When planning a trip with your pet that involves air travel, ensuring a happy and safe flying experience for four-legged flier is your top priority. You’ve spent ample time researching the most pet friendly hotels that will best suit your furry companion, but you’re concerned about their comfort and safety during the whole process of flying. According to the American Animal Hospital Association, approximately 76 million cats and dogs travel with their owners each year and airports are starting to take notice.
The following airports have made the most strides in pet travel by opening up designated areas for animals to take a potty break, get water, and stretch their legs. If your route includes any of these stops, these pet areas provide a great way to comfort and reconnect with your pet once you get to your destination or while waiting for a connecting flight.
1. Atlanta: Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) We blogged about the grand opening of Hartsfield-Jackson’s off-leash dog park last month and we definitely had to include it in our list. The 1,000-square-foot fully-fenced Poochie Park includes flowers, grass, rocks, and benches to set the scene for dogs to sniff around, get a bit of exercise, and do their business. Being the world’s busiest airport, it has seen its fair share of pets pass through and wanted to better cater to their four-legged passengers.
2. Houston: George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) Not only does George Bush Intercontinental have four designated pet areas, it also offers the only onsite kennel managed by an airline (Continental Airlines) in the United States. The kennel provides 1,100 square feet of space for runs and 寵物旅遊 exercise pens, day kenneling, overnight kenneling, and grooming.
3. Philadelphia: Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) The PHL has 7 (count ’em, seven) pet relief areas that include a mulch surface, a bench, and a faux fire hydrant. Each fenced-in area ranges from 250 to 600 square feet and also includes a pet waste bag dispenser and trash can.
4. Phoenix: Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) The Pet Patch, the Paw Pad, and the Bone Yard are Sky Harbor’s three designated pet-friendly zones. These areas offer a place for pets to get relief, wander and sniff, as well as drink fresh water. Mitts for clean up are provided.
5. St. Louis: Lambert-St. Louis International Airport (STL) Fire hydrants are just one of the features at Lambert-St. Louis International Airport’s two outdoor pet rest areas. Animals are allowed to play off-leash in the 400 square foot gated spaces and also include park benches, trash cans, and plastic mitts for cleanup.