Pet Areas: Airport Amenities For Furry Friends

Pet areas at airports, also known as animal relief areas, are spaces within airport terminals where pets, service animals, and emotional support animals can relieve themselves before or after boarding a flight. These areas are designed to accommodate the needs of travelling pets and their owners, providing amenities such as grass or turf, waste bags, drainage systems, and in some cases, play areas and water fountains. Airports like JFK, LAX, and Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport have dedicated significant spaces to these pet relief areas, ensuring that pets have a comfortable and convenient experience while travelling.

Pet relief areas are required by law

These pet relief areas can be found both outdoors (pre-security) and indoors (post-security). They are typically located outside airport terminals, either in hidden corners or as fenced-in "pet parks" with amenities like a fully equipped dog park. Some airports, like Phoenix Sky Harbor and JFK, have multiple animal relief areas after security, while others have none. It is important to check the location of these pet relief areas before arriving at the airport.

Pet relief areas are designed to provide a space for pets, service animals, and emotional support animals to have a toilet break before boarding their flights. These areas aim to prevent accidents during the flight and reduce the stress of travelling for both pets and owners. The relief areas should be easily accessible, with clear communication about their location and purpose.

To create a successful pet relief area, certain amenities and resources are recommended. These include pet-friendly turf or grass, a non-slip surface, waste bag dispensers with trash receptacles, adequate lighting, effective drainage, and a sprinkler system for cleaning and odour control. Some airports even provide additional features such as pheromone-based props, drinking fountains, play areas, and awnings or shades for protection from the weather.

Locations vary across airports

The locations of pet relief areas vary across airports. Airports should, at a minimum, have pet relief areas within terminals for travelling pets and service animals. However, it is recommended to have more locations in both concourses and terminals pre- and post-security to better accommodate travellers and avoid accidents.

For example, at Nashville International Airport (BNA), there is a curbside pet relief area that includes free waste bags for travellers. In contrast, New York's John F. Kennedy Airport (JFK) has indoor pet relief areas in Terminals 4 and 5 and an outdoor pet relief area in Terminal 4.

The location of pet relief areas can also vary within the airport. Some are in hidden corners of terminals, while others are in open spaces alongside busy walkways or tucked into alcoves. Airports in North America, including Chicago O'Hare International Airport and Detroit International Airport, have post-security pet relief stations.

Outside of the United States, pet relief areas can be found in various locations. For instance, at Helsinki Airport in Finland, the pet relief area is located outside near the entrance to the Arrivals Hall on the first floor, next to the bus station. At Indira Gandhi Airport (DEL) in India, the pet relief areas are equipped with waste bags, disposal bins, and cleaning supplies to maintain cleanliness and hygiene.

They are for pets, service animals and emotional support animals

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 these areas, for passengers travelling with service animals. Airports have since created and expanded animal relief areas that are open to all pets, service animals, and emotional support animals.

These pet relief areas are spaces where pets can relieve themselves, exercise, and have access to water and other amenities. They are typically located within airport terminals, with some outdoor relief areas also available. These outdoor spaces can range from simple grassy areas to fenced-in "pet parks" with various amenities, such as fire hydrants and play equipment.

It is important to note that not all airports have relief areas after security, so it is recommended to take your pet to a relief area before proceeding through security. Additionally, some relief areas are exclusively for service animals or emotional support animals (ESAs). ESAs that display improper behaviour or lack of hygiene may be refused boarding.

When using pet relief areas, pet owners are responsible for ensuring their pets behave appropriately and maintaining cleanliness. Some airports provide waste bags, bins, cleaning supplies, and other resources to support pet owners. These relief areas aim to provide a comfortable and accessible space for pets and their owners during their travels.

Some airports have multiple pet 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 any passenger travelling with a service animal. Airports have since created and expanded animal relief areas that are open to all pets and service animals.

Other airports with multiple pet relief areas include:

• Minneapolis-Saint Paul Airport
• Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport
• Reno-Tahoe International Airport
• Nashville International Airport
• Indira Gandhi Airport, India
• Perth Airport, Australia
• Helsinki Airport, Finland

Basic amenities and resources

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 these areas for passengers travelling with service animals. Airports have since created and expanded animal relief areas that are open to all pets.

At a minimum, airports should have pet relief areas within terminals for travelling pets and service animals. These areas should be easily accessible to all, including those using assistive devices such as wheelchairs, walkers or canes. The relief areas should be clearly marked and ideally located in both pre- and post-security areas to better accommodate travellers and avoid accidents.

The relief areas should have a non-slip, easily cleaned surface and a waste bag dispenser with a trash receptacle that is regularly serviced. Adequate lighting and effective drainage are also important features. A sprinkler system can help to keep the area clean and minimise odours.

Some airports provide pet-friendly water fountains, and others offer private restrooms for pets, complete with artificial grass, built-in drainage, replica fire hydrants, sinks, bag dispensers and waste receptacles. Some airports, such as Reno-Tahoe International Airport, have indoor and outdoor pet relief areas, with the outdoor areas being fully fenced with running water, clean-up provisions, a fire hydrant and a canopy for protection from bad weather.

If there is space and budget, airports can make their pet relief areas even more welcoming by including play areas with agility equipment and benches for waiting pet parents.

Frequently asked questions