Your Guide to Pet Relief Options at Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson Airport
If you’re traveling through Atlanta with furry companions in tow, you may be wondering where to take your pets to relieve themselves before a flight. As the world’s busiest airport, Hartsfield-Jackson sees over 100,000 travelers pass through its terminals every day, many with pets in need of some outdoor time.
In this article, I’ll cover all the pet relief areas available and provide tips from my own experiences traveling with animals. By the end, you’ll have the information you need to ensure Fido or Fluffy can do their business comfortably before your journey.
Outdoor Pet Relief Areas
- Terminal South Pet Relief: Located outside the main entrance to Terminal South near the rental car center drop-off area. It has green space, trees and waste bags.
- Terminal North Pet Relief: Across from the cell phone waiting lot on the lower level road. It features grassy areas separated by fences.
Both outdoor areas have water available. From my experiences, Terminal South tends to be less busy. Make sure to clean up after your pet – airport staff keep the spaces very clean.
Indoor Pet Relief Stations
For rainy days or if your pet is anxious about outdoor spaces, there are also indoor options:
- Terminal South Baggage Claim: Near door 12 inside the baggage claim hall.
- Terminal North/ATL West Mezzanine: On the mezzanine level between the terminals.
These have artificial grass patches. Make it a quick potty break – other travelers will ‘bark’ if Fluffy takes too long! Place a travel towel down to contain messy accidents.
Tips for Stress-Free Pet Relief
Here are some tricks I’ve learned from traveling with my rescue pup Hugo:
- Arrive at least 2 hours before your flight to avoid rushed potty breaks.
- Bring collapsible bowls and water from home – airport bowls may have germs.
- Pack plastic bags, wipes, and hand sanitizer for quick cleanups.
- Use a calming treat or toy to distract anxious pooches during relief.
Don’t forget your traveldocuments! Pets must have vaccinations, ID, and be in a carrier or on a leash. Kindly ask fellow travelers for space at busy relief areas. With a tad of preparation, even the biggest scaredy-cat can piddle in peace!
Day Trips to Nearby Dog Parks
If you have time between flights, consider a pit stop to stretch legs further. Some nearby dog parks include:
Drew Valley Dog Park (10 min drive)
This expansive park features two fenced play areas, trails, picnic shelters and a river view. On weekends, pups of all sizes run free. I’ve taken Hugo here after red-eye flights – he’s always recharged!
Cascade Park (15 min drive)
For hikers, this 50-acre park has multi-use trails winding through forests. Leash up Fido and breathe fresh air together before circling back to the airport. The sights of galloping canines always kind of amaze me.
Just be sure to account for traffic and return time. A woof-worthy daycation can turn your pup’s potty break into a positive experience.
Final Remarks
Airport trips can basically be pretty ruff on pups. But with a small bit of forward planning, you can sort of make their potty pesos a stress-free breeze. Hopefully the tips and spots covered give you more confidence for your doggone departure. Feel free to ask me any other questions! Wishing you both safe travels and happy landings.
Pet Relief Options at Atlanta Airport
Service | Location | Hours | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
Pet Relief Stations | Terminal A, Terminal B, Terminal E | 4:30am – 12:30am daily | Outdoor grass areas for pet potty breaks. |
Pet Walks | Meet at Information Booths in each terminal | 6am – 10pm daily | Escorted 20-minute walks to grassy areas. |
Pet Relief Pads | Available at Information Booths | 24 hours | Disposable training pads for pet potty needs. |
Pet Relief Room | Terminal South parking deck, Floor S1 | 24 hours | Indoor room for pet relief with artificial grass. |
FAQ
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Does the airport offer pet relief areas?
Yes, the airport has pet relief spots located outside the terminals. Pets must be on a leash at all times. Signs point pet owners to the spots so it’s easy to find them.
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Are there fees for using the pet relief areas?
Nope, using the pet relief spots is free of charge. The airport kindly provides them as a service to traveling pets and their people.
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How long can I keep my pet in the relief area?
There are no set time limits, but other pet owners will appreciate if you don’t hog the spots. Basically, a quick potty break should suffice. Try to keep it under 10 minutes out of courtesy.
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What do I need to bring to clean up after my pet?
Always remember to pack baggies and wipes to clean up after little Rover or Fluffy. Signs in the pet spots remind folks to clean up, so fellow travelers thank you. A messy relief area won’t make any pet parent’s day, right?
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Is there a pet relief area airside as well?
Sadly no, the airport only has landside relief spots before security. Once past security, it may be tougher to find bathroom breaks for pets. Plan accordingly and try not to give your pet too much water airside.
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What if my pet has an accident inside the airport?
If an accident occurs, alert the nearest staff member straight away. They can assist with clean up supplies and disposal. Accidents happen, so don’t panic—just take responsibility and deal with it promptly. Fellow travelers will appreciate your honesty rather than a stinky surprise!
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What rules must I follow when using the pet relief areas?
The main rules are: clean up after your pet, keep pets leashed, and don’t let pets roam off the designated spots. Housebreaking isn’t allowed in other areas of the airport. Overall just be considerate of others. Do you have other questions? Airport staff can surely provide more details too if needed.