Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) is one of the most pet-friendly in the United States. Counting nine pet-relief areas, it features the second largest number of relief areas at any airport in the USA. Before 2016 there were only two available. But when the federal government issued a rule that any airport with more than 10,000 passengers per year would need to provide pet relief areas that were wheelchair-accessible, the airport stepped up to the challenge and added five more areas for pets traveling with their masters through ATL. Below we’ll help you familiarize yourself with the Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) pet guidelines, so you and your furbaby will have a smooth transit.
There are two outdoor and seven indoor pet relief areas called Service Animal Relief Area (SARA) in ATL.
Domestic Terminal – The first outdoor location, called Poochie Park, is in the Domestic Terminal South. It is in the same sector as ground transportation and accessible by doors W1 and W2.
An additional Service Animal Relief Area is located on the left after going through the South Checkpoint, near Gate T7.
International Terminal – The second outdoor location is at the International Terminal on the Arrivals level. Exit through doors A1, A2, or A3 and proceed to the Hourly Parking area.
On the Departure level, there is a Service Animal Relief Area near Gate F6.
Concourse A – You will find the pet relief area by Delta’s Self-Service desk adjacent to Gate A10.
Concourse B – You will find the designated area near the Nature’s Best Market at Gate B33.
Concourse C – Go to Gate C19 and you will find it just to the left of the waiting area.
Concourse D – The Service Animal Relief Area is located in the centerpoint behind the bookstore.
Concourse E – Go Gate E14 and look for the bank of telephones. The pet area is located here.
All the pet relief stations are stocked with plastic waste bags and paper towels. However, it is always a good idea to keep some on h and in case the station is empty.
If your pet cannot fly in the cabin with you, they will need to take their own flight as animal cargo. If you are lucky enough to be flying an airline that allows pet passengers to travel as checked luggage—meaning they would fly in the cargo hold of the same plane that you were on—, you will check your pet in with you at the ticket counter and then you will pick them up at baggage claim when you reach your destination.
The pet policy at Hartsfield–Jackson states if your pet is flying as cargo, you will need to take your animal to your airline’s cargo building. ATL has a large cargo park area with three main complexes—South, Midfield, and North. With over 1 million square feet, it is recommended that you know how to get to your proper cargo terminal before you arrive at the airport.
For the safety of the pets flying as cargo, most airlines will not allow them to fly if the mercury goes above 85 degrees. Keep an eye on the weather in case there is a chance that your pet will not be able to travel on your chosen date.
When you are on the grounds of the airport, ATL requires that all animals are in an approved carrier, crate, or kennel. However, they do make an exception for dogs using the pet relief areas when going through the security checkpoint and for all service animals. It is recommended that you know the closest pet relief location to your arrival gate so that you can take your dog to do their business the moment you get off the plane. It is also a good idea to know the closest area to your departure gate so that you can give Fido one last chance to stretch their legs before boarding.
If you have further questions, you may contact the airport at:
6000 N Terminal Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30320
(404) 530-7300
(800) 897-1910
.
