If you're flying with a dog, cat, or service animal through Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson, you'll be relieved (literally) to know that ATL provides multiple pet relief stations both inside the secure area and outside the terminals. Federal law (Air Carrier Access Act) requires every major US airport to provide accessible relief areas, and ATL meets and exceeds those requirements with seven dedicated zones. This guide shows you exactly where each one is, what facilities they have, and how to use them efficiently during a connection.
All 7 pet relief areas at ATL — locations and facilities
ATL has both pre-security (landside) and post-security (airside) pet relief areas. The airside ones are critical for connecting passengers who can't leave the secure area.
- Concourse T — near gate T6, indoor relief room with artificial turf, water, waste bags.
- Concourse A — between gates A18 and A20, indoor relief room.
- Concourse B — between gates B18 and B20, indoor relief room.
- Concourse C — near gate C24, indoor relief room.
- Concourse D — between gates D26 and D28, indoor relief room.
- Concourse E — near gate E10, indoor relief room (international travelers).
- Concourse F — near gate F8, indoor relief room (international terminal).
- Outdoor: Domestic Terminal — north and south curbs near baggage claim.
- Outdoor: International Terminal — designated grass area outside arrivals.
What's inside an ATL pet relief room?
Each indoor relief room is approximately 80–120 square feet, with synthetic pet turf, a fire hydrant prop for visual familiarity, a sanitation hose for cleaning, waste bags, and a covered trash bin. They are climate-controlled and well-lit, though they can get smelly during peak travel times.
The rooms are unstaffed and self-service. You're expected to clean up after your animal — the airport relies on travelers to leave the space usable for the next person. Most rooms have a pet-friendly drinking fountain installed near the entrance.
Service animals vs. emotional support animals at ATL
Federal rules changed in 2021: airlines are no longer required to accept emotional support animals (ESAs) as service animals. Only trained service dogs are guaranteed cabin access free of charge. ATL accommodates both, but the pet relief areas are open to all animals regardless of classification.
- Service dogs ride free in the cabin and use any pet relief area.
- ESAs are now treated as pets — most US airlines charge $125–$200 each way.
- Cats and small dogs in carriers can use any pet relief room (carrier required outside the room).
- Large dogs flying as cargo are not given relief breaks during connections — book direct flights when possible.
How long do pet relief breaks take at ATL?
Plan for 15–30 minutes from gate to gate. The Plane Train connects all concourses in under 10 minutes, but walking to the relief room, letting your animal sniff and relieve itself, cleaning up, and returning takes time. For tight connections (under 60 minutes) it may not be feasible — consider using the relief room at your departing concourse before boarding instead.
Pre-flight pet preparation tips
To minimize stress for both you and your animal:
- Limit food intake 4–6 hours before the flight, but keep water available.
- Take your dog for a long walk before arriving at ATL — tired dogs travel better.
- Use absorbent pads in carriers as a backup.
- Pack collapsible water bowls and waste bags in your carry-on.
- Carry a current health certificate (required for international flights and some domestic).
- Use the pet relief area immediately after deplaning, even if your pet seems fine.
Pet-friendly food and water near the relief areas
Each relief room has a basic water fountain, but if your pet is picky, bring bottled water from home (tap water taste varies by city and can upset some animals). All ATL concourses have at least one Starbucks or sit-down restaurant where staff will provide a paper cup of water for your animal at no charge — just ask.