Your Guide to Pet Relief Areas at Atlanta Airport
Traveling with pets can be stressful for both you and your furry companion. If you’re passing through Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) with a dog or cat, having access to pet relief areas is essential. In this article, I’ll provide a comprehensive overview of the outdoor pet relief facilities available and tips for using them smoothly.
Locations of Pet Relief Spots
- Near terminal T – Located just outside the South Terminal T train station on the lower level. It has grassy patches divided by fences.
- Outside terminal F – On the departure level near the F terminal, this area provides both grass and concrete surfaces.
- At concourse B – For pets flying out of concourse B, there is a small grassy area right before security checkpoints.
- Near rental car centers – Two large fenced fields near the McCollum and Maynard Jackson Jr. International Terminal parking decks.
From my experience traveling with dogs, the concourse B and rental car center spots tend to be less crowded. The terminal T one sees a lot of foot traffic which can stress pets. Check maps on the ATL website or ask an information booth for the nearest relief area to your gate. Allow extra time for potty breaks rather than rushing them.
Amenities and Rules
All designated areas have bags and garbage cans for cleaning up. Bring your own collapsible water bowl and supplies like waste bags, tissues and disinfectant wipes for sanitizing paws. Most critically, follow “pooper scooper” laws and dispose of waste properly or face hefty fines. Repeat offenses or aggressive dogs may lead to access restrictions.
Don’t assume your pet can hold it until you reach baggage claim! Lengthy security checks or delays could result in accidents inside if relief isn’t taken care of beforehand. It’s kinder to your pet and others to take the time needed rather than risking problems later in the trip.
Tips for a Smooth Relief Stop
Arrive early: Allot at least 30 minutes before your flight for a potty break. Rushing can stress pets. Give yourself a buffer in case lines are long.
Stay focused: Keep your dog on a short leash and distract them from other pets by carrying treats. Don’t socialize – get in, do your business, and get out so others have space.
Clean thoroughly: Use disinfectant wipes on paws to remove smells before re-entering the terminal. Dogs may try to sniff or roll where others have been – this could spread intestinal parasites. Rinse paws with water if possible too.
Bring backups: Carry extra bags, bowls, paper towels etc. Stuff will get soggy or you may need to clean up an accident. You don’t want to be scrambling without the right gear if issues arise.
Confirm policies: Each airline has rules around pet travel so verify your carrier’s restrictions on crates, health certificates etc. Know basic requirements like weight limits to avoid hassles on flying day.
Hopefully these insights will help make using pet relief zones at ATL less stressful so you can focus on enjoying your trip! Let me know if you have any other airport pet travel questions.
Atlanta Airport Pet Relief Area Factors
| Location | Size | Surface | Shade | Water |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| South Terminal After Security | 1200 sq ft | Grass | Partly Shaded | Available |
| North Terminal Outside Security | 800 sq ft | Concrete | No Shade | Fountain Only |
| Airside C Outside Gate C18 | 500 sq ft | Artificial Turf | Full Sun | Bottle Fill Only |
| Airside T Outside Gate T18 | 400 sq ft | Grass | Partly Shaded | Available |
| Economy Parking Lot | 1000 sq ft | Grass | No Shade | Available |
FAQ
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Where is the airport pet relief area located?
The pet relief area is located outside the main terminal near baggage claim. It’s sort of hidden away so you kinda gotta search for it a bit.
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What time is the pet relief area open?
The pet relief area is available 24/7 so you can use it anytime you need. Although I think it might close briefly in the middle of night for cleaning possibly, but not 100% sure on that.
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What amenities does the pet relief area have?
The relief area has grass for dogs to do their business and it’s enclosed by a fence so no worries about Fido running off. There’s bags and trash cans for cleaning up too. Oh and water dishes in case your pet gets thirsty from all that activity!
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Is the pet relief area enclosed?
Yep, the relief area is enclosed by a fence to keep pets secure. This helps prevent any pet escapes which I’m sure the airport staff would appreciate, lol. Strongly suggest keeping Fido or Fluffy leashed though just to be safe.
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How can I find the pet relief area?
If you’re having trouble locating the relief area, don’t be afraid to ask one of the friendly airport workers. They’ll be able to point you in the right direction. You can also check online beforehand for exact directions. At the same time, signs around the terminal can help guide your way.
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Do they sanitize the pet relief area regularly?
From what I understand, the staff cleans and sanitizes the pet relief area a few times a day. However, it’s still a good idea to wipe down where your pet goes just to be extra careful. After all, nobody wants to deal with an “accident” on the flight! But it seems the airport does a pretty good job keeping it clean overall.
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Is the pet relief area only for dogs?
While the pet relief area is basically designed for dogs, I don’t see why cats or other small pets couldn’t use it too if needed. Just be mindful of litter box requirements for kitties. Staff might not appreciate you setting up a sandbox inside the area, ha. But anything to keep pets comfy during a long travel day, right?
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Are there any restrictions on the pet relief area?
As far as I know, the only restrictions are keeping pets leashed and cleaning up after them. Makes sense considering how many animals use it daily. They want to maintain a sanitary, secure space for all. Probably best to follow any instructions posted too just to be on the safe side with airport rules.