Tampa 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.

Tampa Airport Pet Relief Areas

Tampa has eight pet relief areas for service animals and traveling pets. There are four pet relief areas located outside of the Main Terminal on the baggage level in the grassy areas across from arrivals and departures—close to both baggage claim and ticketing. This utility placing is strategic, as there is a designated pet relief area for departing passengers and for arriving travelers. Additionally, there are animal relief areas located at each of the Airport’s four Airsides: A, C, E and F. The Tampa International Airport pet policy states that passengers should address airlines with specific pet policy questions.

TPA Airport Pet Cargo Locations

When traveling with animals, passengers have three options. If your pet is small enough, he can ride with you in the cabin. If he is too large, he will need to travel as either checked baggage or cargo. If your airline offers the former, you can drop him off at flight check-in and retrieve him from excess baggage claim upon arrival. 

If your pet is traveling as cargo, the Tampa International Airport pet policy requires you to collect him from an airline-specific facility. Most airlines have cargo facilities within the Tampa Airport Air Cargo campus—just east of the main terminal building. Travelers can access this building via Air Cargo Road, which connects to W. Hillsborough Avenue and Tampa Bay Boulevard. The airport does not provide a shuttle service, and we do not recommend walking to this location. Therefore, it is essential that passengers secure private transportation prior to picking up their animals. 

American Airlines Cargo
4662 Air Cargo Road
Suite 1600
Tampa, FL 33614
813-877-7487 

Delta Airlines Cargo
4662 Air Cargo Road
Suite 1600
Tampa, FL 33614
800-352-2746  

JetBlue Airlines Cargo
Air General
4662 Air Cargo Road
Suite 1600
Tampa, FL 33614
814-875-9595 

Southwest Airlines Cargo
4662 Air Cargo Road
Suite 1800
Tampa, FL 33614
813-371-7830 

United Airlines Cargo
Air General
4662 Air Cargo Road
Suite 1600
Tampa, FL 33614
813-348-1714

When flying an animal as checked baggage or cargo, pet parents should keep a close eye on the weather forecast. If temperatures rise above 85 degrees—as they often do in Tampa—it may be too dangerous for your pet to fly. We recommend avoiding travel during the summer months, as it could take several tries to get your pup on a safe flight.  

More Tampa Airport Pet Policies

According to TPA Airport pet policy, only pets traveling in approved travel containers are allowed inside the airport buildings. Exceptions are made for working dogs (including service animals) on leashes. The airport points out that airline policies regarding animals vary widely and that it is in the best interest of both the passenger and the pet to contact the airline prior to making your reservation.  

The Tampa airport pet policy mentions that dogs may be let out of their crates while utilizing pet relief areas, but they must be leashed while utilizing the resource. There is only one airside (secured) area within the airport; therefore, pets should only be outside of their carriers during security screenings and in this general area.  

Furthermore, travelers should note that the Tampa airport has a larger than usual number of escalators. This should serve as a remind that, if you are traveling with an animal, either inside or outside a carrier, you should avoid escalators. They can be dangerous to pets—we recommend using the escalator or stairs whenever possible.  

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