant, biodegradable waste bags, and a concrete dog paw print. Each spot is enclosed by a four-foot-high fence with a latched gate, allowing your dog to roam freely.
Outdoor Pet Relief Areas
- Between Terminals A-West and A-East on Departing Flights Road
- Between Terminal B and Terminal C ticketing, and the Airport Communications Center on Departing Flights Road
- After Terminal E on Departing Flights Road
- After Terminal F on Departing Flights Road
Indoor (Post-Security) Pet Relief Areas
- Terminal A-West, near Gate A-16
- Terminal A-East, near Gate A-1
- Terminal B, on the B side of the A-B walkway between terminals
- Terminal C, on the C side of the C-D walkway between terminals
- Terminal D, on the D side of the C-D walkway
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Service animal policies
PHL has seven indoor animal relief areas, known as "Pet Ports", located in every terminal. There are also outdoor relief areas on the Departing Flights Road and outside baggage claim. Terminals A, B, and C offer both indoor and outdoor facilities, while Terminals D, E, and F have outdoor relief areas. These relief areas are equipped with a four-inch mulch surface, a bench, a faux fire hydrant, biodegradable waste bags, and a concrete dog paw print. They are enclosed by a four-foot-high fence with a latching gate, allowing dogs to roam freely.
Pet parents are required to clean up solid waste after their dogs and keep them in crates or carriers while travelling through the airport, except when going through security and utilising relief areas. Leashing dogs is highly recommended to ensure their safety and predict their behaviour, especially in a stressful environment like an airport terminal.
Travellers with service animals should contact their airlines beforehand to understand specific policies and complete any necessary paperwork. They should also carry their dog's vaccination and licensing tags.
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Crating and leashing rules
When your dog is out of its crate, it must be kept on a leash at all times. Philadelphia International Airport has seven indoor animal relief areas, or ""Pet Ports", in every terminal, and several outdoor relief areas. These are located on the Departing Flights Road and the Arrivals side outside of each terminal. The outdoor relief areas are enclosed by a four-foot-high fence with a latched gate, meaning your dog can be unleashed to roam freely. However, the indoor relief areas are small and open, so your dog will need to be kept on a leash.
It is important to note that service animals are subject to different rules. Assistance animals are allowed to travel with passengers who have disabilities, and are exempt from certain restrictions. Only dogs qualify as service animals under the Air Carriers Access Act, and all other animals are considered pets. Airlines may ask questions about the nature of the service animal and the disability of the owner to determine eligibility.
To ensure a smooth journey, it is recommended that travellers contact the airline in advance to understand their specific pet policies and complete any necessary paperwork before arriving at the airport. It is also important to carry your pet's vaccination and licensing tags.
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Travelling with pets in the cabin
Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) is a pet-friendly airport with several facilities for travelling with pets in the cabin. The airport has seven indoor animal relief areas, known as "Pet Ports", in every terminal. There are also outdoor relief areas located on the Departing Flights Road and outside the baggage claim buildings.
If you are travelling with a pet in the cabin, it is important to understand the different laws for airports and airlines. Airports fall under the American Disabilities Act, while airlines fall under the Air Carrier Access Act. It is recommended that you contact the airline ahead of time to understand their specific policies and complete any necessary paperwork before arriving at the airport. Eligibility varies by airline, so it is important to check with the specific airline you will be using.
When travelling through the airport with a pet, it is important to keep non-service animals in their crates or carriers. Your dog should only be outside of the crate when going through security and while utilising an animal relief area. All animals using the animal relief areas must be leashed. The Philadelphia International Airport pet policy requires all owners to clean up solid waste after their dogs.
If your pet is too large to fly with you in the cabin, they can be shipped as cargo or travel as checked baggage. If your pet is travelling as cargo, they will be reunited with you after the flight lands.
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Shipping pets as cargo
Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) is considered one of the most pet-friendly airports in the country. The airport has seven indoor animal relief areas, known as "Pet Ports", located in every terminal, as well as outdoor relief areas on the Departing Flights Road and outside baggage claim.
When it comes to shipping pets as cargo, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, eligibility requirements for pets to travel vary by airline, so it is essential to check with the specific airline you will be using. Some airlines may allow pets to fly in the cabin, while others may require them to be transported as cargo or checked baggage. If your pet is travelling as cargo, you will need to collect them from Cargo City, the primary cargo area, which is conveniently located close to the main terminal building. However, there is no shuttle service to this part of the airport, so you may need to arrange private transportation if walking is an issue.
It is important to note that the Philadelphia Airport pet policy requires that all pet owners collect their animals at airline-specific cargo facilities. The procedure for picking up your pet is generally simple, and some airlines, like American Airlines, offer a "pet delivery service" that brings your pet right to your doorstep. To avoid any delays or issues, it is recommended that travellers contact the airlines ahead of time, understand the rules and requirements, complete any necessary paperwork, and carry their pet's vaccination and licensing tags.
Additionally, the Philadelphia Airport pet policy emphasises the importance of keeping non-service animals in their crates or carriers while travelling through the airport. Your dog should only be outside of its crate when going through security and when utilising an animal relief area. All animals in relief areas must be leashed, as this helps keep them safe and prevents unpredictable behaviour that may occur when they are under stress.
Overall, Philadelphia International Airport offers a range of amenities and considerations for travellers with pets, making it a pet-friendly hub. By following the airport's pet policies and staying informed about specific airline requirements, you can ensure a smooth and enjoyable travel experience for both you and your furry companion.
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Frequently asked questions
Philadelphia International Airport is considered one of the nation's most pet-friendly airports. The airport has seven indoor animal relief areas, known as "Pet Ports", in every terminal. There are also outdoor relief areas on the Departing Flights Road and outside baggage claim. All outdoor areas are enclosed by a four-foot-high fence with a latched gate, and are equipped with a mulch surface, a bench, a faux fire hydrant, and biodegradable waste bags.
Non-service dogs should be kept in their crates or carriers while travelling through the airport. Dogs should only be taken out of their crates when going through security and while in an animal relief area. All dogs must be leashed when using animal relief areas.
Eligibility varies by airline, so it's best to check with your airline to determine if your dog is cleared to fly. Service animals are allowed to travel with passengers with disabilities, but airlines may ask questions to determine if your pet is a service animal.











































