Pet Friendly Airports in US
Finding Pet Relief Areas at U.S. Airports
Locating animal relief areas at U.S. airports is easy with our listings of outdoor (pre-security) and indoor (post-security) pet and service animal relief areas (SARAs), organized by state.
Since 2009, the Department of Transportation (DOT) has required airlines to ensure service animal relief areas (SARAs) are accessible at airports, including providing escorts to these areas for travelers with service animals. This regulation led to airports establishing relief areas for pets and service animals alike, with most outdoor pet relief areas located outside terminals. These outdoor spaces range from simple grassy spots to fenced-in "pet parks" with amenities similar to dog parks.
As of 2016, federal regulations mandate that airports serving over 10,000 passengers annually must have at least one SARA inside each terminal. Originally aimed at service animals, these indoor areas are also beneficial for pet owners and law enforcement handlers. Facilities vary from small, practical spaces in less visible areas to spacious rooms designed to resemble human restrooms, featuring wheelchair accessibility and proximity to gates.
While some relief areas consist of small patches of synthetic grass tucked away in terminals, others offer pet-friendly parks with real grass, faux fire hydrants, and space for pets to roam. Airports like Chicago O’Hare International and Detroit International go the extra mile, providing pet relief rooms with artificial grass, mini fire hydrants, and built-in sprinkler systems to keep the area clean and accessible.
More Information
A guide to in-terminal airport pet relief stations
Information on indoor and outdoor pet relief areas at airports in the U.S.
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Pet Service and Animal Relief Areas at International Airports
Australia: Perth Airport
Service Animal Relief Areas are located at Terminal 4 – ground floor, opposite check-in (behind car rental desks); and Terminal 1 – ground floor, behind check-in (enter via corridor next to check-in desk 40).
Finland: Helsinki Airport
Pet relief areas are located outside, near the entrance to Arrivals hall on floor 1, next to the bus station; and inside, Gate 51 – Non-Schengen area.
India: Indira Gandhi Airport (DEL)
Pet relief areas have all the necessary amenities, such as waste bags, disposal bins, and cleaning supplies, to ensure they remain clean and hygienic for all pets. It is advisable to check the location of these pet relief areas before arriving at the airport
Ireland: Dublin Airport (DUB)
An assistance dog relief room is located in Terminal 2. As of January 30, 2024, DUB announces re-introduction of live animal screening facility for passengers departing from Dublin Airport.
Japan: Osaka International Airport (ITAMI)
The dog-specific relief area is located in the pick-up and drop-off area of the airport.
Turkey: Istanbul Airport
Pet rooms are located in the Departures area after security, upstairs near the IGA Lounge, or just follow the dog signs.