Sacramento 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.

Sacramento Airport Pet Relief Areas

Sacramento Airport has pre- and post-security pet relief areas in each terminal. Terminal A’s pre-security pet relief area is located at the curbside passenger pick-up/drop-off, and its post-security pet relief area is located next to Gate A1. Terminal B’s pre-security pet relief area is located at the curbside passenger pick-up/drop-off, and its post-security pet relief area is located next to Gate B11. For more information of the Pet Relief facilities located in Sacramento airport, check out our pet relief areas page.

 

Sacramento Airport Pet Transport

Although flying with pets has gotten a reputation for being difficult, it’s now easier than ever to fly with your family pet or service animal in tow. The best way to prepare for your flight is to know what to expect from Sacramento Airport pet policies and animal relief areas. You should also become familiar with different airline pet policies, which usually include when you should fly your animal with you in the cabin, as checked baggage, or as unaccompanied cargo with an air freight company.

There are typically three ways of flying a pet. You can fly your animal:

In the Cabin: Different airliners may offer the option to bring your small dog or service animal in the cabin with you. These animals will need have their own ticket and go through security. After checking in, bring your animal to the security checkpoint. When it is time to go through security, take your animal out of its carrier and either walk it on a leash or carry it through the metal detector. Its crate will need to go through the x-ray along with your carry-ons. Follow the instructions of the TSA officer.

As Checked Baggage: This is an option for larger animals. Bring your pet to the luggage check along with any necessary paperwork required by your airliner. It’s a good idea to let your animal use the bathroom ahead of time.

As Cargo: Flying your animal as cargo is a good choice for sending a pet on its own. You will not bring your animal to the baggage check or through security, but instead to the cargo facility on the airport’s campus.

SMF Airport Pet Policies and Cargo Facilities

Sacramento’s cargo facility is not far from the airport, and can be found at 6733 Lindbergh Dr, Sacramento, CA 95837. In advance, be sure to arrange with your airliner where and when you should pick up your animal, and what verifications you will need at the time of pickup.

Delta Cargo
6733 Lindbergh Dr D
Sacramento, CA 95837
(800) 352-2746

Alaska Air Cargo
6701 Lindbergh Dr
Sacramento, CA 95837
(800) 225-2752

Southwest Airlines Cargo
6733 Lindbergh Dr
Sacramento, CA 95837
(916) 877-3378

Each cargo shipment company will have different specifications for their pet policies. It’s a good idea to consult with your pet’s vet before a long, potentially stressful trip for the best advice pertaining to your animal.

Find even more information about the Sacramento Airport pet policies on the SMF airport website.