Traveling with furry friends

In its most recent study, travel company Upgraded Points revealed the top 10 most pet-friendly airports in the U.S. and found that the number of pet-friendly airports is growing.

For pet parents who frequently travel with their furbabies, finding airport terminals with proper accommodations can be chaotic and stressful. According to Upgraded Points, federal regulations in the Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Disability in Air Travel mandate require every airport that serves over 10,000 passengers a year "provide convenient, indoor, wheelchair-accessible pet-relief areas for service animals that accompany those passengers who are connecting, arriving, or departing on flights."

Upgraded Points' study evaluated these airports and their facilities. Rather than pat airports who do the bare minimum on the back, the study awarded points for those that went above and beyond regulations, a news release detailed. For example, airports are mandated to offer service animal relief stations, however, going above and beyond would be extending those stations to law enforcement dogs, emotional support animals, transit pets, etc. Additionally, the quantity and quality of these areas and amenities — such as fully-fenced areas, available water fountains and on-site boarding and daycare facilities — played into points awarded as well.

From Denver to JFK, there were many outstanding airports featured in our article. Though required by law, many airports choose to offer services beyond what is necessary," said Upgraded Points founder Alex Miller. "They go out of their way to accommodate not just necessary service animals, but also beloved pets of all types.

Three Texas airports make the top 10, including Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS), which took sixth; Dallas Love Field Airport (DAL), which took eighth; and Dallas/Ft. Worth International Airport (DFW), which took 10th.

AUS has a landscaped and lighted "Dog Walk" with a pet drinking fountain, dog waste bags and trash bins in pre-security, as well as a post-security pet relief area. Upgraded Points also found that AUS brings in therapy dogs every quarter to interact with travelers. Finally, Bark and Zoom pet boarding features outdoor play yards and dogs-only swimming pools.

At DAL, there's a large pet park at the end of baggage claim on the upper level, as well as smaller pet relief areas on the lower level and within terminals. DFW features four pet relief areas inside security, as well as multiple areas outside entry doors on the lower level. Additionally, for those who need pet care, Paradise 4Paws pet resort is located outside security near the airport and is open 24 hours.

While it's encouraging to see more pet-friendly efforts being made at airports across the U.S., the study also found over 75 airports which scored a 0. So there's certainly room for improvement.

More on the airport study as well as a list of tips for airport travel with your furry friend can be found at upgradedpoints.com/most-pet-friendlyairports-in-the-us.

Airline safety

In a survey of more than 350 people conducted by The GO Group, 58 percent of people felt airlines should make it safer if they require any animal — service, emotional support or pet — to ride in cargo.

GO Group is the nation's largest airport transportation provider. Almost 55 percent of those polled said only certified service animals should be allowed in cabins, a news release detailed, while 45 percent added that emotional support animals should also be permitted.

Additionally, most everyone in the poll found that traveling with pets on airlines is confusing as each airline has its own rules, policies and forms, all changing all the time.

It is understandable that people have concerns about potential challenges of allowing animals in cabin areas," GO Group's Jason McCarthy said in the release. "However, people also understand the dangers of animals traveling in cargo.

Most surveyed agreed a fee should be charged for non-service animals, however 39 percent said these fees should be lower than they currently are, with one respondent noting it cost more for her to bring her small, crated dog who rode under her seat than it cost for her own seat.

Almost half of all respondents said cabins should have designated spaces for those traveling with their pets to aid passengers with allergies.

Let us know how you feel about traveling with pets and pet safety at the airport by emailing editor@texasdogmagazine.com or commenting on our social media!

-TXDM Staff