Most of us can’t imagine traveling without our furry companions, and after a few too many road trips, flying starts to look pretty appealing. Luckily, air travel with pets has never been easier. You just need the right information before you book. We know how overwhelming it can be to sort through all the overlapping rules and requirements, so we’ve put together the ultimate guide to help you and your fur baby fly away to your dream destination—together.
What are the dog-friendly airports in NYC?
New York City’s three major airports—JFK, LaGuardia, and Newark—are all more dog-friendly than ever before. Each airport features pet relief areas both before and after security, welcomes dogs in carriers inside the terminals, and offers plenty of convenient ways to get to and from the airport.
Dog-Friendly Guide to NYC Airports
Getting to Know NYC’s Big Three: JFK, LaGuardia & Newark
New York’s metropolitan area is home to three major airports. John F. Kennedy and LaGuardia sit within the city limits (both in Queens), while Newark is just across the river in New Jersey and easy to reach by public transit. With so many options, it really comes down to choosing the airport that best fits your specific needs.
Airport | Location | Best For | Notable Pet Perk |
|---|---|---|---|
John F Kennedy (JFK)
| Queens, NY
| International & long-haul flights
| Multiple indoor and outdoor pet relief areas across terminals
|
LaGuardia (LGA)
| Queens, NY
| Domestic flights & select international destinations | Compact layout and renovated terminals with modern amenities (also named the best airport in the US two years in a row by Forbes Travel Guide)
|
Newark (EWR) | Newark, NJ
| United Airlines hub & International flights | Large outdoor relief areas
|
Getting to the Airport with Your Dog
New Yorkers love their options, and getting to the airport is no different. From public transit to private rides, you have plenty of easy ways for you and your pup to make the journey.
- Uber/Lyft: When you’re booking, use the “Uber Pet” or “Uber Lyft” options—both allow one small animal. Any additional pets are up to the driver. For Uber, dogs need to ride on a leash or in a carrier—whereas with Lyft, they can be in a carrier, blanket, or at your feet.
- Taxis: Yellow Cab drivers accept furry passengers on a case by case basis (but ADA service animals are always welcome).
- NYC Subway: All pups are welcome on the subway as long as they’re in a bag or carrier.
- New Jersey Transit: Small dogs in travel carriers are welcome to ride.
- Air Train: Small pups are welcome as long as they are in secure carriers.
- Pet Taxis: If you don’t want to leave anything up to chance, pet taxis are a surefire transport option for you and your pup. Many options don’t have size restrictions, so all fur babies are welcome.
For more information on navigating NYC with your four-legged friend, check out our comprehensive guide to Getting Around NYC with Dogs.
Airport Rules for Traveling with Pets
Before you reach cruising altitude, you should know a few important things about airport and TSA rules for pets.
- At security, you’ll go through the metal detector with your pup—either holding them in your arms, or walking them on their leash—while their carrier passes separately through the X-ray machine.
- Once you’re in the terminal, be sure that your four-legged pal is either on a leash or in their carrier at all times.
- Every airline has its own pet policy, including size and weight limits, carrier dimensions, and fees, so it’s worth checking the details before you book to avoid any surprises.
- ADA service animals have separate guidelines, so confirm those requirements directly with your airline
- Don’t forget to pack copies of your pup’s vaccination records—better to have them and not need them than the other way around.
For airline specific information, we’ve got you covered with our Guide to Airline Policies—including Delta, United, American, JetBlue, and more!
Pet Relief Areas at NYC Airports
John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
JFK is a sprawling, bustling international hub—and it’s not just people they’re accommodating. With a dozen pet relief areas spread across its five terminals, this airport makes sure jet-setting pups have plenty of space too. You’ll find relief areas both inside and outside as well as before and after security, so your dog’s needs are covered no matter where you are in the airport.
- Terminal 1: Home to just one pet relief area, located outside, pre-security, near Arrivals.
- Terminal 4: Indoor, post-security pet relief areas can be found near gates A9, B31, and B49. This terminal’s sole outdoor option is curbside, located outside near Arrivals.
- Terminal 5: Home to the Wooftop Lounge, a post-security rooftop garden where fur babies and their pawrents can get some fresh air pre-flight. You’ll also find a curbside, pre-security outdoor pet relief area, as well as an indoor (post-security) option near gate 28.
- Terminal 7: You’ll have both indoor and outdoor options in this terminal—pre-security, there’s a curbside area near Arrivals, and post-security, there is an indoor pet relief option near gates 9 and 10.
- Terminal 8: For pre-security options, visit the curbside, outdoor area near Arrivals. For post-security, you can find the pet relief area near gate 38.
LaGuardia Airport (LGA)
LaGuardia’s major renovation in 2022 brought some much-needed upgrades—including several new pet relief areas across its three terminals. So as you wander through America’s highest-rated airport’s glow up, you can rest easy knowing you’re usually not too far from a bathroom break for both you and your pup. Just look for the paw print icon and you’re there.
- Terminal A: A curbside pet relief area at Arrivals ensures that your pup can have an outdoor, pre-security bathroom break. Unfortunately, this terminal has no pet relief areas after security. So if you’re using this terminal, be sure to pack extra pee pads, wipes, and anything else you might need in case of a doggie bathroom emergency.
- Terminal B: Boasting four pet relief areas both inside and outside, pre-security and post-security, Terminal B ensures your pup’s needs are always met. Located near Gate 59, by the Food Court, by baggage claim, and by the busses and shuttles zone (outside), you’re always a quick walk away from relief for your pooch.
- Terminal C: There is one indoor pet relief area near gate D92—after security. If your pooch needs a bathroom break prior to going through security, you can always take the shuttle bus between terminals and visit one of the pre-security pet relief areas in the other terminals.
Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)
Among their seven pet relief areas, Newark goes above and beyond and offers an outdoor dog park so your pup can get their zoomies out before boarding.
- Terminal A: Both outdoor and indoor pet relief areas are available at this terminal. Their outdoor option is curbside—near Arrivals. Their indoor option is in the main concourse—across from gates A7 and A8.
- Terminal B: This terminal is home to Newark’s newly redesigned outdoor dog park. With grassy turf, a bone-shaped rock garden, and a hydrant, your pooch will have everything they need to burn off some energy pre-flight. An additional outdoor pet relief area can be found curbside—pre-security. Post-security indoor options can be found near gates B40 and B58.
- Terminal C: This terminal’s sole pet relief area is after security, by Gate C131.
Flying Comfortably with Your Dog
Travel days can be stressful for everyone—whether you’re walking through security on two legs or four—but a bit of preparation can inspire a lot of peace of mind.
- Book a direct flight whenever possible—it’ll lessen the stress of travel on yourself as well as your four-legged best friend.
- Pack the essentials, and then some: carrier, collapsible water bowl, treats, and wipes are always a necessity, but consider also throwing in some extra pee pads to avoid any in-air messes and an item that smells like home—it could provide some stress relief while your pup navigates a new environment.
- Be strategic with potty breaks—before leaving home and before heading into security are usually good rules of thumb.
After Landing: Getting Home (or to Your Hotel)
Once you’ve landed, there’s nothing wrong with taking a moment to catch your breath before heading to your final destination.
- Many pet relief areas are located outdoors near Arrivals halls, so you can get some fresh air while also ensuring your pup has their needs met.
- Flying can be discombobulating for everyone—pups especially. To ensure you’re prepared for any post-flight mishaps, double check that your pup is secured in their carrier or by their leash before getting into a cab or rideshare.
- If you’re staying in NYC, be sure to check out our guide to Pet-Friendly Hotels in NYC to find the perfect place for you and your pooch to regroup after action packed days in the city.
Final Tips for Smooth Skies
- Book ahead—especially during busy travel seasons. Most airlines have restrictions on the number of pets that can be on each flight, so planning ahead can ensure that you and your pup can make the cut.
- Pay attention to the dimension of pet carrier allowed by each airline, since there are small variations for each.
- Bookmark or share this guide with a friend so you have easy access next time you and your fur ball want to take to the skies.
Conclusion
Whether you’re taking a quick weekend away or are leaving on your next big adventure, you can rest assured that traveling with your dog from any of New York City’s three major airports doesn’t have to be stressful. So long as you do your research and make some pre-flying preparations, you and your fur baby can sit back, relax, and enjoy the flight.
Interested in more Dog-Friendly NYC News?
Subscribe to our Jet Set Pets NYC Wet Noseletter
