These Are the Top 10 US Airports for Pets
These airports are going to the dogs, but in this case, that isn't a bad thing. A new study analyzed airports across the country to find which were the very best for our four-legged friends. Since airports carrying 10,000 passengers or more are required to provide service animal relief areas in every terminal, the survey put an emphasis on the quality of pet relief areas and amenities, rather than the quantity.
To calculate the top 10 rankings, airports were awarded a maximum of 5 points on the quality of indoor relief areas and 4.5 points on the quality of other pet-friendly amenities (like fully-fenced in dog parks with real grass, water fountains and running space.) The final half point was awarded to airports that offered onsite boarding or daycare facilities. Scores ranged from one perfect 10 to more than 75 airports with a whopping total score of zero — the exact opposite of pet-friendly. Airports with a zero simply had a pre-security pet relief option, with most offering a patch of rocks.
The Results
10. Dallas/Ft. Worth International Airport (DFW) 6.75 Points
DFW has multiple pre-security designated pet relief areas and four pet relief areas past security. The airport has a Paradise 4 Paws on-site pet resort, which offers around the clock boarding services for travelers who need a sitter.9. Denver International Airport (DEN) 7 PointsDenver is also home to a Paradise 4 Paws pet resort, offering a 25,000 square foot 24-hour facility. If you plan to bring your pup along for the journey, once past security, your dog could use one of the pet relief rooms that are located in the centers of concourses A, B and C. The relief areas feature a turf flooring with a drainage system and an artificial rock.8. Dallas Love Field Airport (DAL) 7.25 Points
Dallas Love Field has its very own pet park located right outside of baggage claim. The fenced-in space is large enough for a pooch to run, play and get some exercise before heading out on a flight. The airport also has a smaller pet relief area past security.7. Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO) 7.5 Points
RNO has two fully fenced, outdoor "Bark Parks" that includes running water, fire hydrants, canopies for inclement weather, and mutt mitts to clean up after the canines. After security, pups could use the indoor pet relief area on the second floor of the terminal.6. Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) 7.75 Points
Austin-Bergstrom has a pre-security, landscaped and lighted "Dog Walk" that features a pet drinking fountain. Complimentary waste pick-up bags are available for puppy parents for a quick clean-up. Inside the airport, there is a pet relief area on the outdoor patio post-security.
5. Minneapolis St. Paul International Airport (MSP) 8.25 PointsMinneapolis' airport offers two outdoor areas pre-security and one post-security indoor pet area in both Terminal 1 and 2. The indoor areas have faux grass, a fire hydrant, and a sink. Animal Humane Society affiliate, Now Boarding, is located on site and proves boarding, training and grooming services for your pet. The company will even pick you up from the terminal.4. Los Angeles International Aiport (LAX) 8.5 PointsLAX has more pet relief stations than any other US airport. There are eight post-security stations scattered through each of the terminals, in addition to the three stations outside the airport doors. If you're going to fly with your pet, LAX has you covered.
3. Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) 9 Points
Sky Harbor has six fully-gated areas, know as "Paw Pads," outside Terminals 2, 3 and 4. Post-security, there are three spots inside the airport for pets to use the potty.
2. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) 9.5 Points
Before passing through the metal detectors, travelers with tails could take care of their business at ATL's 1,000-square-foot dog park. ATL is one of the most accommodating airports, with relief areas in every concourse. If you don't plan on bringing Fido, pets can be dropped off at Pet Paradise, ATL's onsite boarding facility.
1. John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) 10 Points
JFK took the No. 1 spot with the perfect score of 10 out of 10. JFK's pet relief stations put the typical tiny patches of fake grass to shame. Terminal 5 is home to the T5 Rooftop, a post-security outdoor patio located across from Gate 28. The patio is even an appreciable spot for travelers without canine companions to grab some fresh air before spending hours stuck in a metal tube. Additionally, Terminal 8 has a 1,000 square-foot patch of natural grass before security and one relief area post-security. A post-security pet bathroom with artificial grass with built-in drainage, a replica fire hydrant, and sink could be found at Terminal 4.
At least JFK can say its the best at something, considering the airport came in dead last on TPG's ranking of the best airports of 2018.
TPG featured card
at American Express's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 3X | Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases. |
Pros
- Delta SkyClub access when flying Delta
- Annual companion ticket for travel on Delta (upon renewal)
- Ability to earn MQDs through spending
- Various statement credits for eligible purchases
Cons
- Steep annual fee of $650
- Other Delta cobranded cards offer superior earning categories
- Earn 100,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $6,000 or more in purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership and an additional 25,000 bonus miles after you make an additional $3,000 in purchases on the Card within your first 6 months, starting from the date that your account is opened. Offer Ends 04/01/2026.
- Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card Members receive 15 Visits per Medallion® Year to the Delta Sky Club® when flying Delta and can unlock an unlimited number of Visits after spending $75,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year. Plus, you’ll receive four One-Time Guest Passes each Medallion Year so you can share the experience with family and friends when traveling Delta together.
- Enjoy complimentary access to The Centurion® Lounge in the U.S. and select international locations (as set forth on the Centurion Lounge Website), Sidecar by The Centurion® Lounge in the U.S. (see the Centurion Lounge Website for more information on Sidecar by The Centurion® Lounge availability), and Escape Lounges when flying on a Delta flight booked with the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card. § To access Sidecar by The Centurion® Lounge, Card Members must arrive within 90 minutes of their departing flight (including layovers). To access The Centurion® Lounge, Card Members must arrive within 3 hours of their departing flight. Effective July 8, 2026, during a layover, Card Members must arrive within 5 hours of the connecting flight.
- Receive $2,500 Medallion® Qualification Dollars with MQD Headstart each Medallion Qualification Year and earn $1 MQD for each $10 in purchases on your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card with MQD Boost to get closer to Status next Medallion Year.
- Enjoy a Companion Certificate on a Delta First, Delta Comfort, or Delta Main round-trip flight to select destinations each year after renewal of your Card. The Companion Certificate requires payment of government-imposed taxes and fees of between $22 and $250 (for itineraries with up to four flight segments). Baggage charges and other restrictions apply. Delta Basic experiences are not eligible for this benefit.
- $240 Resy Credit: When you use your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card for eligible purchases with U.S. Resy restaurants, you can earn up to $20 each month in statement credits. Enrollment required.
- $120 Rideshare Credit: Earn up to $10 back in statement credits each month after you use your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card to pay for U.S. rideshare purchases with select providers. Enrollment required.
- Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card Members get 15% off when using miles to book Award Travel on Delta flights through delta.com and the Fly Delta app. Discount not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees.
- With your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card, receive upgrade priority over others with the same Medallion tier, product and fare experience purchased, and Million Miler milestone when you fly with Delta.
- Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees. Enjoy international travel without additional fees on purchases made abroad.
- $650 Annual Fee.
- Apply with confidence. Know if you're approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you're approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
- Terms Apply.
- See Rates & Fees