LAX Dog Travel Guide: Relief Areas, Terminals, and Parking

Written by: Lisa Jo Rudy, M.Div.

LAX is one of the world’s biggest and busiest airports, but with careful planning, you and your dog can navigate it smoothly. In fact, LAX is surprisingly animal-friendly. It offers its own therapy dog program called PUPS, as well as multiple pet relief stations throughout the airport. There are no restrictions regarding your dog’s access at LAX. In fact, you’re likely to encounter multiple pets in transit.

TSA and other staff are well aware of animals’ needs, but that doesn’t mean navigating such a complex space won’t be challenging. It’s worth the work, though!

Planning Before You Arrive

There are many ways to simplify your experience at LAX, and most involve planning ahead. Things to think about include:

The size, personality, and needs of your dog
Bigger dogs may not be allowed in the cabin with you, energetic dogs may need a run ahead of time, and smaller dogs may be required to travel in dog carriers. And, of course, your dog will almost certainly need a potty stop, so it’s smart to plan for that in advance.
Your destination
If you’re flying into or out of the United States, you’ll need to know about relevant vaccination and health certification regulations. You may need specific documents and forms to share with TSA or airline officials.
Transportation to and from the airport
If you’re traveling with a pet, it’s always best to arrive early. If you’re parking or have a rental car, you’ll want to plan for transportation to and from the car.

Best Times to Take Your Dog Through the Airport

There are absolutely busier and less busy times at LAX, and if you’re traveling with a dog, you’ll want to plan your arrival and departure accordingly. The busiest times at the airport are typically weekday mornings between 6 a.m. and 10 a.m. and evenings from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. It’s also best to avoid Friday and Sunday evenings, as many vacationers choose those times to fly.

Dog Parks Near Airport for Pre- or Post-Flight Play

If you’re coming by car with an active dog, it’s smart to plan some playtime ahead of arrival. There are several good dog parks within five miles of the airport, including Bluff Creek Dog Park, Oberrieder Dog Park, and El Segundo Dog Park. All three have excellent reviews on Google, with Bluff Creek ranking highest for amenities like shade and drinking fountains for humans and dogs alike.

Arriving at LAX

Arriving at LAX requires planning, because LA is a congested city and even a short drive can take much longer than expected. If you can, arriving at an “off” time, midday or late evening, is best. Early mornings are often busy with business people flying to meetings and events. At all costs, avoid mixing it up with commuter traffic!

There are many different ways to arrive at LAX: by car, public transportation, private car service, and rental car. Each has a slightly different option for transport to the terminal — but all are dog-friendly, assuming your dog is of a reasonable size and under your control. The LAX website provides more information about the full range of options available.

Dropped Off by Car

If you arrive at your terminal by private car and you’re being dropped off, you can simply enter the terminal with your dog. Be sure, of course, that your dog is on a leash and under your control at all times.

Rental Cars and Shuttles

If you are arriving by rental car, you will need to take a shuttle or private transportation to the terminal. Every rental company that provides rental service at LAX also provides shuttle service to and from the airport terminals. You can look for the purple circle with the white car and key to find the rental car shuttle waiting areas. Not every rental company provides the same quantity or quality of shuttles, so you may want to check into options before renting your car.

Airport shuttles are pet-friendly, which means they are also dog-friendly. It’s important, though, to be sure your dog is calm and under your control at all times.

Parking at LAX

If you’re parking your car, you can’t do better than the LAX Economy Lot. Not only is it bright, secure, and relatively inexpensive (for LA), it also features its very own pet relief station. In addition, it offers pet-friendly shuttles to the terminal. The only downside: the lot is a full mile from the airport, so the ride can take a while depending on traffic.

The following are the rates for official on-site LAX parking lots; note that these are subject to change:

Drive-up General Parking

10 Minutes Free Parking
$9 First hour or fraction thereof ($11 P3 and P4)
$7 Each 30 minutes after the first hour ($9 P3 and P4)
$60 Maximum for each 24-hour

Premium Parking — Available in P1, P3, and P7 Arrivals level

10 Minutes Free Parking
$11 First hour or fraction thereof
$9 Each 30 minutes after the first hour
$70 Maximum for each 24-hour

Valet Parking — Available in P1, P3, P4, and P7

$75 Maximum for each 24-hour (24-hour minimum)

LAX Economy Parking

Drive-up General Parking:

$8 First hour or fraction thereof
$7 Each 30 minutes after the first hour
$35 Maximum for each 24-hour

LAX Budget Parking

Drive-up General Parking:

$5 First hour or fraction thereof
$20 Maximum for each 24-hour

LAX-it & Shuttle

If you’re getting to or from LAX by private taxi, Lyft, Uber, or similar services, you may need to catch a shuttle to the appropriate waiting area. These shuttles are called LAX-it. Terminals 1 and 7 are closest and are a 3 to 8-minute walk; the farthest terminals, T4 and T5, are about a 19-minute walk. The LAX-it area is located right next to Terminal 1. Free shuttles with Wi-Fi arrive at the LAX-it Stops on the first level, outside baggage claim.

Passengers who would like to take the free LAX-it shuttle bus should wait at the GREEN LAX-it sign on the Lower/Arrivals Level in front of each terminal. Passengers with disabilities should use paratransit, as properly labeled paratransit vehicles are permitted to transport passengers from the inside curb of the passenger’s arrival terminal.

LAX Animal Relief Stations

LAX has multiple animal relief stations, both before and after security. In fact, LAX has a total of11 indoor pet relief stations – one station in eight of the airport’s nine terminals, and three outdoor stations located in the Lower/Arrivals areas. This means LAX has more pet relief stations than any other airport in America, which makes sense as it’s also among the largest airports in America.

Given how busy the airport is, it’s usually smart to use one of the “outside security” relief stations before getting into the security line. There are four outdoor stations, including the one at the LAX Economy Parking Lot. Other than those four, all are separate rooms in the locations noted.

Terminal 1 near Gate 13
Terminal 2 near Gate 21
Terminal 3 inside the open-air atrium
Tom Bradley International Terminal near the entrance to the walkway to Terminal 4
Terminal 4 along the walkway to the Tom Bradley International Terminal
Terminal 5 near Gate 52B
Terminal 6 inside the open-air atrium
Terminals 7/8 between Gates 73 and 75B near the public telephones
Outdoor Lower/Arrivals Level:
- between Terminals 1 and 2
- between Parking Structures 5 and 6
- at the east end of the Terminals 7/8

Visit the interactive map on flylax.com to find the exact locations of the relief stations.

Checking in for Your Flight

Check-in for your flight is similar across airlines, but it’s important to keep in mind that there may be multiple sets of regulations governing your travel. First, there are federal regulations for bringing an animal into the United States. Depending on where you’re flying from, those regulations can be complex and may require certifications and vaccines. Then, each airline has slightly different regulations and requirements related to flying with a dog. And, if you’re flying from the US to another country, you’ll need to investigate and comply with that country’s rules and regulations.

For example, puppies under the age of four months are not allowed to fly. If you’re traveling to the UK, dogs need pre-approval letters from the Animal Reception Center in your destination city.

Remember that dogs on airplanes must fit under your feet or in your lap. American Airlines says your dog may not be larger than a two-year-old child. That means a very large dog may not be welcome. If your dog is larger, you may need to fly as “baggage” in a pressurized, temperature-controlled compartment.

It’s important to fill out all forms well ahead of time and be aware of regulations that may impact your ability to fly, bring your dog to a particular destination, or return to the United States with a dog.

Before check-in, make sure to familiarize yourself with the rules and regulations of the airport, the airline, and your destination for your dog.

Going Through Security with Your Dog

While you can take your dog to a relief station after you go through security, you don’t want an emergency to arise while you’re in line. It’s always best to visit one of the pre-security relief stations before getting into a security line.

TSA agents are familiar with handling dogs, and your dog requires no special documentation as they go through security (though there are special forms required for your dog to fly). You should be able to walk right through with your dog on its leash, though you will be subject to screenings like all other passengers. If you have concerns or need accommodations, you can contact TSA ahead of time.

Clear+ and PreCheck Security Options

If you have enrolled in Clear+ or TSA PreCheck, you can generally get through security faster than with a standard ticket. Hours and locations for Clear+ and TSA PreCheck can be found on the LAX website. The hours do vary slightly from terminal to terminal. It’s also important to note that the airport is currently undergoing construction, so access from terminals 2 and 5 is not available.

Checking on Security Wait Times

LAX does not have its own site where you can check on wait times. While other sites are available, it’s best to check the official TSA app or a website like TSAWaitTimes.com.

Remember that wait times change all the time, so if you checked them before you left home, chances are they will be very different when you arrive.

Spending Time at LAX with Your Dog

If you have time to kill at LAX with your dog, you’re in luck. Not only are there relief stations throughout the building, but there are also options for walking and entertaining your dog. In fact, one LA resident has developed a plan for a 1-2 mile walk through LAX featuring interesting stops along the way!

Dog Snacks

If you happen to be in or near Terminal 5, you and your dog can drop by Dipped Classics Dog Bakery, a kiosk that offers freshly baked, natural treats for dogs. The kiosk is right near the Farmers Market, so if you’re not looking for gourmet options, you can find a variety of dog toys and treats, including mini bones in snickerdoodle and peanut butter flavors, in the market itself.

Terminals 3 and 7 are also great destinations, as you’ll find the Ashland Hill shop there, which sells dog biscuits.

Every terminal has additional shops, such as Hudson News, where you can find a variety of food, drink, and toys. Do check these carefully before sharing with your dog, as they might not be dog-friendly.

Water Stations

Don’t worry about providing your dog with water: there are more than a dozen water bottle refill stations throughout the airport. In addition, many of the animal relief stations are described as mini ‘parks’ where dogs can play and recharge, and water is available. These particular relief stations are between Terminals 1 & 2, 3 & Tom Bradley, Terminals 5 & 6, and at the end of Terminal 8.

Meet LAX’s PUPs

You and your dog may also enjoy meeting up with LAX’s therapy dogs, known as PUP (short for Pets Unstressing Passengers). These therapy dogs and handlers can be found throughout the departures areas of every terminal. In addition to “unstressing” passengers, PUP handlers also inform passengers about LAX projects and construction-related traffic impacts. You can identify PUP handlers by their red shirts with the PUP logo.

Boarding with Your Dog

Before boarding, be sure you and your dog have relieved yourselves. If your flight is more than a few hours long, you may wish to avoid feeding your dog or giving it water just before flying.

At the gate, you can check in with your airline staff and let them know you will need early boarding with your dog. This is absolutely appropriate and will make it easier for you and your dog to get settled. If you are in a wheelchair, of course, airline staff will help you to your seat.

On the gangway, if you are walking with your dog, be sure it is leashed and walking right next to you. If you need to carry your dog in a carrier or kennel, you can ask for help.

When on board, you’ll need to settle your dog either on your lap or under your feet. Nothing may block the aisles. It’s also important to remember that, while your dog may be welcome on the flight, that welcome can be revoked if your dog growls, bites, nips, or otherwise intimidates fellow passengers.

Written by: Lisa Jo Rudy, M.Div. | Flying Travel

About the Author: Lisa Jo Rudy, M.Div. has been writing on developmental disabilities and mental health since the early 2000s, when her son was diagnosed with autism. Lisa lives on Cape Cod, where she is the proud "mom" of two beautiful cats.

LAX Dog Travel Guide: Relief Areas, Terminals, and Parking

In this article:

Planning Before You Arrive

Best Times to Take Your Dog Through the Airport

Dog Parks Near Airport for Pre- or Post-Flight Play