Updated 01/09/2024: If you are like me, you want to know as much as possibly about where you are going. Including all the steps in between when you travel.
I’m not one to leave it up to chance, especially if I am traveling with my dog. For me a part of being prepared is mapping out where my dog can relieve themselves on our way to our final destination.
Now we don’t fly with our dog, yet. We are still getting her use to traveling in a car.
But for those of you that have a service dog or need to fly with a small dog, I thought you might like to see what the United Service Animal Relief Area at the George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) in Houston, TX looks like before setting out.
Service Animal Relief Area at IAH
Before we get to the pictures lets first show you where this particular Service Animal Relief Area is. According to the George Bush Intercontinental Airport Directory each airport terminal has a Service Animal Relief Area, but the interactive map only shows 4 Areas.
Service Animal Relief Areas
Terminal B – Level 2; Near Gate B1 – You must go through security first
Terminal C – Level 2; Across from Gate C2 – You must go through security first
Terminal D – Level 2; Near Gate D6 – You must go through security first
Terminal E – Level 2; Near Gate E12 – You must go through security first
The pictures below are from the United Service Pet Relief area located in Terminal C – level 2.
United Airlines Service Animal Relief Area Location
The Pet Relief Area is located in terminal C on the second level. Look for it right next to the phones and bathrooms that are located between the TUMi store and the KPRC 2 Travel Store. You can also look for Gate C2. The Pet Relief Area is directly across from it.
To make it easier to find they have a dog walk sign located high on the wall on the corner of the room. There is also a blue United Pet Relief Area sign standing next to the entrance. If you are coming from the center of terminal C where most of the stores are located, the door to the pet relief area is just around the corner from the signs.
Inside the United Pet Relief Area
Once inside the pet relief area you will find a turf area complete with a fire hydrant, a hose to clean up after your dog and a trash can.
Here a close up look at the turf area. The area is not too big but should be large enough for a large dog to circle around and take care of business.
Once your pet has finished what they needed to do there are plastic mitts to clean up after your dog. Though I highly recommend that you bring your own in case they run out
There is a water hose for cleaning up messes. Just make sure to use it carefully so you don’t end up making a bigger mess. Once you have cleaned up the surface you can flush the turf. You will hear water moving around as the underneath of the turf is cleaned.
Lastly there is a sink for you to clean up in too.
5 Pet Relief Area Etiquette Tips
- Clean up– Make sure to clean up after yourself and your pet. This not only includes cleaning up the poo but also making sure you flushed the turf before leaving.
- Watch the time. Since there may be other pets waiting for their time in the pet relief area don’t take too long.
- One at a time – When it comes to inside pet relief areas like the one pictured above it’s best to consider them to be single use areas.
For more tips on vacationing with a dog check out our post; Traveling With A Dog: Tips For An Easy Trip.