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The Ultimate 2025 Guide: All 9 Pet Relief Areas At Atlanta Airport (ATL) And How To Find Them Fast

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Traveling through Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) with a pet or service animal requires a strategic plan, especially during a long layover or before a flight. As of late 2025, ATL, the world's busiest airport, has fully embraced its pet-friendly status by offering a total of nine dedicated pet relief areas, ensuring your furry companion has a comfortable and convenient place to take a break. This comprehensive guide breaks down the exact locations, amenities, and essential tips for navigating ATL's extensive pet facilities, whether you are arriving, departing, or just passing through the concourses.

The good news for all pet owners is that ATL provides multiple Service Animal Relief Areas (SARAs) both pre-security and, more importantly, post-security in every single concourse. This is a crucial detail for travelers who need to attend to their pets without having to exit and re-enter the secure area, saving valuable time and hassle. The airport’s commitment to providing these amenities makes traveling with a dog, cat, or service animal significantly less stressful. We’ve compiled the complete, updated list of all nine locations to make your journey seamless.

Complete List of ATL's 9 Pet Relief Area Locations (Pre- and Post-Security)

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) offers a mix of seven indoor, post-security Service Animal Relief Areas (SARAs) and two larger, outdoor pre-security facilities, including a dedicated dog park. This ensures that no matter where you are in the airport, a designated space is within reach, complying with all federal regulations for pet travel.

7 Post-Security Indoor Service Animal Relief Areas (SARAs)

These indoor facilities are strategically placed after the TSA security checkpoints, making them perfect for travelers on layovers or those who have already checked in. They are designed primarily for service animals but are available for all passenger pets.

  • Concourse T: Located near Gate T7.
  • Concourse A: Located near Gate A10.
  • Concourse B: Located near Gate B33.
  • Concourse C: A dedicated Service Animal Relief Room is available on Concourse C.
  • Concourse D: Located near the center of the concourse.
  • Concourse E: Located near the center of the concourse.
  • Concourse F (International Terminal): Located near the center of the concourse.

Key Amenities in SARAs: Each indoor SARA is typically equipped with essential features to keep the area clean and sanitary. These include synthetic turf surfaces, a drainage system, a sink, paper towels, and pet waste disposal containers for convenient cleanup.

2 Pre-Security Outdoor Pet Relief Areas

These outdoor areas are ideal for quick breaks before check-in or after arrival, particularly for larger dogs who need more space or fresh air.

  • Domestic Terminal (South Side): The 1,000 Sq. Ft. Dog Park
    This is the largest and most popular option. It is a fully fenced, 1,000-square-foot dog park located on the Domestic Terminal South Ground Transportation area, outside of the security perimeter. Look for it near the South Economy Parking lot entrance. It’s a great spot for your pet to stretch its legs and play before being confined to a carrier or the plane cabin.
  • International Terminal (Arrivals Level): Door A1 Area
    A second outdoor pet relief area is situated on the arrivals level of the International Terminal, just outside of Door A1. This is a highly convenient location for passengers arriving on international flights who need an immediate outdoor break for their pet.

Navigating ATL with Service Animals and Emotional Support Animals

Understanding the distinction between different types of assistance animals is crucial when traveling through Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. While the airport provides facilities for all pets, the policies surrounding service animals and emotional support animals (ESAs) are governed by federal regulations and individual airline rules.

Service Animal Regulations

Under the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA), airlines are required to permit service dogs to accompany passengers with disabilities. Service animals are typically defined as dogs (and in some cases, miniature horses) that are individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of a person with a disability. These animals are allowed to travel in the cabin and are generally not required to stay in a carrier.

  • Access: Service animals have full access to all areas of ATL, including the Service Animal Relief Areas (SARAs).
  • Documentation: While the Department of Transportation (DOT) no longer requires the specific "ESA letter," passengers flying with service dogs must often complete the DOT Service Animal Transportation Form in advance of their flight.

Emotional Support Animals (ESAs) and Pet Policy Updates

Recent years have seen significant updates in pet travel policies, especially regarding Emotional Support Animals. Most major airlines, including those operating heavily out of ATL (like Delta Air Lines), no longer recognize ESAs as service animals and treat them as standard carry-on pets. This means:

  • Carrier Requirement: ESAs and other pets must typically remain in a pet carrier that fits under the seat for the duration of the flight and while in the airport beyond the pet relief area.
  • Pet Fees: Standard pet-in-cabin fees will apply for ESAs, as they are no longer exempt from these charges.
  • Booking: Always confirm your airline's specific pet policy and book your pet’s spot well in advance, as airlines limit the number of pets allowed per flight.

Essential Pet Travel Tips for Your ATL Layover

A layover in Atlanta can be lengthy, but with proper preparation, you can ensure a smooth experience for both you and your pet. Utilizing the numerous pet relief areas is just one piece of the puzzle. Consider these additional travel tips:

1. Plan Your Route by Concourse

Since ATL is so large, knowing the exact location of the SARA in your arrival or departure concourse is essential. Use the Plane Train or the airport’s mobile app to confirm the fastest route to Gates T7, A10, B33, or the relief rooms on Concourses C, D, E, and F. Minimizing travel time between gates and the relief area reduces stress on your pet.

2. Carry a Travel Kit

Even though the SARAs provide waste disposal, it’s best to be prepared. A small pet travel kit should include:

  • Waste bags (always carry extra).
  • A small, collapsible water bowl and a bottle of water.
  • A familiar blanket or toy for comfort inside the carrier.
  • Any necessary medications for your pet.

3. Utilize the Outdoor Dog Park for Long Layovers

If you have a layover of three hours or more and your pet needs significant exercise, consider exiting security to use the 1,000 sq. ft. dog park at the Domestic Terminal South Ground. While this requires going through TSA security again, the benefit of a long, vigorous break can be worth the extra time. Always check TSA wait times before deciding to exit the secure area.

4. Know the International Terminal Protocol

If you are traveling internationally, remember that the outdoor relief area is right outside Door A1 on the arrivals level. For pets arriving from another country, be aware of Customs and Border Protection (CBP) advisories regarding animal health and import requirements. For departing travelers, the indoor SARA on Concourse F is your most convenient option after security.

5. Stay Updated on Airline Policies

Airline pet policies are subject to change, especially concerning breed restrictions, crate size, and required health certificates. Always check with your specific carrier (e.g., Delta, Southwest, American Airlines) before your flight date to avoid any last-minute issues at the check-in counter or the gate.

The Ultimate 2025 Guide: All 9 Pet Relief Areas at Atlanta Airport (ATL) and How to Find Them Fast
atlanta airport pet relief area
atlanta airport pet relief area

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