Airports And Dogs: Are There Special Facilities?

Airports can be stressful places for dogs and their owners, but many airports are now equipped with pet relief stations, meaning your dog can stretch its legs, get some water, and relieve itself. In fact, a U.S. federal regulation requires airports serving 10,000 or more passengers a year to have pet relief areas inside or outside each terminal. These areas usually include patches of real or fake grass and space to move around.

Some airports have gone even further, with indoor relief areas featuring artificial turf, built-in drainage, waste disposal bags and containers, and even a sink and soap dispenser for handwashing.

John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)

JFK features multiple post-security pet relief areas, including a 4,000-square-foot outdoor garden patio (the wooftop) with seating for up to 50 people, and a 1,000-square-foot patch of natural grass in Terminal 8.

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)

In addition to several indoor post-security pet relief areas, ATL has a 1,000-square-foot dog park located pre-security. The park is fully fenced, with biodegradable bags and benches.

Denver International Airport (DEN)

DEN has pet relief areas in concourses A, B, and C, featuring turf flooring with a drainage system, an artificial rock, and wall murals showcasing Colorado's outdoor scenery.

Helsinki Airport (Finland)

Helsinki Airport was the first European airport to open a pet relief area, with three locations across the airport, including one indoor relief area past security in the non-Schengen area near Gate 51.

Heathrow Airport (UK)

Heathrow has four pet relief areas in terminals 2-5, featuring both hard and soft surfaces, bins, and sometimes waste bags.

Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (France)

Paris-CDG has two dog parks, one in Terminal 2F and one in Terminal 2E, equipped with a double entrance gate, a bench, and a fountain, with a sandy, permeable surface that doesn't heat up like tarmac.

US airports with dog relief areas

Since May 2009, the Department of Transportation (DOT) has required all airlines to provide service animal relief areas (SARAs) at airports, along with escorts to those relief areas, for passengers travelling with service animals. Airports have created and expanded animal relief areas that are open to all pets and service animals. Most animal and pet relief areas are located outside airport terminals, but some airports have indoor relief areas as well.

John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)

JFK has multiple post-security pet relief areas. Terminal 5 has a 4,000-square-foot outdoor garden patio (the "wooftop") that's open to all passengers and their pets. Terminal 8 has a service animal/pet relief area located post-security, and American Airlines has installed a pet relief area at the terminal's departures level that includes a 1,000-square-foot patch of natural grass. Terminal 4 has a post-security 70-square-foot pet bathroom complete with artificial grass with built-in drainage, a replica fire hydrant, a wash sink, a bag dispenser, and a waste receptacle.

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)

ATL provides indoor post-security relief areas in every concourse. There’s also a 1,000-square-foot dog park located pre-security. This fully fenced-in park offers biodegradable bags along with benches. An additional pet relief area is located on the arrivals level of the International Terminal.

Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX)

Sky Harbor has nine areas for pets, three of which are located post-security. The remaining pre-security areas are fully gated and located outside of Terminals 2, 3, and 4.

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)

There are eight indoor animal-relief stations at LAX, located beyond security screening checkpoints in each of the terminals. In addition, there are three outdoor stations, bringing the total number of pet relief stations at LAX to 11.

Minneapolis St. Paul International Airport (MSP)

Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport maintains pet and service animal relief areas at both terminals. Terminals 1 and 2 each house one post-security indoor pet area featuring faux grass, a fire hydrant, and a sink. There are also two outdoor areas.

Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS)

Austin's airport has a "Dog Walk" that is landscaped and lighted, and includes a pet drinking fountain, dog waste pick-up bag, and trash bins. There is also a pet relief area in the outdoor patio post-security.

Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO)

Reno-Tahoe International Airport has an indoor pet relief area located post-security on the second floor of the terminal. The airport has two outdoor dog parks as well. The two "Bark Parks" are fully fenced with ADA accessibility, running water, mutt mitts to clean up after dogs, a fire hydrant, and a canopy for inclement weather.

Dallas Love Field Airport (DAL)

The Pet Park at Dallas Love Field is large enough for any animal to stretch, run, and relieve themselves. There is also a small animal relief area inside the secure portion of the terminal.

Denver International Airport (DEN)

Denver's pet relief rooms are located post-security in the centres of concourses A, B, and C. Each features turf flooring with a drainage system and an artificial rock. There is also a pre-security outdoor pet relief area.

Dallas/Ft. Worth International Airport (DFW)

There are four designated pet relief areas located inside security, as well as multiple areas for pet relief outside entry doors on the lower level.

Dog-friendly airports in Europe

While many dogs commonly fly on planes in Europe, the airports themselves are often not as dog-friendly as those in the USA. However, there are a growing number of airports in Europe that have pet relief areas, and some airlines are more pet-friendly than others.

Helsinki Airport (Finland)

Helsinki Airport was the first European airport to open a pet relief area, with three such areas now available. One is located outside the arrivals hall, near the bus station, next to bus stop 18. The second is an indoor pet relief area inside the terminal, past security in the non-Schengen area near Gate 51. The third is also located airside, near gate 21, but is only open from spring to autumn.

Heathrow Airport (UK)

Heathrow Airport has four pet relief areas, located in terminals 2, 3, 4, and 5. Each has both hard and soft surfaces, along with bins, but it's still recommended to bring your own waste bags.

Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (France)

Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport has two dog parks, located in the public area of Terminal 2F and in Terminal 2E. Each is equipped with a double entrance gate, a bench, and a fountain, with a sandy, permeable surface that doesn't heat up like tarmac.

Paris-Orly Airport (France)

Paris-Orly Airport, the other main airport in France used by pet owners, now has an official dog park located in the public area between terminals 3 and 4. Like the dog parks at Paris-CDG, it is equipped with a double entrance gate, a bench, and a fountain, with a sandy, permeable surface.

Istanbul Airport (Turkey)

Istanbul Airport has four pet relief areas, located near the Museum and iGA Lounge floor, at Flight Gate D opposite iGA Sleepod, on the departures floor opposite check-in island E, and on the arrivals floor opposite the entrance gate. Each pet room has artificial grass, running water, and pet bowls, and there are even kibble dispensers for dogs and cats.

Palma de Mallorca Airport (Spain)

Palma de Mallorca Airport has two pet relief areas, one on the ground floor near Exit A and the second on the 2nd-floor garden terrace. Both are fenced and provide drinking water, as well as being suitable for walking and toileting dogs, possibly off-leash.

Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport (Italy)

Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport was the first Italian airport to open a pet relief area, located past security. In addition to fake green grass, the area is well-equipped with bags, facilities for washing up, and a water trough.

Munich Airport (Germany)

Munich Airport is planning to open animal relief areas from 2024 onwards, located airside and behind security checkpoints.

Frankfurt Airport (Germany)

Frankfurt Airport has an Animal Lounge, but it is only used for animals flying in cargo. For pet relief, your best option is to head outside through security to the area east of Terminal 1 Concourse C.

Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (Netherlands)

Amsterdam Airport Schiphol has an outdoor area with fake grass called the Airport Park, located above Pier D in Lounge 1. However, this area is currently closed, and even when open, pets are forbidden from entering. Security has advised taking dogs to Concourse D to let them relieve themselves on the large flower pots, cleaning up after them.

Barcelona-El Prat Airport (Spain)

Barcelona-El Prat Airport doesn't have a pet relief area, but there is an outdoor area with a coffee shop and a bark-covered garden bed located inside the security area of Terminal 1, next to McDonald's. This area is mainly for smokers, but dogs can discreetly relieve themselves there.

Airlines

When it comes to choosing an airline, some are more pet-friendly than others. KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Air France, Lufthansa, Finnair, Norwegian, and Aegean Airways all allow small pets in the cabin, provided they are in a proper travel bag and do not exceed a certain weight, including the carrier.

Dogs as security at airports

Dogs are a common sight at airports, and their use in security screenings is becoming more prevalent. Their advanced sense of smell makes them an invaluable asset in detecting threats, from explosives to narcotics and firearms. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) in the US first implemented canines into its cargo screening protocols in 2008, and they have since become integral to airport security.

Drug and Explosive Detection

Drug-sniffing dogs are a widely recognised type of canine security assistance. Working alongside handlers, they walk through security checkpoints, sniffing passengers and their luggage for narcotics. This method of detection is covert, with dogs giving silent cues to their handlers when they identify a suspect.

Bomb-sniffing dogs work in a similar manner, detecting the volatile chemical substances used in bomb production, which are often undetectable by human noses. These dogs have been a vital part of airport security since the September 11th terrorist attacks, with the TSA and local police forces employing them to monitor checkpoints and screen checked baggage.

Firearms and Contraband Detection

In addition to narcotics and explosives, dogs can also detect firearms by identifying the scent of gunpowder, which lingers on guns for weeks after firing.

Their skills don't stop there; dogs can be trained to identify a range of contraband, including certain organic goods that are forbidden in luggage, such as sugar cane, specific fruits and vegetables, and certain flowers.

COVID-19 Detection

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, dogs have even been trialled to detect positive cases. In a study, dogs correctly identified clothing items with traces of COVID-19 94% of the time, regardless of the severity of symptoms or the strain of the virus. While other testing methods are more accurate, dogs offer a quick and efficient way to screen large numbers of passengers.

Benefits of Canine Security

The use of dogs in airport security has multiple benefits. Firstly, they provide an additional layer of security by detecting threats that may otherwise go unnoticed. Secondly, they improve the passenger experience by streamlining the security process, making it more convenient and efficient.

Training and Handling

The TSA's National Explosives Detection Canine Program trains and deploys canine teams, consisting of TSA-led and state and local law enforcement-led teams. These teams undergo intensive training to ensure proficiency in various transportation environments, including airports, terminals, baggage, freight, and cargo facilities.

The training process for conventional explosives detection canine handlers is 11 weeks, while passenger screening canine handlers undergo a 16-week course. The training is rigorous, with annual certifications and ongoing assessments to ensure operational proficiency.

Handlers typically have a military or law enforcement background and are paired with dogs that match their personality and working style. The dogs live with their handlers, ensuring a strong bond and a good quality of life when they are not on duty.

The use of dogs in airport security offers enhanced threat detection capabilities and improves the efficiency of security screenings. With their advanced sense of smell and specialised training, these canine teams play a critical role in ensuring the safety of air travel.

Travelling with dogs on planes

Travelling with dogs can be stressful, but many airports are now equipped with pet relief stations, so your dog can stretch, have a drink of water, and relieve themselves. Airports serving 10,000 or more passengers a year are required to have areas inside or outside each terminal where pets can take bathroom breaks. These areas typically include patches of real or fake grass and space to move around.

John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)

JFK has multiple post-security pet relief areas, so you’re never far away from one without having to leave the secured area of the airport. Terminal 5 has a 4,000-square-foot outdoor garden patio (aka, the “wooftop”) that’s open to all passengers and their pets. Terminal 8 has a 1,000-square-foot patch of natural grass for pets to stretch their legs. Terminal 4 has a 70-square-foot pet bathroom complete with artificial grass with built-in drainage, a replica fire hydrant, wash sink, bag dispenser, and waste receptacle.

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)

ATL provides indoor post-security relief areas in every concourse. There’s also a 1,000-square-foot dog park located pre-security. This fully fenced-in park offers biodegradable bags along with benches. An additional pet relief area is located on the arrivals level of the International Terminal.

Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX)

Sky Harbor has 9 areas for pets to stretch their legs, drink water, and take potty breaks, 3 of which are located post-security. The remaining pre-security areas are fully gated and located outside of Terminals 2, 3, and 4.

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)

There are 8 indoor animal-relief stations at LAX, all located beyond security screening checkpoints in each of the terminals. In addition, there are 3 outdoor stations, bringing the total number of pet relief stations at LAX to 11, more than any other U.S. airport.

Minneapolis St.Paul International Airport (MSP)

Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport maintains pet and service animal relief areas at both terminals. Terminals 1 and 2 each house 1 post-security indoor pet area featuring faux grass, a fire hydrant, and a sink. There are 2 outdoor areas as well.

Other airports

Other dog-friendly airports include Denver International Airport, Charlotte Douglas International Airport, Dallas Love Field Airport, Dallas/Ft. Worth International Airport, Reno-Tahoe International Airport, and Austin-Bergstrom International Airport.

Best practices for air travel with your pet

• Contact your airline to learn about their policy on travelling with pets.
• Try to book a direct flight to reduce stress on the day of the flight.
• For pets that fly, federal and state laws require a health certificate signed by a veterinarian.
• Sedation is not normally advised, but the decision should ultimately be made by your veterinarian.
• If you are placing your pet in cargo, the USDA requires that your pet be offered food and water within 4 hours before check-in with the airline.
• Using the carrier most appropriate for you and your dog is important in reducing travel stress when you’re at the airport.

Top dog-friendly airports in the US

John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)

JFK International Air Terminal has multiple pet relief areas, which you can access from different terminals. Terminal 5 has a 4,000-square-foot outdoor garden patio (the "wooftop") that's open to all passengers and their pets. Terminal 4 has a post-security 70-square-foot pet bathroom complete with artificial grass, a bag dispenser, and a waste receptacle. Service dogs and emotional support dogs with proper documentation are allowed in any restaurant in Terminal 4. Located in the cargo area of JFK is the ARK Pet Oasis, which provides pet care, veterinary services, check-in, and review of travel documentation for pets.

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport offers several pet relief areas, including a 1,000-square-foot dog park to accommodate pets and service dogs. Every concourse has an indoor post-security relief area. An additional pet relief area is located on the arrivals level of the International Terminal.

Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX)

Sky Harbor International Airport has nine relief areas, three of which are located post-security. The remaining pre-security areas are fully gated and located outside of Terminals 2, 3, and 4.

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)

Los Angeles International Airport has 11 pet relief areas located indoors and outdoors. Three relief areas are located before security checkpoints, and the other eight are in post-security locations. The indoor relief areas consist of rooms with artificial grass, a fake fire hydrant, fresh water, and a station to dispose of waste.

Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport (MSP)

Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport maintains pet and service animal relief areas at both terminals. Terminals 1 and 2 each house one post-security indoor pet area featuring faux grass, a fire hydrant, and a sink. There are also two outdoor areas. Now Boarding, an affiliate of the Animal Humane Society, provides boarding, training, and grooming services for pets and will pick you up from the terminal.

Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS)

Austin-Bergstrom International Airport has a "dog walk," complete with lighting and landscaping, where you and your dog can take a stroll. This relief area is located outside in a pre-security area near the parking garage. It includes a drinking fountain for your dog, as well as bags and receptacles for disposing of waste. Bark & Zoom is located onsite and is open 24/7 for pet boarding. Dogs can enjoy luxury suites, grooming services, enrichment activities, covered play yards, and a pet swimming pool.

Frequently asked questions