Travelling through busy airports with pets can sometimes be stressful, but John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York has made the journey much easier for pet parents. The airport offers dedicated pet relief areas both post-security and pre-security across each terminal, designed to ensure that pets can stay comfortable before or after a flight. Whether someone is travelling with a dog, cat, or service animal, these designated JFK pet relief areas provide a safe and convenient space for pets to take a break.
JFK Airport Pet Relief Area Location
The pet relief area JFK is located in or just outside of every terminal. That way, travellers can locate a convenient spot for their pets anywhere in the airport.
JFK Pet Relief Area Terminal 1
The pet relief area for JFK Terminal 1 is located before the security checkpoint, right outside the Arrivals area on the east end of the terminal.
JFK Terminal 4 Pet Relief Area
The terminal has two pet relief areas. The first JFK Terminal 4 pet relief can be found outside the Arrivals Hall on the first floor. The second pet relief JFK Terminal 4 area is a large indoor pet relief area located between Gates 30 and 32. This area is easily identifiable by a paw print on the door.
JFK Pet Relief Area Terminal 5
The JFK Terminal 5 is a major hub for JetBlue, and it has two unique pet relief areas.
- JFK T5 Wooftop: This is a post-security, 4,000-square-foot outdoor garden patio located across from Gate 28. It’s a “rooftop” space with seating for passengers and a dedicated area with synthetic grass for pets to play and relieve themselves.
- Pre-Security: An additional pet relief area is located outside the terminal at the arrivals area on the north end, near baggage carousel 6.
JFK Terminal 7 Pet Relief Areas
The pet relief area at JFK Airport Terminal 7 is located post-security, just behind the Hudson News stand and near Gates 9 and 10. This is a small indoor relief area, with the usual artificial grass and cleanup supplies.
Pet Relief Area at Terminal 8
At JFK Terminal 8, the pet relief area is on the “Middle Island,” right outside the Departures area. It features a spacious 1,000-square-foot patch of natural grass. It includes a walkway, benches, and a “Mutt Mitt” dispenser. There is also a pet relief area located after the security checkpoint near Gate 33.
The ARK at JFK
JFK also houses The ARK at JFK, a 24/7 pet oasis in the cargo area that works as a quarantine and repository for animals. The ARK offers a wide range of services such as vet care, kenneling and air travel and has services geared towards domestic pets all the way to livestock. The ARK serves as a central resource for airlines, pet owners, and federal agencies, ensuring the welfare of all animals passing through the airport.
Helpful Tips for Travellers with Pets at JFK Airport
Here are a few quick tips that flyers travelling with pets can follow to make their trip smooth:
- Before arriving, passengers should check which terminal their flight is departing from and where the nearest pet relief area is located.
- Travelling with pets often takes more time, so arriving a bit early can reduce stress.
- It’s always helpful to carry water, a collapsible bowl, and pet wipes in case of emergencies.
- Keeping pets in designated zones ensures cleanliness and comfort for all travellers.
Wrapping Up!
JFK Airport has become one of the more pet-friendly airports in the U.S. by including these relief stations in every terminal, both indoor and outdoor areas. For those travelling with pets, JFK’s pet relief areas are a thoughtful addition that helps make the travel experience smoother, cleaner, and stress-free.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, JFK has pet relief areas in or near every terminal, both after security and before security.
Terminal 4 has two pet relief areas. One is outside the Arrivals Hall on the first floor. The second one is located indoors, on Concourse B between Gates B31 and B33, after security.
Yes, each terminal has outdoor areas near arrivals or departures, usually marked with signs and equipped with waste bags.
Travellers are encouraged to check with their airline before departure to confirm what documentation or proof is required for pets.
Yes, the ARK Pet Oasis in JFK’s Cargo Area offers complete pet care services, such as animal handling, veterinary support, airline check-in, and document verification.
Yes, Terminal 8 has one of the largest outdoor grassy pet relief areas, about 1,000 sq. ft.
Yes, every terminal with a pet relief area also has a pre-security, curbside option, making it easy for pets to take a break before their owners check in their luggage and go through security.