Airport pet relief areas are special areas within airports where pets and service/assistance animals can have a potty break before they board their flights. Unfortunately, pet relief areas in the UK are less common than in the US or major EU hubs. You can find them mainly at the largest airports and usually outside security. Pet relief areas are uncommon at smaller airports, so it is best to look into your options well before your departure date.
Costs and Features
Pet relief areas at airports are free to use and usually easy to find once you know where to look. They are becoming increasingly common across Europe and major international hubs. You can find pet relief areas by checking your airport’s website, airport maps, or signage once inside the terminal. They typically feature artificial grass, waste bins, bags, and sometimes water bowls. You can typically expect:
- Artificial turf or gravel for toileting;
- Drainage or cleaning system (indoor areas often have a hose or flush system);
- Waste bin + free dog waste bags;
- Water bowl (common but not universal);
- Fenced or enclosed space (helps with safety);
- The pet relief area can be indoor or outdoor, depending on the airport (check in advance).
If you do not have the time to visit a pet relief area at the airport, we encourage you to take your dog on a long walk and make sure they go potty before you leave for the airport. Some dog owners have reported on social media that their dogs do not like going potty in the indoor pet relief areas. Making a mess on board will win you any extra points or add miles to your flight account, so try to be proactive.
How to Find Pet Relief Areas in UK Hubs
Most airports list pet or animal relief areas under “Facilities,” “Special Assistance,” or “Traveling with Pets.” Many airports mark pet relief zones with a dog icon. European airports increasingly publish exact gate locations, which helps in a big way if you do not know your way around the airport already. Additionally, airlines transporting pets or assistance dogs often provide location details, especially for connecting flights.
Heathrow Airport (IATA: LHR, ICAO: EGLL)
If you are flying through Heathrow International Airport, you can find their pet relief areas listed here: https://www.heathrow.com/customer-support/faq/travelling-with-animals
They appear to have a total of 12 pet relief areas
Gatwick Airport (IATA: LGW, ICAO: EGKK)
The airport offers maps to download here: https://www.gatwickairport.com/passenger-guides/airport-maps.html
Gatwick provides designated outdoor animal relief areas near the South Terminal and North Terminal entrances.
These areas are intended primarily for assistance dogs, but all travelling dogs can use them.
Manchester Airport (IATA: MAN, ICAO: EGCC)
The map for the airport is available here: https://maps.manchesterairport.co.uk/
Assistance Dog Relief Areas are located in all terminals, both before security (landside) and in the Departures area.
You have to talk to the Assisted Travel team if you are bringing a pet and need to use the relief areas.
Edinburgh Airport (IATA: EDI, ICAO: EGPH)
The map for the airport is available here: https://www.edinburghairport.com/prepare/airport-maps
Edinburgh Airport does not have indoor or post-security pet relief areas for traveling animals. Because of UK border regulations and spatial constraints within the terminal, you must plan your pet’s bathroom breaks before entering the secure departure areas.
You can walk your dog on a leash in the landscaped or grassy curbside areas outside the main terminal building before checking in. Make sure to clean after your dog properly.
Stansted Airport (IATA: STN, ICAO: EGSS)
The map is available here: https://maps.stanstedairport.com/?lang=en
London Stansted Airport features two designated Assistance Dog Relief Areas. Both zones are located before Security on the terminal forecourt.
You may need to speak to the Assisted Travel team if you need help locating the pet relief areas.
Birmingham Airport (IATA: BHX, ICAO: EGBB)
The official map is available here: https://www.birminghamairport.co.uk/at-the-airport/
However, you may find a more useful map here: https://www.airportinformation.com/BHX/map
Birmingham Airport (BHX) does not have designated pet relief areas inside the terminal or post-security. Passengers must use outdoor grassy spaces before entering the building. Make sure to clean after your dog properly.
Luton Airport (IATA: LTN, ICAO: EGGW)
The official map is here: https://www.london-luton.co.uk/inside-lla/map-of-inside-lla
Another useful map can be found here: https://www.airportinformation.com/LTN/map
At London Luton Airport (LTN), the outdoor Service Animal Relief Area is located landside in front of the main terminal building, just near the bus stop.
You will need to speak to the Assisted Travel reception desk if you need your pet to use the relief area.
Most smaller and medium-sized UK airports do not have dedicated pet relief areas. You may need to take your dog outside the terminal entirely. There may be some “pet exercise areas” available, or you may have to use outdoor grass patches without fences. Remember that UK airports treat pet relief areas as accessibility infrastructure, especially for assistance dogs.
Pet Relief Areas at International Hubs
For non-EU airports (US, Canada, Middle East), indoor relief areas are standard at major hubs. They are typically located near gates and pet‑travel corridors.
Keep in mind that pet relief areas are not common in Asia, and make sure to check the airport map for your arrival destination in advance. We will offer links to the terminal maps for the most frequented airports by British citizens outside the UK below:
Amsterdam Schiphol (IATA: AMS, ICAO: EHAM)
The map can be accessed here: https://www.schiphol.nl/en/airport-maps/
There are no official pet relief areas inside the secure, post-security terminal zones. All pets traveling in the cabin must be kept in their carriers while inside the terminal and arrival halls.
The single best relief option requires exiting the secure area. There is a grassy area located outside Departure Area 1. It can be found near Havenmeesterweg, where it intersects Vertrekpassage and Ceintuurbaan Zuid.
Dublin Airport (IATA: DUB, ICAO: EIDW)
The map is available here: https://www.dublinairport.com/at-the-airport/the-map
Dublin Airport currently features a designated indoor pet relief room after security in Terminal 2, located opposite Butler's Coffee.
Outdoor relief areas are limited, so it is highly recommended to let your pet relieve themselves at designated green spaces outside the terminals before proceeding to check in.
Paris Charles de Gaulle (IATA: CDG, ICAO: LFPG)
The official map for the airport is accessible here: https://www.parisaeroport.fr/en/passengers/at-the-airport/terminals-map/cdg
A more interactive map from Air France is available here: https://cdg.maps.airfrance.com/?lang=en
Paris-CDG Airport offers two dog parks for the comfort of your pet or assistance dog. These dog parks are equipped with a double entrance gate for security, a bench for accompanying persons, and a water fountain.
There is one in Terminal 2F, Level 2, before security checks, and another in Terminal 2E, Gates M, Level 1, after security checks.
Málaga–Costa del Sol Airport (IATA: AGP, ICAO: LEMG)
The map for the terminals is here: https://www.aena.es/en/map.html?ca=AGP
The map from Air Malaga can be found here: https://www.airmalaga.com/malaga-airport-map/
The relief areas are usually labeled as “airport dog bathroom” spots. You can walk your pet in the outdoor grassy or paved areas surrounding the departures and arrivals curbs, or nearby parking lots, before checking in.
There are no pet relief areas available inside. The pets in carriers and most animals (aside from pre-approved assistance dogs) must remain in crates once checked in.
Palma de Mallorca Airport (IATA: PMI, ICAO: LEPA)
Also known as Son Sant Joan Airport.
We recommend using this map: https://www.aena.es/en/map.html?ca=PMI
You can find this version useful as well: https://www.airportinformation.com/PMI/map
Palma de Mallorca Airport has several areas designated for pets in the passenger terminal. There are three areas available:
Floor 0 (Arrivals): Outdoors near Exit A, featuring fenced dog walking areas and drinking water.
Floor 4 (Departures): Outdoors on the open-air terrace adjacent to the check-in and departures hall.
Module C (Airside): Inside the secure boarding area for ticketed passengers.
Barcelona–El Prat Airport (IATA: BCN, ICAO: LEBL)
The official map is here: https://www.aeropuertobarcelona-elprat.com/ingl/barcelona-airport-map.htm
However, you may find this more useful: https://www.aena.es/en/map.html?ca=BCN
The airport features four designated Pet Relief Areas (or "Pipicans") equipped with artificial turf, water fountains, waste bag dispensers, and leash posts.
The areas are divided between public (landside) and boarding (airside) zones:
Terminal 1
Departures Curb (Landside): Located outside the sidewalk in the Departures area, easily accessible before checking in.
South Terrace (Airside): Located outdoors on the boarding area terrace, ideal for pre-flight bathroom breaks after passing security
Terminal T2
Outer Roadway (Landside): Located outside between terminals T2A and T2B, accessible before you go through security.
Outdoor Terrace (Airside): Located on the outdoor terrace next to the boarding "S" Gates.
Hope this helps with your next flight! You are welcome to check our blog for more useful information!
