Pet Relief Areas at Atlanta Airport: Where to Go With Your Dog (and What to Expect)

If you’re flying through Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) with a dog or service animal, knowing exactly where the pet relief areas are can make your trip much less stressful. ATL is busy, spread out, and time can be tight between connections—so a little planning goes a long way.

This guide walks you through all major pet relief areas at Atlanta Airport, how to find them in each concourse, what they’re like, and practical tips that matter specifically when you’re traveling through Atlanta, Georgia.

Quick Overview: Pet Relief Areas at ATL

Hartsfield–Jackson has both outdoor and indoor pet relief areas:

• Outdoor areas: Near the Domestic and International (Maynard H. Jackson Jr.) terminals, usually before security.
• Indoor “post-security” areas: Located in several concourses so you do not have to exit and re-clear security during a connection.

Here’s a simple reference table to help you quickly see where pet relief areas are located:

Exact placement can shift slightly when ATL renovates, so always follow airport signage and terminal maps once you’re on-site.

Outdoor Pet Relief Areas at Atlanta Airport

Outdoor areas are especially important if:

• You’re starting your trip in Atlanta and want your dog comfortable before a long flight.
• You’re being picked up or dropped off at ATL.
• You prefer a more open-air, traditional grass or gravel area.

Domestic Terminal Outdoor Pet Relief

The Domestic Terminal serves most major U.S. flights (Delta, Southwest, and others). You’ll find dog relief areas:

• Near the North and South Terminal entrances, typically close to:
  • Short-term parking zones
  • Ground transportation pickup areas

Look for signs labeled “Pet Relief” or “Dog Walk Area” near the curbside and parking decks. If you’re unsure, you can ask at:

• Airport Information Desks inside the Domestic Terminal
• Any nearby ATL Airport Guest Services staff

✅ Tip:
If you’re an Atlanta resident driving to the airport, build in an extra 10–15 minutes to find the outdoor relief area before heading to security, especially during rush hours on I-75, I-85, or I-285.

International Terminal Outdoor Pet Relief (Maynard H. Jackson Jr. Terminal)

If you’re flying internationally or meeting someone arriving from abroad, you’ll be using the International Terminal (Concourse F).

Outdoor pet relief options are usually:

• Near curbside arrival/departure lanes
• Close to parking and ground transportation areas

Look for the International Terminal signage along Interstate 285 and Interstate 75 exits leading directly to the F Terminal, then follow “Pet Relief Area” signs once you walk in.

This is especially helpful if:

• You’re arriving in Atlanta from another country and need a relief spot as soon as you clear customs and exit the terminal.
• You’re leaving Atlanta on a long-haul international flight and want to give your dog one last outdoor break.

Indoor Pet Relief Areas: Concourse-by-Concourse Guide

The biggest advantage of ATL for pet owners is the indoor, post-security relief areas in the concourses. These matter most for:

• Connecting flights through Atlanta (you don’t want to exit security mid-connection)
• Tight layovers
• Service animal users who need quick, predictable options

Once you clear TSA security at the Domestic or International terminals, you’ll reach the Plane Train and the underground walkways connecting all concourses.

Indoor pet relief areas generally look like:

• A small enclosed room or alcove
• Artificial turf or similar surface
• Waste bags and disposal bins
• A hose or sprinkler system for cleaning
• Floor drain and ventilation

Below is what to expect by concourse. Exact door numbers can change, but signs are consistently marked “Service Animal Relief Area” or “Pet Relief Area.”

Concourse T

Concourse T is often used for many domestic departures and some arrivals close to the main terminal.

• Look for:
  • Signage near central restrooms
  • Walls labeled “Service Animal Relief Area” in the concourse hallway

This is a good option if:

• You just cleared security at the Domestic Terminal and your gate is in T.
• You have a short hop to another Southeastern city and want to let your dog go before boarding.

Concourse A

Concourse A is one of ATL’s busiest domestic concourses.

• Pet relief is usually:
  • Near the central section of the concourse
  • Close to or across from public restrooms

For Atlanta-based travelers: if you often fly out of Concourse A (many Delta flights depart here), you can plan to use this indoor area instead of the outdoor one, especially during bad weather or tight schedules.

Concourse B

Concourse B sees heavy Delta traffic and connections from many U.S. cities.

• Expect:
  • A designated pet relief room off the main hallway
  • Clear overhead indicators pointing you toward it

If you’re making a connection from another Southeastern city into Atlanta and out again, Concourse B is often a central touchpoint. If your dog hasn’t had a break since your origin airport, this is a convenient mid-journey stop.

Concourse C

Concourse C is used by multiple airlines and regional flights.

• Pet relief area details:
  • Located near the middle of the concourse
  • Typically close to accessible restrooms and main passenger flow
  • Clearly signed so you can spot it while walking between gates

For travelers visiting or leaving Atlanta on shorter regional routes—such as neighboring Georgia or nearby states—Concourse C is often where you’ll pass through. Keep an eye out for the signage between gates.

Concourse D

Concourse D handles many domestic flights, including some regional and mainline services.

• Pet relief area is:
  • Usually off the main concourse corridor
  • Near accessible restroom facilities

If you have a tight connection between B, C, and D, use the nearest concourse’s pet relief area rather than trying to get back to the terminal entrance.

Concourse E

Concourse E traditionally hosts many international departures and arrivals, especially if the flight is handled through customs and immigration at Atlanta.

• Pet relief characteristics:
  • Located within the concourse, not far from main passenger amenities
  • Labeled “Service Animal Relief Area” or similar

If you’re connecting from an international flight to a domestic one, you may find yourself moving between E and other concourses. Use the E relief area if your dog has been in the cabin or hold for a long international segment.

Concourse F (International Terminal)

Concourse F is part of the Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International Terminal and is tied closely to customs and international arrivals.

Inside Concourse F, you can expect:

• An indoor service animal relief area within the concourse area
• Sometimes additional access near immigration or customs routes (subject to airport operations)

This is important if:

• You’re arriving in Atlanta from abroad and re-boarding a domestic flight
• You’re leaving Atlanta on a long international flight with your pet in-cabin or as an emotional support or service animal

How to Find Pet Relief Areas Quickly at ATL

Even if you know there’s a pet relief area in a concourse, ATL’s size can be confusing. To save time:

1. Follow airport signage
   Look for icons of a dog or phrases like “Pet Relief Area” or “Service Animal Relief.” Signs are usually overhead or mounted on walls near restrooms.

2. Use airport maps
   Large maps are posted near:

   • Plane Train stations
   • Major concourse intersections
   • Terminal entrances

   Pet relief areas are typically marked with a small animal icon or labeled box.

3. Ask ATL Guest Services
   Staff are stationed at:

   • Information kiosks in terminals and concourses
   • Gate podiums
   • Customer service centers

   Just mention you’re looking for the nearest pet relief area in this concourse.

4. Build in buffer time for connections
   At ATL, a “short” walk can still mean 5–15 minutes depending on where your gates are. Add another 10 minutes for a relaxed pet relief stop if your dog needs time to settle.

Using Pet Relief Areas: What to Expect

While each relief area is slightly different, most at ATL share common features:

• Surface: Artificial turf or similar material instead of natural grass
• Clean-up supplies: Waste bags and trash receptacles
• Cleaning system: Built-in rinsing system, hose, or sprinkler; floor drain
• Door: Some are enclosed rooms with a door, which is helpful for easily distracted or anxious dogs
• Accessibility: Generally designed to be accessible for wheelchair users and travelers with mobility challenges

To keep things smooth for you and others:

• Always leash your dog in and around the area
• Clean up solid waste and dispose of bags properly
• Keep your visit reasonably short if other travelers are waiting

Service Animals vs. Pets at Atlanta Airport

In Atlanta, as in other major U.S. airports, there’s a distinction between:

• Service animals (trained to perform a specific task for a person with a disability)
• Pets (companion animals without service animal status)

For both groups:

• Pet relief areas are available and function similarly
• Leash and control are expected at all times in the airport
• Airline policies about where the animal can be during the flight may differ

If you’re traveling with a service animal through ATL:

• Many travelers find indoor relief areas especially helpful on long layovers or multi-leg journeys.
• Airport staff are generally familiar with helping service animal teams find the nearest relief area.

Always check your airline’s specific rules for documentation, kennel requirements, and in-cabin arrangements before you arrive at ATL.

Practical Tips for Atlanta Travelers With Pets

Whether you live in metro Atlanta or are just passing through, these tips can make ATL easier to manage with an animal:

Before You Get to the Airport

• Plan your route:
  If you’re coming from Midtown, Buckhead, Decatur, or the suburbs, account for Atlanta traffic, especially during morning and evening rush hours.
• Give a pre-trip break:
  Let your dog relieve themselves at home or your hotel in Atlanta before heading to ATL, so you’re not rushed if you hit traffic on I-75/85.
• Know your terminal:
  • Domestic Terminal: most U.S. flights
  • International Terminal (Concourse F): international departures and arrivals

At ATL

• 🐾 Use outdoor areas before security if you have extra time.
• 🐾 Use indoor areas between connections to avoid leaving the secure zone.
• 🐾 Watch boarding times: aim to visit a relief area 30–45 minutes before boarding, especially for longer flights.

Who to Contact for Airport-Specific Questions

If you need the most up-to-date information on pet relief areas, construction changes, or accessibility routes, you can contact:

Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)

• General Information: Typically available via the main airport information line posted on airport signage and official materials
• On-site help:
  • Information Desks in Domestic and International terminals
  • Guest Service Representatives in concourses and near security

For issues related to your specific flight (boarding with a pet, kennel dimensions, fees), contact your airline’s Atlanta customer service desk or gate agents once you arrive at ATL.

With a basic understanding of where each pet relief area is located at Atlanta Airport—both outdoors at the terminals and indoors across concourses T through F—you can move through ATL more confidently, keep your dog comfortable, and focus on making your trip in or out of Atlanta as smooth as possible.