Denver International Airport Dog Travel Guide

Denver International Airport (DEN) prides itself on its pet-friendliness and on its unique CATS therapy dog program. So whether you’re bringing your dog as a travel companion or just craving some canine interaction before a flight, DIA is the right place for you. The airport itself boasts multiple high-end pet relief areas, including the unique “Premium Pet” pets-only lounge. You’ll also find several options for pet-friendly hotels and exercise parks close to the airport itself. 

While the airport experience itself may be positive, it’s important to prepare in advance for your pet’s time in transit. Dogs must be crated most of the time at the airport, and anxious dogs may struggle to navigate a new, crowded environment. What’s more, there are rules around traveling with a pet that must be navigated well before you even head for the airport.

In this article:

• Before you leave for the airport
• When you get to the airport
• Checking in for your flight
• Going through security with your dog
• Boarding with your dog

Before You Leave for the Airport

As with any travel, things get more complicated when you’re traveling with a pet. If your pet has a hard time with crates, new places, or unfamiliar people, that increases the complexity. The best way to manage potential stress is to prepare for it ahead of time.

Preparing Your Dog for the Airport

If your dog has never been to an airport or flown in an airplane, you’ll need to be sure they’re ready for the experience. Even dogs with lots of experience with crates, carry-bags, shops, and restaurants may find airports and airplanes stressful.

• Consider your dog’s experience and behaviors. If your pet can sit quietly in a crate or carry bag for long periods, you’re ahead of the game. If not, they’ll need to practice these behaviors before coming to the airport.
• Buy your crate in advance. Airline crates are not the same as home crates. They are typically made from tough plastic and are more enclosed. Take time to accustom your dog to the airline crate you’ve chosen, and make sure they feel comfortable and relaxed inside.
• Plan for exercise and relief. If you’re staying overnight at a hotel near the airport, consider staying at a dog-friendly hotel that offers special dog-friendly amenities. If you’re arriving early, you might want to find a nearby dog park. No matter what, you’ll want to know exactly where to find indoor and outdoor pet relief areas at the airport.
• Think about timing. It can take longer to get through the airport with a dog in a crate, and if you’re stressed about missing a flight, your dog will be stressed too. Plan to arrive early, and have your car-to-gangway route planned in advance.

Pre-Plan With Airport and Airline Rules in Mind

Emotional support and pet dogs must follow many airport and airline regulations. Service dogs have fewer restrictions, but you still need to plan.

Can your dog travel in the cabin with you?  

Airlines are strict about pet size aboard a plane. Think about the size of a “lap child,” and you’ll have a sense of how small your dog must be to sit under your seat. If your dog is bigger than the average two-year-old and isn’t a service dog, it won’t fly in the cabin. If you aren’t sure, check with your airline ahead of time so you’re not surprised at the gate. If your dog can’t travel in the cabin, they will have to travel in the climate-controlled cargo hold, and you’ll need to speak with your airline to make arrangements in advance.

What paperwork do you need? 

Even if you’re traveling between US states, you’ll need a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection issued within 10 days before any air travel. When flying into and out of the country, you’ll need written proof of your dog’s vaccination and health status, and every country has slightly different regulations. Don’t wait until the last minute to complete the paperwork, because airlines can’t let your dog fly without the right vaccinations and health forms. 

Is your dog chipped? 

Consider chipping your dog ahead of time. That way, if you get separated, it will be much easier to reunite!  You might also want to attach an AirTag to your dog’s collar so you know their location at all times.

Where will you stay near the airport? 

If you’re planning to arrive early or stay overnight after your flight, do your homework and choose a dog-friendly hotel.

When You Get to the Airport

You and your dog should arrive at the airport relaxed and rested, avoid long lines, and board the plane with as little stress as possible. That means planning so you’re not racing around at the last minute or rushing through security.

Rushing or waiting can be stressful, so plan your arrival strategically. Denver International Airport doesn’t offer an app, but it has a robust webpage with plenty of information about security and wait times. 

Choose flight times when crowds are low. The good news is that Denver’s lines are usually pretty short! According to Denverite.com, Average wait times between the East and West sides were pretty similar, though you might save a couple of minutes if you go West. Average maximum waits on the West side were 5.7 minutes, compared to 7.7 minutes on the East. Still, it’s a good idea to avoid prime times—early on weekday mornings as well as Friday and Sunday evenings.

Plan transportation inside the airport. Travel from the main Jeppesen Terminal to other concourses is easy via tram. Dogs are allowed on these services (unless they are service dogs), but they should be crated.

Parking at Denver International Airport

DIA offers all sorts of parking options, with the lowest rate for the distant Pikes Peak Shuttle Lot at just $10 per day. The priciest option is the reservation-only Premium Reserve lot at $45 per day. Dogs can ride, crated, on all parking shuttles.

Animal Relief Stations

A few pet relief stations are available. The most luxurious and pleasant pet lounge is the Premium Pet Lounge, available to pet owners for $15 per visit. Located near gate A13, the lounge is a pretty great option, offering “full meals, snacks and other refreshments to guests, including toilet bowl or bacon-flavored water and a selection of local meats, craft kibble and catnip; Organic and gluten-free options are available, and your pet can even take a doggie bag of treats to go.” Pets will also find napping couches, grooming services, and toys for purchase. 

Quick Location Summary

• Jeppesen Terminal: Outside Door 200 (Pre-Security, Outdoor)
• Denver Transit Center: Garage West (Pre-Security)
• A Gates: Center Core A, Near A17, Near A25, Outdoor Deck near A15 (Post-Security)
• B Gates: Center Core B, Near Gate B16, Near Gate B69, Outdoor Deck B West Side near B7 (Post-Security)
• C Gates: Center Core C, Near C53, Near C62, Outdoor Deck C East Side near C67 (Post-Security)

Pre-Security (Landside)

Jeppesen Terminal

Located outside Door 200 on the west side of the terminal. This fenced outdoor pet relief area includes a bench for owners. Accessible before going through security screening.

Denver Transit Center

Located in Garage West. This pre-security pet relief station serves travelers arriving via the transit center.

Post-Security (Airside)

Denver International Airport features multiple indoor pet relief rooms conveniently located in the center cores of each concourse, along with outdoor deck options for fresh air.

A Gates (Concourse A)

• Center Core A: Indoor pet relief room located near the U.S. Mail Drop
• Near Gate A17: Indoor facility
• Near Gate A25: Indoor facility
• Outdoor Deck A: Located near Gate A15

B Gates (Concourse B)

• Center Core B: Indoor pet relief room located near the U.S. Mail Drop
• Near Gate B16: Indoor facility
• Near Gate B69: Indoor facility
• Outdoor Deck B: West side, near Gate B7

C Gates (Concourse C)

• Center Core C: Indoor pet relief room located near the U.S. Mail Drop
• Near Gate C53: Indoor facility
• Near Gate C62: Indoor facility
• Outdoor Deck C: East side, near Gate C67

Amenities & Features

Indoor Pet Relief Rooms

• Flooring: Artificial turf with drainage system
• Décor: Murals showcasing dogs enjoying Colorado’s great outdoors
• Supplies: Waste bags, disposal containers, wall-mounted sink, soap dispenser, automatic hand dryer, and paper towel dispenser
• Design: Sanitary environment with easy cleaning and efficient maintenance
• Accessibility: All pet relief areas are compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

Outdoor Areas

• Jeppesen Terminal (Pre-Security): Fenced area with bench seating
• Concourse Outdoor Decks: Fresh air options on A, B, and C Gates

Important Rules

• Carrier Requirement: Except for service animals, pets must remain in their carriers while in the terminal
• Clean-Up: Owners are required to clean up after their animals using the provided waste bags and disposal containers
• Service Animals: Certified service dogs are always allowed in public areas at DEN

Visiting With Other Dogs

If your dog enjoys being in the company of other dogs, and will behave well while doing so, you can keep an eye out for the CATS: the Canine Airport Therapy Squad. You can see each of these adorable trained therapy dogs on the airport’s website, and they are often found in terminals around the airport. CATS was created to help reduce anxiety and stress among airport visitors, and members are, of course, dog-friendly.

There are no dog-specific shops at the airport. But if your dog is hungry and you haven’t brought a bowl and food for the airport, you can stop into one of the many restaurants in your terminal and choose a dog-friendly option. For example, you can find dog-friendly treats at the McDonald’s in Concourse A. If you do opt to feed your dog from a human-oriented menu, double-check that the food you’re offering is healthy for your dog. 

Checking in for Your Flight

Checking in with a dog is fairly straightforward if you’ve already registered your pet with your airline and you’re traveling domestically. If you’re traveling into or out of the United States, however, things can get tricky.

When You’re Traveling Abroad

If you’re flying into DFW from another country, check on federal regulations for bringing an animal into the United States and follow them to the letter. For example, you’ll have to prove that your dog is at least six months old and vaccinated. You’ll also have to certify that your dog has not been in a high-risk country for dog rabies for at least six months. The CDC’s dog importation Navigator will help you determine what you need and how to certify your dog’s wellness for the journey.

If you’re flying abroad from the US, it’s smart to investigate and comply with that country’s rules and regulations as early as possible. Each nation has slightly different rules, so don’t assume, for example, that every European country has identical regulations. For example, dogs flying to the UK need pre-approval letters from the Animal Reception Center in your destination city. 

Reviewing Your Airline’s Requirements

Each airline has slightly different regulations and requirements related to flying with a dog. Check with your carrier ahead of time so you’re ready with any paperwork and not surprised at the last minute.

Remember that dogs on airplanes, except service dogs, must fit under your feet or in your lap. That means they should be no larger than a “lap baby,” or a two-year-old child. Larger dogs fly as manifest “baggage” in a pressurized, temperature-controlled compartment. While service dogs are exempted from this rule, emotional support dogs are not; that means you won’t have an emotional support dog by your side during a flight if it’s too big.

Going Through Security With Your Dog

Dogs can typically walk through security with you, on a leash, and you can send your dog crate through the scanner. TSA works with dogs every day, and no special documentation is required during security screenings. You and your dog will go through the same screening procedures.

It’s smart to check the airport app or website for security wait times before jumping in. That way, you may be able to avoid longer waits, which can be hard on dogs. If the lines are especially long, it’s a good idea to visit the relief station early.

Security at Denver International Airport

You can get up-to-the-minute information about open security gates at https://www.flydenver.com/security/. If you have CLEAR, the airport site says: “CLEAR offers members speed and predictability through their own premium lanes and travel document verification kiosks at the South and West security screening checkpoints.”

TSA PreCheck lanes are available at East Security (Level 6) and West Security (Level 6).  

Boarding With Your Dog

Remember that your dog, if it is allowed to fly in the cabin with you, will not be allowed out of its crate. That means no exercise or relief options during the flight, so be prepared. Have your dog use the nearest relief station as close to boarding as possible, but avoid giving your dog food or water right before takeoff to avoid accidents. 

While there is no guarantee, many airlines will allow pet owners to board early. Ask at your flight counter and arrive as early as possible. 

Once on board, your dog must remain under your feet or on your lap. It must also remain calm. You and your dog may be asked to disembark if your dog barks or growls.

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