Denver International Airport Pet Relief Areas – Where to Take Your Pet to the Bathroom at DIA

A Comprehensive Guide to Pet Relief Areas at Denver International Airport

If you’re traveling through Denver International Airport (DIA) with your furry companion in tow, it’s helpful to know where the designated pet relief areas are located. In this article, I’ll provide a detailed overview of DIA’s outdoor pet potty spots, including their locations, amenities, and tips for using them effectively. By the end, you’ll have all the info you need to help Fido or Fluffy do their business comfortably during your journey.

Outdoor Pet Relief Areas

DIA has three outdoor pet relief areas where dogs can legally do their business. Two are located on the airport’s east side and one is on the west side, providing convenient options no matter which terminal you’re departing from.

1. East Pet Relief Area 1: Near East Terminal Curb Level. It has grass patches, waste bags, trash cans, and outdoor benches. From my experience, this is one of the larger and busier areas.
2. East Pet Relief Area 2: Near East Terminal Economy Parking. Smaller than Area 1 but still has grass and amenities. Not as crowded so a good option if you want more space.
3. West Pet Relief Area: Near West Terminal. Similar set up to East Area 2 – grass patches, waste bags, trash cans. Only option on the west side so can get busy during peak travel times.

Tips for Using the Relief Areas

Here are some tips based on my experiences using DIA’s pet relief spots:

1. Bring lots of plastic baggies to clean up after your pet. Dispose of waste properly – leaving it around is inconsiderate of others.
2. Go before security screening to avoid having to rush your pet during a rest stop. Better to potty before the security checkpoint stress.
3. Clean paws before returning inside since the relief areas get muddy. Wet wipes or a small towel makes this way easier than having a four-legged mess tagging along!
4. Avoid busy times around flight departures if your pet gets anxious in crowds. Early morning or evening tend to be less hectic.
5. Be courteous of other pets and owners using the area. Keep your pup leashed and under control. No one wants an surprise “play dates” in the relief zone!

As long as pet parents are considerate and clean up after their animals, the airport wants travelers to feel comfortable using these spots. But from time to time, you may find overly rambunctious dogs or inattentive owners who ruin it for the rest. Always be prepared to relocate if needed.

Alternative Indoor Options

If weather isn’t cooperating or the outdoor areas seem too hectic, there are some indoor last-resort options:

1. Ask at the airport information desk if they have any private indoor spots available. Sometimes staff can direct you to an out-of-the-way area for a quick potty break.
2. As a last resort, many pet owners quietly use less crowded public bathrooms for a pee if truly urgent. But obviously this should be an absolute last option – have bags and clean up diligently!
3. A long walk around the terminals may allow your pup to relief discreetly along the edges if you clean up right away. Helpful if your flight departure time is imminent.

Hopefully the outdoor relief areas suffice during your travels. But it’s good to have a backup plan just in case. Flexibility and responsible pet ownership are key to smoothly navigating airport regulations with your furry friend.

Frequently Asked Questions

Based on my experience fielding questions from fellow pet parents over the years, here are some commonly asked questions about DIA’s relief areas:

Is it allowed to take dogs in the terminals?

Generally no, only service animals are permitted past security. The only exceptions are if traveling with very small pets that can remain in carriers.

Are there any indoor pet stores near security?

Unfortunately DIA doesn’t have pet stores inside security. The closest options are pet supply stores located in the airport hotel or parking garages before entering the terminals.

What should I do if another dog gets too rambunctious?

Be prepared to calmly leash your pup and relocate if another animal’s behavior is intimidating yours. Contact airport staff if the owner is uncooperative or creating a disruptive situation.

Are there benches and shade at the relief areas?

The two larger east side spots and west area all include some seating and partial shade coverage. However, Colorado weather can’t always be relied on for relief from the sun!

Any drinking water available for pets?

Unfortunately not – it’s advised you bring your own portable water for your furry friend. Helpful especially on hot days!

How close are the relief areas to terminals?

Within a 5-10 minute walk depending on which area and terminal you need to access. Signage helps guide the way but allow extra time just in case.

Hope this gives you a solid overview of DIA pet options! Let me know if any other questions come up while traveling through Denver with your pup. Happy journeys!

Denver International Airport Pet Relief Area Information

Location	Surface	Hours	Amenities
Level 5, between Concourses A and B	Artificial Grass	5:00 AM – 10:00 PM daily	Waste bags, water, seating
Level 5, between Concourses C and D	Concrete	5:00 AM – 10:00 PM daily	Waste bags, water, seating
Level 6, between parking garages and train station	Artificial Grass and Concrete	5:00 AM – 10:00 PM daily	Waste bags, water
Rules	Collars required, 6 foot leash only, proof of vaccines

FAQ

1. Where are the pet relief areas located at Denver International Airport?

   The pet relief areas are located outside the airport terminals. There are grassy spots near the parking garages with signs indicating they are for pet use only. Signs also show where the dumpsters are for cleaning up after pets.

   

2. Do I need to use a leash when taking my pet to the relief area?

   Yup, for safety reasons pets always need to be on a 6-foot leash or shorter when outside in the airport areas. Keeping Fido or Fluffy on a leash helps prevent them from darting into traffic or bothering other folks.

3. Is there a time limit for using the pet relief spots?

   While the pet spots are available anytime passengers are coming and going, it’s kind of rude to hang out too long when others may need to use the area. Airport staff suggests aiming to keep potty breaks under 10 minutes so the spots stay open for all.

4. What do I do if my pet has an accident outside the designated areas?

   Oops, it happens – no animal is perfect! If your pet has an accident by mistake, no problem – just clean it up right away. You’ll find bags and garbage cans nearby. No one wants to step in it, so be a good citizen and clean up after your buddy.

5. Are there any rules about what age pets can use the relief spots?

   In general, any pet old enough to be fully potty trained is allowed to use the relief areas. But small animals may be difficult to keep on a leash. So basically follow the safety guidelines and be respectful of others. Airport staffers have more flexibility to use their judgement case by case if issues come up.

6. What if my pet won’t go potty on the concrete?

   If your pal just won’t go on the hard ground, don’t panic. The staff has seen it all before. You can try carrying some of your pet’s favorite grass in a baggie and scattering it on the spot. Or ask if there’s a grassy median strip nearby that’s okay to use instead. Air travelers come from all over – there must be a fitting solution!