From “Wooftops” to Luxury Suites: These 5 U.S. Airports Are Changing the Way We Travel With Pets

One of the best parts of having a furry best friend is always having someone by your side to explore the world with. From the snow-capped mountains to sandy beaches, our pets become family to us on vacation. And with all that travel, navigating airports often means dealing with transportation hubs that aren’t all created equal.

Thankfully, the U.S. is home to some travel terminals that were built with our four-legged friends in mind. Whether you’re looking for a relief spot or an entire dog park, these airports are the country’s most pet-friendly.

What Makes An Airport Pet-Friendly?

There’s a difference between an airport that’s genuinely pet-friendly and one that just allows pets. A pet-friendly airport offers amenities for pet owners, making travel much easier. An airport that simply permits pets typically just allows them to pass through with their owners. When looking for a pet-friendly airport, you’ll want to look for these amenities:

• Relief Stations: These are typically marked by signs for dog owners, and some also have plastic bag dispensers for disposal.
• Turf or Outdoor Areas: These might include dog parks, green areas, or artificial turf that allow pets to walk around.
• Play Areas: Indoor pet play areas often include obstacle courses and areas for running and playing.
• Kennel or Boarding Services: Some airports offer temporary kennel, boarding, or daycare services for pets.
• Vet Services: On-call vets are available at some airports.
• Grooming: Along with health services, groomers may have stations or salons at airports.

In addition, some airports also have pet-friendly hotels. This is helpful for travelers with long layovers or who prefer to stay close to their travel terminal with their pets. It’s also important to note that some airports may have policies about dog and cat breeds, size, and vaccine requirements.

John F. Kennedy International Airport

JFK is one of the most pet-friendly airports in the world. Its amenities are second to none and are sure to make pet owners (and their pets!) feel at home. The airport is also home to the ARK, which offers world-class animal transport. Pet owners can choose to have their pets picked up at home or board them at the airport. The ARK even transports large animals, such as horses, internationally to and from JFK. They work with the National Organization of Animal Handlers and are IATA CEI, so you know your pet is in excellent hands.

At the actual airport, pet owners will find even more for their furry friends. Terminal 4 is home to indoor and outdoor grass areas, while Terminal 5 plays host to the “Wooftop.” The rooftop greenery is an outdoor patio that’s perfect for dog owners seeking some breathing room. In Terminal 8, travelers will find a post-security green spot with natural grass for more relief. Other relief areas are available throughout the airport, and its public spaces are also pet-friendly, including those at the TWA Hotel.

• ARK Fees: Post-flight care and accommodations start at approximately $163 per dog, with immediate pick-up from cargo at $175 (additional fees may apply for larger crates or specialized services)
• TWA Hotel and Crowne Plaza Pet Fee: $75 per pet
• Wooftop Fees: Free
• Relief Area Fees: Free

Los Angeles International Airport

LAX ranks among the top pet-friendly airports and offers additional pet services just outside its terminals. At the airport, travelers will find 11 outdoor relief areas and 3 indoor ones. Within these relief areas are disposal bag stations and free water stations for your pet. LAX goes the extra mile and provides small pet houses at some of these relief stations for animals that need a nap or just a break from the airport commotion. And if travelers get to the airport and realize they’ve forgotten something, many LAX shops offer toys and pet supplies.

There’s one thing LAX offers that puts it a step above the rest. Travelers may find therapy dogs roaming the terminals as part of the PUPs (Pets Unstressing Passengers) Program, a free service. These volunteer pups are here to de-stress passengers who need some cuddling or playtime with a furry friend. Just outside of the airport, travelers can find the Kennel Club LAX, which offers boarding, grooming, and daycare. Bark&Zoom is another boarding option that cares for both cats and dogs. Cambria Hotel LAX and La Quinta Inn and Suites by Wyndham LAX have pet-friendly accommodations near the airport.

• PUPs Program: Free to travelers
• Pet Relief Stations: Free
• Boarding: Kennel Club LAX rates start at $97 per night for standard accommodations
• Cambria Hotel LAX: $150 pet fee per stay
• La Quinta Inn and Suites by Wyndham LAX: $75/night pet fee

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport

ATL offers pet-friendly amenities specifically geared toward dog owners. Inside the Domestic Terminal South, travelers will find its beloved Poochie Park. This 1,000-square-foot space is just before the security check. It provides ample, fenced-in space for pet owners to let their pups run around and get some energy out before passing through security and boarding.

Travelers will also find various service pet relief areas in every concourse. In 2017, ATL invested in updating its service pet areas, which include artificial turf, fire hydrants, and cleaning supplies for any accidents. They also feature showers, ground-level drinking fountains, and biodegradable waste-disposal bag stations.

• Poochie Park: Free for travelers with pets
• Service Pet Relief Areas: Free

Denver International Airport

Denver is an extremely pet-friendly city, so it’s no surprise that its airport loves animals just as much. DIA is known for its Paradise 4 Paws Pet Resort, a luxury dog resort open 24/7. It offers doggie daycare, boarding, and grooming, but also has handlers available for obedience training. Additional boarding is offered by Wag Hotels, which include supervised play area for energetic pups. However, travelers may also be familiar with a close second: The Canine Airport Therapy Squad (CATS). Volunteers bring their pets (dogs and cats!) to Denver International Airport, where they soothe anxious travelers. They’re easy to spot thanks to their purple gear and “pet me!” shirts.

Around the airport, travelers will find plenty of relief rooms at the center of every concourse. Each indoor area has artificial turf, disposal stations, and sinks for washing. Outside the airport, travelers will also find a pre-security dog park on the 2nd level of Jeppesen Terminal. When it comes to a dog’s needs, Denver International Airport excels in knowing what active dogs need while traveling.

• Pet Relief Rooms: Free to travelers
• Outdoor Dog Park: Free
• Paradise 4 Paws Pet Resort: Rates start at $45/night for a Deluxe Suite for dogs and $35/night for cats; grooming depends on pet size and services
• Paradise 4 Paws Pet Resort Pool: Starting at $14/dog, per 30-minute open swim time, and $12/each additional dog

Austin-Bergstrom International Airport

Austin’s airport has made a name for itself with unique pet-friendly amenities. The airport’s dog walk is a prominent feature, with various relief areas along its illuminated corridor. Pet owners will also find waste-disposal bag stations, dog-approved water fountains, and plenty of fresh air, since it’s located outdoors. Its pre-security location gives pet owners the perfect opportunity to walk their dogs before getting in line.

Additional pet relief areas can be found post-security as well, each equipped with waste disposal bags and stations. Bark&Zoom provides boarding, pool access, and grooming services and is located on-site within the airport. Its 24/7 care facility is a significant draw, and cat owners will be happy to know they also provide feline services. What sets AUS apart from other airports, however, is its quarterly pet therapy events. During this time, travelers can find various therapy dogs strolling the airport’s concourses.

• Dog Walk: Free to pet owners
• Pet Relief Areas: Free
• Bark&Zoom: Boarding starts at $62/dog per day and $45/cat per day, and daycare starts at $40/day (all include supervised playtime, wellbeing checks, bathroom breaks, and toys and/or comfort items)
• Bark&Zoom Pool: $25/session, but new pet owners can request a free trial