4 Do’s and 3 Don’ts to Observe in a Pet-Friendly Airport

For many pet owners today, leaving their furry companions behind when they have to take a trip is no longer an option, especially when they’ll be traveling for extended periods or relocating. This rise in demand for pet-friendly travel, in turn, has not gone unnoticed by airports around the world. Many now offer pet-friendly amenities like designated pet relief areas, pet transport services, and even specialized seating zones for pet owners. 

While it’s exciting to have more opportunities to travel with pets, doing so also comes with added responsibilities. A fair number of airports may cater to pet owners, but it’s up to travelers to ensure their pets behave appropriately and don’t disturb others. Proper etiquette is a must in these environments—not just for the comfort of your pet, but also as a show of respect to fellow passengers. Good manners in a pet-friendly airport can make the difference between a smooth journey and a stressful experience for everyone involved.

At PrideBites, we’re proud to provide you with more than just top-tier bespoke pet merchandise that you can use during your travels, like custom martingale collars, bulk collapsible travel cups, and custom dog blankets. We have plenty of practical pet care advice to offer to jet-setting pet parents, too. In this post, we’ll walk you through some essential do’s and don’ts that every pet owner should keep in mind when taking their fur babies to pet-friendly airports. 

DO Keep Your Pet in a Carrier

Airports can be noisy, crowded, and overwhelming for pets. In these environments, a secure carrier will act as a shield against the surrounding commotion and can help your pet feel safe. Plus, it’s important to understand that while the airport itself may be pet-friendly, many other travelers are not comfortable around animals. Keeping your pet in a carrier minimizes the chances of unexpected interactions that might cause distress, either to your pet or to others. 

DO Bring Essential Documents

Traveling with a pet can involve extensive paperwork for security purposes. Essential documents like health certificates, vaccination records, and proof of rabies shots may be required by both airlines and airport officials, particularly for international travel. 

Missing paperwork could result in last-minute complications that no one wants to deal with, especially when navigating through busy terminals. Have these documents readily available to streamline the check-in process and avoid delays, all so that you can enjoy the peace of mind that your pet is cleared for travel. 

DO Use Designated Pet Relief Areas

Pet-friendly airports will typically have designated pet relief areas, which are often recognized as one of their most helpful features. These zones are designed specifically to give pets a clean, convenient place to relieve themselves, often featuring sanitation stations for easy cleanup. 

Don’t hesitate to utilize these areas as often as you need to; by doing so, you not only keep the airport environment clean but also help maintain a positive reputation for all pet travelers. A well-timed stop at a relief area can also prevent accidents later on and keep both you and your pet comfortable for the duration of the journey.

DO Plan for Extra Time

Any travel excursion with a pet inevitably means adding a few extra steps to your routine. You might have to stop and make sure your pet is comfortable, go through additional security checks, or find a pet relief area, and each of these steps can add anywhere from between an extra fifteen minutes to even an extra hour or two to your travel time. 

It will be stressful for both you and your pet if you have to rush through the airport, so try to arrive earlier than usual to allow for these added tasks. You’ll be more relaxed overall if you give yourself extra time, and you’ll have more room to focus on your pet’s needs without any last-minute scrambles. 

DON’T Let Your Pet Roam Freely

Perhaps it’s tempting to let your pet stretch their legs, but airports are not the place to let pets roam freely. Even in pet-friendly terminals, a loose pet can quickly become a safety hazard both for themselves and for other travelers. 

Airports are full of distractions and potential dangers. Busy walkways, security equipment, and large crowds can easily spook an unrestrained animal. Keep your pet on a leash or in their carrier; this is required by most airport policies and is also the safest way to ensure your pet stays out of harm’s way.

DON’T Ignore Airport or Airline Rules

Every pet-friendly airport and airline will have its own set of rules when it comes to traveling with pets. These regulations can range from restrictions on the size and breed of pets allowed to travel, to guidelines on how pets should be handled during security screening. Some airlines even require advance reservations for pets, and failing to comply can lead to unwanted surprises at check-in. Familiarize yourself with these policies before your trip so that everything goes smoothly from the moment you enter the terminal to when you board your flight.

DON’T Neglect Your Pet’s Behavior

Lastly, remember that airports are stressful environments for pets as well as for people. Even the most well-behaved animals can become anxious or overstimulated by the sights, sounds, and smells of a busy terminal, so keep a close eye on your pet’s behavior and respond accordingly. 

If they seem stressed, offer comfort with a familiar item like a toy or blanket. Sometimes, a quick walk or a visit to a pet relief area can help alleviate their anxiety immediately. A calm and content pet will make the entire travel experience smoother for both you and those around you.