Airport Rest Areas for Dogs

Travel with dogs can be a lot of fun.  Especially since more hotels cater to our canine companions. It used to be that finding a place to exercise a dog at an airport was a real challenge. Thanks to the Americans with Disabilities Act provision for service animals, all airports must provide animal relief areas.  At Phoenix Sky Harbor, the Pet Patch is a short walk from baggage claim east of Terminal 2. Terminal 3 has the Paw Pad and terminal 4 has the Boneyard. Unfortunately, all of these exercise yards are outside security.

Pet Patch Skyharbor

Pet Patch 2 Skyharbor

Some airports now provide pet relief areas inside the terminal and even, inside security. On a recent layover at the Dallas Fort Worth airport, I noticed this sign inside terminal D by gate 18.

Airport Dog Run1

I opened the door and found a quiet room with an area of artificial turf. There was even a hose for clean up. There are three outdoor areas with grass located in the lower level of terminal A Gate 8 and at terminal C by gates 2 and 39. Please note these areas are outside of the secured areas. I am grateful that travel for animals is getting easier.

dog airport exercise 2

 

For more information on traveling with your pet, check out the Dog Jaunt Blog at http://www.dogjaunt.com/guides/airport-pet-relief-areas/

Published by kristennelsondvm

Dr. Kristen Nelson grew up on a farm in Watertown, Minn., where she developed a deep love for animals of all kinds. She received a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the University of Minnesota, College of Veterinary Medicine. Kris then completed a small-animal internship at the prestigious Animal Medical Center in New York City. In addition to writing and speaking, she cares for small and exotic animals in Scottsdale, Az. Dr. Nelson is widely quoted in the media. Her credits include Ladies’ Home Journal, USA TODAY, the Los Angeles Times and numerous radio and television interviews. Dr. Nelson has written two books, Coated With Fur: A Vet’s Life and Coated With Fur: A Blind Cat’s Love. Kris and her husband Steve share their home with rescued cats, birds and a dog.