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.

Portland International Airport Pet Relief Areas

Portland International offers two pet relief areas. One is outside the airport’s baggage claim level, and the other is inside and post-security. The airport’s outdoor area is well-lit and covered with bark dust—perfect for taking a stretch at any time of day. The indoor area is equipped with artificial grass, a fire hydrant, a sink, and a bench. Both areas offer waste bags and trash receptacles. The Portland Airport pet policy requires that animals are leashed in both areas.


PDX Airport Pet Cargo and Facility Locations

Pets flying through Portland will travel in one of three ways. Depending on your airline, a small animal may fly with you in the cabin. If, however, your pet is too large to fit under your seat, you will need to choose between flying him as checked baggage or flying him as cargo. 

These travel methods are similar but maintain one crucial difference. You must be on the same flight as your animal flying in checked baggage. You simply drop him off at flight check-in and collect him from excess baggage upon arrival. Dogs traveling as cargo are shipped separately and on a separate schedule. The PDX pet policy requires that owners pick up their pets from airline-specific cargo locations. 

These facilities, though not part of the airport’s passenger terminal, are relatively accessible. The Portland Airport cargo locations are very close to Columbia Boulevard and Airport Way, providing easy access for those traveling from the airport. Additionally, these facilities are easily accessed from I-205, I-85, and I-5. There is no shuttle service to and from the facilities, so we recommend arranging private transportation.  

Delta Airlines Cargo
7912 NE Air Cargo Road
Portland, OR 97218
800-352-2746 

Alaska Air Cargo
7904 NE Air Cargo Road
Portland, OR 97218
800-225-2752  

American Airlines Cargo
7000 NE Air Cargo Road
Portland, OR 97218
503-326-3230 

Southwest Airlines Cargo
7808 NE Air Cargo Road
Portland, OR 97218
503-937-3180 

To see an interactive map of Portland’s air cargo facilities, click here.

 

More Portland International Airport Pet Policies

The Portland airport pet policy is standard for an international airport, but you should still check for new pet policies before traveling. All animals, with the exception of service dogs, must be kept within their travel carriers while inside the airport terminal. All pets must be kept on leashes when outside the terminal. The airport’s pet relief area is the only space in which a non-working dog may be outside of his carrier. 

Portland has a relatively temperate climate, but certain travel times can pose a risk to flying pets. If the temperature dips below 45 degrees Fahrenheit or rises above 85 degrees, your airline may determine the conditions to be too risky. Keep an eye on the weather forecast and call your airline with questions—this rule is determined by your airline, not the PDX pet policy itself.  

To that end, the Portland airport makes a point to acknowledge that most pet policies are airline-specific. Most aspects of your trip, including appropriate carrier and health requirements, are determined by your airline. If your pet is bumped from a flight for whatever reason, the airport cannot assume responsibility. That said, the airport is small and, except for travel periods, not exhaustingly busy. Traveling with an animal can be stressful, but the Portland Airport pet policy, size, and available amenities will help make your trip a success.  

Looking for a different airport? Check out our airport directory.