7 Dog-Friendly Airports in the United States

Dog Friendly Airports at a Glance

1. Traveling with pets can be stressful, but many U.S. airports have made significant upgrades to create a more pet-friendly experience for dogs and their owners.

2. Major airports like JFK, ATL, DEN, CLT, and LAX now offer a variety of amenities such as post-security pet relief areas, outdoor dog parks, and special facilities with turf, fire hydrants, and clean-up supplies.

3. Some airports even feature unique perks like rooftop gardens, farmers markets with dog treats, and private pet spaces to make travel easier and more enjoyable for your furry companion.

4. By planning ahead and using these dog-friendly airport amenities, you can greatly reduce travel stress for both you and your pet.

Even though we love our furry friends, traveling with them can be stressful. Thankfully, many airports in the United States have upgraded and created a more pet-friendly experience for our dogs, so stressful travel can be greatly reduced.

Here is a list of the most dog-friendly airports in the United States!

1. John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)

When it comes to the most dog-friendly airport amenities, JFK is the winner. Within the JFK airport, multiple terminals feature post-security pet areas, letting you take your dog somewhere without having to go back through security.

Specifically at Terminal 5, there is a 4,000-square-foot outdoor garden, referred to as the “wooftop.” This space is open to all passengers and their pets and includes tables and chairs to seat up to 50.

American Airlines has also installed a 1,000-square-foot patch of grass in Terminal 8 for your dogs to roam around in before or after a flight. Also, at Terminal 4, there is an artificial grass area that is 70 square feet with built-in drainage, a replica fire hydrant, wash sink, bag dispenser, and waste receptable.

2. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)

ATL is the next dog-friendly airport to check out. This airport not only has pet-relief areas following security checkpoints, but there is a 1,000-square-foot dog park located pre-security. Plus, the park is fully fenced in with benches and biodegradable bags.

3. Denver International Airport (DEN)

Denver International Airport has pet relief areas that include turf flooring with a drainage system. There is also an artificial rock and wall murals to showcase Colorado outdoor scenery.

Check out this dog-friendly airport for pet-friendly areas in concourses A, B, and C!

4. Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT)

If you are taking your furry friend through CLT, perhaps after dropping off your pet at our Charlotte location, you will have many options for pet relief. You can make a quick stop here, but keep in mind these areas aren’t enclosed for privacy so a leash may help keep your dog from running off. They do, however, have necessities such as artificial turf, a fire hydrant, and clean-up supplies.

Find these pet relief areas in pre-security at the end of the arrivals/baggage claim level and in concourse A, D, and E post-security.

5. Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)

LAX is another dog-friendly airport that has many areas for your pet before and after security. In terminals T3 or T6, you can get some fresh air in the outdoor atrium or visit the private facilities with functional fake grass, fire hydrants, clean-up supplies and fresh water.

There is also a farmers market in Terminal 5 where you can pick up a toy or some flavored treats, or you can head to Terminal 7’s Ashland Hill for dog biscuits.

You can find the pet relief areas in T1, T2, T4, T5, T7, TBIT, outside of T3 and T6, and a few others in pre-security!

6. Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX)

 At Sky Harbor, there are nine different areas with artificial turf, water stations, waste bags, and beyond. These areas provide great spaces where you can take your pup to stretch their legs, grab a drink of water or a snack, have a potty break, or expend some energy both before and after a flight.

In addition to having a dog-friendly airport, PHX offers amenities like the Airport Shuttle that provides pet-friendly rides in clean, air-conditioned vehicles with plenty of space for kennels and carriers.

7. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport

To support guide dogs and traveling pets, ATL offers both indoor and outdoor relief areas that help ensure a smooth traveling experience. One area features a 1,000-square-foot fenced dog park with pre-security, benches, and biodegradable waste bags for your convenience. Another pet relief area is situated on the arrivals level of the international terminal for added accessibility.

FAQs About Bringing Your Furry Friend to the Airport

Are dogs allowed in the airport arrivals area for pickups?

Rules vary by airport, but dogs are typically not allowed at airport arrivals or inside terminals when their owners are picking someone up, unless they are service animals. Plus, such spaces tend to be a little stressful and chaotic, so if your dog doesn’t need to be there, it’s best to leave them at home or with someone who can supervise them outside of the airport.

Can dogs walk around airports? Do they need to be on a leash?

Dogs should be on a leash or in a crate at all times when in an airport. As much as we love to see our furry friends roam free, it’s important to keep them by you. This will help them stay calm when in a busy environment like an airport.

What are some tips for traveling with a furry friend?

The first and most important tip we have is to check pet airport policies before flying. Rules vary by airport, and knowing what regulations look like at each place can create a seamless travel experience.

• Check both the airport and airline requirements for pet travel since individual airlines might have different requirements than the airports they operate within
• Make sure your dog is acclimated to their carrier before the trip to reduce stress
• Unless your dog is in a carrier, keep them leashed at all times
• Check to make sure your carrier is airline approved, meaning it’s able to stay under the seat in front of you during taxi, takeoff, and landing
• Take your pup on a car ride before transporting them via plane, as this will help indicate if they get car sick or feel motion sickness while moving
• Know where the pet relief areas are before arriving at the airport so that you can take your dog there before your flight
• Pack all essentials for your pet in your carryon, including a collapsible water bowl, their favorite treats, waste bags, and more
• When possible, avoid noisy areas or big crowds to ensure that your pup stays calm

Safe Travels!

If you’re planning to take your pet with you on your travels, be sure to plan ahead. These dog-friendly airports have gone above and beyond to ensure your pet is comfortable, so definitely take advantage!

Categories: Dogs, Holidays, News/Events, Pet Safety