Seven Dog-Friendly US Airports

If you’re planning to bring your furry companion along with you on your next flight, you want to make sure that they have a positive travel experience. Traveling with a dog involves more than just getting on the plane—you want your pup to also feel at ease through security and as you make your way to your gate together! Many airports cater to those traveling with dogs and pets. Here is a look at some of the most dog-friendly airports and the amenities that they offer:

Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport

When traveling through Phoenix Sky Harbour International Airport, pet owners and dogs have plenty of spots to take a break. The Pet Patch is located east of Terminal 2, The Pet Paw Pad can be found in Terminal 3, outside on the West End. The Bone Yard can be found on the west side of Terminal 4, near baggage claim. In these areas, pets can stretch out, play, drink water, and take bathroom breaks.

Nearby PHX Sky train stations, pet relief areas are also available. The East Economy Park & Bark is near the East Economy parking garages and The Park ‘n Play is on the northwest corner of the 44th Street PHX Sky Train station.

Finally, dogs can relax and relieve themselves past security, too. These areas can be found in Terminal 2, Terminal 3, and Terminal 4.

San Diego International Airport

Potty breaks are simple at San Diego International Airport. Seven different pet relief stations are available, and they include artificial turf, waste bags, and even fire hydrants! These pet relief stations can be found throughout the terminals outside of the airport, as well as indoor at Terminal 2 West.

Philadelphia International Airport

At Philadelphia International Airport, there are seven Service Animal Relief Areas, called Pet Ports. These relief areas have a mulch surface, a bench, faux fire hydrant, biodegradable pet waste bags, and a garbage can. All stations are available for both service animals and pets who are traveling with their human pals.

Boston Logan International Airport

Pet owners and fur companions in Boston also have pet-friendly offerings at Boston Logan International Airport. These relief areas are no-frills, but plentiful. These rest areas are located on the arrivals level curb outside every terminal. There is also a pet-relief area located in Terminal E, after security—near Gate E7.

Denver International Airport

Denver International Airport is another dog-friendly airport. Private pet restrooms can be found on each concourse as well as right outside Jeppesen Terminal. After security, restrooms are located in the center cores of A, B and C Gates. A pre-security pet restroom area is located just outside door 200 on the west side of the Jeppesen Terminal. These pet restrooms feature artificial turf and artificial rocks, waste removal bags and containers, and a sink with soap and paper towels.

If you ever need to take a trip without your furry friend, this airport also has a pet boarding facility called Paradise 4 Paw.

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport

For humans and four-legged friends making their way through Atlanta, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport also offers dog-friendly amenities. Indoor Service Animal Relief Areas (SARAs) are available throughout the airport and can be used by service animals and other traveling pets. They can be found in every concourse. This airport also has a dog park! The park is located in the Ground Transportation area on Domestic Terminal South. This fully fenced-in park offers biodegradable bags along with benches. Another pet relief area can be found on the arrivals level of the International Terminal.

Reno-Tahoe International Airport

Another airport that caters to four-legged passengers is Reno-Tahoe International Airport. There are three dog parks available for bathroom time relief. Gate K-9 Bark Parks are fenced, ADA accessible, and have running water, mutt mitts for cleanup, and a canopied area for when the weather isn’t so great. An indoor relief area is available on the second floor of the terminal building, across from McDonald’s. Since the indoor pet relief area is enclosed, it’s also possible for cats to visit.

If you’re planning to take a trip with your furry best friend, these are some of the best airports. Choosing to visit a dog-friendly airport can help you and your pet be more comfortable throughout your entire journey. It will be interesting to see if more airports begin to add dog relief stations and other pet-friendly perks!

 

[Image: Flickr/T Sheppard]