William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) Airport Service Animal Policies

Assistance animals are welcome to travel with passengers who have disabilities. Certain exemptions are provided to these animals, but some rules and restrictions still apply. To determine if your dog qualifies to be certified as a Psychiatric Service Dog and can be accepted as such for air travel, you can visit Pettable’s PSD service.

Houston Airport Pet Relief Areas

There are two HOU pet relief areas for passengers to use while traveling through Houston. The first is on Level 1, in an outdoor, pre-security area near Ground Transportation Zone 4 and the Red Garage. The second option is on Level 2, in an indoor-post-security area near Gate 20. While there are only two areas designated for pets, the combination of indoor, outdoor, pre-security, and post-security spaces provides convenient options for pet parents.

Vacationing with your best friend on four legs can be one of the most rewarding travel experiences a person can have. That said, flying to and from your destination can be a little daunting. Learning about HOU pet relief areas is just one part of preparing for travel. Read up on all HOU pet policy before jetting off. This can save you major headaches when you eventually arrive at the airport, Fido or Fluffy in hand.

 

Houston Airport Pet Policy for Cargo Shipping

Just because the William P. Hobby Houston Airport isn’t the largest airport in Texas doesn’t mean you can’t access the types of services you would expect from a larger airport. These days, many people fly their animals as unaccompanied cargo through an airliner’s cargo or freight subsidiary. This is a great choice for dog owners and breeders with animals that are too large to fly inside the cabin. This is also a good option if you need to ship a pet without buying a ticket for yourself. The Hobby Airport pet policy states that animals flying as cargo must travel through airline-specific cargo facilities. While outside of the main terminal building, these facilities are just a short walk or drive away.

American Airlines
Visit the ticket counter to ship live animals
1- 800-777-6931

Delta
Houston Hobby Delta Air Freight Warehouse
7910 Airport Blvd. Suite 0, Houston, TX 77061 USA
1-800-352-2746

 

Pets in Hobby Houston Terminals

Flying doesn’t have to be difficult, even with pets. Coming prepared is the best way to reduce stress and headache. Luckily, Hobby Houston is a fairly small airport, and it is easily navigated. Packing smartly can save you time spent digging through your luggage for a leash or spare waste bag. Pack your pet’s items in an easily accessible place, either in the top of the bag or in a separate carry on. Most airlines will only let you bring one carry on and a personal item, so don’t overpack for your pooch, and use any extra space in your check bags for bulkier items.

Per the HOU pet policy, your small pets cannot leave their carriers in the airport terminals or on the airplane. Only when using a pet relief station can a dog be outside of his carrier, and even then, they must be securely leashed. Service animals are welcome and allowed on leashes.

 

More About the Hobby Airport Pet Policy

Security at Hobby Houston shouldn’t take nearly as long as the larger airports normally do. To help speed the process up even more, know how to clear your dog ahead of time. When it’s your turn, the William P. Hobby Airport pet policy states that you should remove your pet from the carrier. Hold him in your arms or walk him on a leash if one is readily available. All of your carry-on luggage will need to be scanned in the X-ray device. This includes your pet’s carrier. Walk through the metal detector you’re your pet when directed, then put Fido or Fluffy back into the carrier once you’ve cleared.

Looking for a different location? Check out our airport directory to find the relevant pet policy.