John F. Kennedy International Airport has 11 pet relief areas located across in Terminals 1, 4, 5, 7, and 8. JFK pet relief areas can be located with paw icons on signboards.
The ARK at JFK Terminal 4 is the largest pet facility at the airport, offering related services like day pet care, animal shipping, airline check-in, and veterinary service.
Each pet relief area at JFK airport features waste bags, bins, and proper drainage. Both outdoor and indoor pet facilities are available, allowing travelers to choose as per their needs. Outdoor offers fresh air and sunlight while indoor protects from harsh weather conditions.
JFK Airport Pet Relief Area by Terminal
Out of 11 pet-friendly facilities at JFK Airport, Terminal 4 and 5 have the most. These terminal witnesses a larger volume of international and domestic travelers, making pet relief stations at JFK evenly distributed near key concourses, arrival areas, and post-security areas.
|
Terminal |
Location |
Type |
Important Details |
|
1 |
Near Curbside, Level 1 (East Side Arrivals), Near baggage claim, |
Outdoor, Pre-Security |
Gravel surface, Benches, Open 24/7 |
|
2 |
Near Gate B31, Level 3 (B Concourse between B31-B33) |
Indoor, Post-Security |
200 sq ft, Artificial grass, Faux hydrant, UV cleaning |
|
3 |
Level 2 Near gates |
Indoor, Post-Security |
Synthetic turf, Waste station |
|
4 |
Level 1 (East End Arrivals), , Next to customs |
Outdoor, Pre-Security |
Turf patches, Hoses |
|
5 |
Near Curbside, Level 1 (West End along T5 Walkway), next to Arrivals Hall |
Outdoor, Pre-Security |
Water fountain, Shaded |
|
6 |
Near Curbside, Level 1 (North End Arrivals) |
Outdoor, Pre-Security |
Basic turf, Bins, And quick access for drop-offs |
|
7 |
Near Gate 28, Level 3 (T5 Rooftop & Wooftop Lounge) |
Outdoor, Post-Security |
1,000 sq ft, Real grass, Benches, Runway views |
|
8 |
Near Curbside, Level 1, Near arrivals hall |
Outdoor, Pre-Security |
Gravel mix, Leash posts |
|
9 |
Level 3 (Near Gates 9-10, behind Hudson News) |
Indoor, Post-Security |
Synthetic floor, Privacy screens, Dispensers, |
|
10 |
Near Curbside, Level 3 (Middle Island Departures) |
Outdoor, Pre-Security |
Turf, Hose, 1-minute walking distance from check-in zones, |
|
11 |
Near Gate 38, Level 3, Near south gates |
Indoor, Post-Security |
Play zone, Chew toys |
JFK Terminal 4 handles 40% of the pet traffic. The Wooftoop in Terminal 5, which is the largest outdoor pet relief area at JFK, has dedicated turf and a pet-walking area, along with a separate lounge facility.
Rules For Traveling with Pets through JFK Airport
Each airline that operates at John F Kennedy International Airport has its own set of rules. It is important to check with the airlines before planning to travel with a pet.
For example, JetBlue allows pets in the cabin for a 125 USD fee. Similarly, Delta permits pet weighing no more than 18 pounds for a 200 USD fee. Service animals travel free if charged with no size restrictions.
There are dedicated service animal relief areas at JFK.
Passengers traveling with pets must follow additional rules:
-
All airline requires a health certificate issued within 10 days of travel. Pets should also have proper ID tags and the latest vaccination records.
-
For international travel, pets may go through additional screening at the ARK (Animal Reception Center) at Terminal 4. This pet relief area at JFK handles health checks and paperwork. Reservations and appointments can be made in advance via email.
-
JFK Airport requires pets to be leashed at all times.
-
Owners are required to maintain hygiene for their pets. Failure to do so may result in a fine of 500 USD.
-
Security wait times at JFK are usually 15-20 minutes, more than if traveling with pets.
-
Under the latest USDA guidelines for 2025, pets entering the U.S. must have valid rabies vaccinations. Unvaccinated pets may face delays or may not be allowed to enter.
Conclusion
John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) has dedicated pet relief areas across all five operating terminals. These facilities are designed for service animals and pets and come with outdoor and indoor facilities at JFK. Terminals 4 and 5 have most of the JFK pet relief areas and include the ARK facility, which features veterinary services, animal day care, shipping, and a dedicated check-in area.
In addition, traveling with pets through JFK Airport requires planning. Airlines may charge pet travel fees, while service animals travel free with no restrictions. All pets require a mandatory health certificate and rabies vaccinations as per the latest USDA guidelines.
For international pet travel, use the ARK, which is the designated pet relief area at JFK Terminal 4
for screening. You can book an appointment in advance via email.
