O'Hare Pet Relief Areas
Complete guide to pet relief areas at O'Hare Airport. Find locations in all terminals, amenities, TSA rules, and tips for traveling with pets and service animals.
Author: Sarah Mitchell
Pet Relief Quick Facts
- Locations: All terminals have both pre and post-security relief areas
- Hours: 24/7 access
- Amenities: Artificial turf, waste bags, disposal bins
- Service Animals: Allowed throughout airport and on flights
- Pet Policies: Vary by airline, check before booking
Pet Relief Area Locations
O'Hare provides convenient pet relief areas both before and after security checkpoints, accommodating travelers with pets and service animals during long layovers or before flights. All facilities are maintained regularly and include waste disposal supplies.
Post-Security Pet Relief Areas
Terminal 1
Location: Concourse B, near Gate B11
Type: Indoor with artificial turf
Hours: 24/7
Amenities: Waste bags, disposal bins, hand sanitizer
Terminal 2
Location: Concourse F, near Gate F8
Type: Indoor with artificial turf
Hours: 24/7
Amenities: Waste bags, disposal bins, water available nearby
Terminal 3
Location: Concourse L, near Gate L6
Type: Indoor with artificial turf
Hours: 24/7
Amenities: Waste bags, disposal bins
Terminal 5 (International)
Location: Concourse M, upper level near Gate M18
Type: Indoor with artificial turf
Hours: 24/7
Amenities: Waste bags, disposal bins, multilingual signage
Pre-Security Pet Relief Areas
All terminals have outdoor pet relief areas located on the departures level (upper level) outside baggage claim areas. These are ideal if you haven't cleared security yet or are picking up arriving passengers with pets.
- Terminal 1: Departures level, near Door 1C
- Terminal 2: Departures level, near Door 2E
- Terminal 3: Departures level, near Door 3F
- Terminal 5: Departures level, near Door 5M
Pre-security areas are outdoors and weather-dependent. They feature designated pet zones with waste disposal stations.
Service Animals vs Pets
Important Distinctions
Service Animals
- Individually trained to perform tasks for people with disabilities
- Typically dogs (miniature horses in rare cases)
- Allowed in all areas of the airport
- Fly in cabin at no charge on all airlines
- Must be leashed or harnessed at all times
- No documentation required by TSA, but airlines may require forms
Emotional Support Animals (ESA)
- Provide comfort but lack specialized training
- As of 2021, no longer recognized by most airlines for free cabin travel
- Now treated as regular pets with carrier and fee requirements
- Allowed in airport terminals but subject to airline pet policies for flights
Pets
- Must remain in approved carriers throughout airport and flight
- Carrier counts as carry-on item
- Fees apply ($125-150 each way depending on airline)
- Size and weight restrictions vary by airline
- Some pets must travel as checked baggage or cargo
TSA Pet Screening Process
- Remove from carrier: Take pet out and carry through metal detector
- Carrier screening: Empty carrier goes through X-ray machine
- Keep pet leashed: Use leash or harness during entire screening process
- Service animals: Can walk through metal detector with handler
- Alternative screening: Request visual inspection if you prefer not to remove pet from carrier
- Additional screening: TSA may swab hands after handling pets
- Arrive early: Add 15-30 minutes for pet screening
TSA Tips for Pets
- Keep leash/harness on pet at all times during security screening
- Collapsible water bowls are allowed through security
- Pet food in reasonable quantities is permitted
- Notify TSA officer if your pet is nervous or reactive
- Consider harness instead of collar to prevent escapes
Airline Pet Policies at O'Hare
Policies vary significantly by airline. Always verify specific requirements before booking:
United Airlines (Major ORD Carrier)
- In-cabin pets: $125 each way
- Maximum carrier size: 17.5" x 12" x 7.5"
- Combined pet and carrier weight: under 20 lbs
- Advance reservation required
American Airlines
- In-cabin pets: $150 each way
- Maximum carrier size: 19" x 13" x 9"
- Pets must be at least 8 weeks old
- Limited to 7 carriers per flight
Southwest Airlines
- In-cabin pets: $125 each way
- Small dogs and cats only
- Carrier counts as carry-on
- 6 pets maximum per flight
Tips for Traveling with Pets
- Book early: Airlines limit pets per flight, spots fill quickly
- Direct flights: Minimize stress with non-stop routing when possible
- Health certificate: Some airlines require vet certification within 10 days of travel
- Empty stomach: Feed pet 3-4 hours before flight to prevent upset stomach
- Bathroom breaks: Use pet relief areas immediately before boarding
- Comfort items: Bring familiar blanket or toy in carrier
- Identification: Ensure collar has current contact information and microchip is updated
- Sedation: Generally not recommended by vets for air travel
Pet-Friendly Amenities at O'Hare
Available Resources
- Water fountains: Near most pet relief areas
- Cleanup supplies: Waste bags and disposal bins in all relief areas
- Airport assistance: Staff can direct you to nearest pet relief area
- Service animal relief: Same locations as pet relief areas
- Emergency vet: BluePearl Emergency Pet Hospital 10 miles from airport
Winter and Weather Considerations
Chicago winters can be harsh. Post-security indoor relief areas are climate-controlled and available year-round. Pre-security outdoor areas may be challenging during snow or sub-zero temperatures. Consider timing bathroom breaks accordingly and bring pet booties for paw protection if using outdoor areas in winter.
Bottom Line
O'Hare provides comprehensive pet relief areas in all terminals, both pre and post-security. Service animals are accommodated throughout the airport. Always check specific airline pet policies before booking, arrive early to allow time for pet screening, and use post-security indoor relief areas before boarding flights.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the pet relief areas at O'Hare Airport?
O'Hare has pet relief areas both pre-security (outside terminals) and post-security (inside secure areas). Pre-security areas are located outside Terminals 1, 2, 3, and 5 on the departures level. Post-security areas are in Terminal 1 (Concourse B), Terminal 2 (Concourse F), Terminal 3 (Concourse L), and Terminal 5 (Concourse M). All areas feature artificial turf, waste bags, and disposal bins.
Can I take my dog through TSA security at O'Hare?
Yes, pets in carriers and service animals can go through security. Remove your pet from the carrier and carry them through the metal detector while the empty carrier goes through X-ray. Leash your pet during this process. Service animals and emotional support animals must remain leashed or harnessed. TSA may conduct additional screening if needed. Arrive early to allow time for pet screening.
What's the difference between service animals and emotional support animals at O'Hare?
Service animals (typically dogs) are trained to perform specific tasks for people with disabilities and are allowed throughout the airport and on flights. Emotional support animals provide comfort but lack specialized training. As of 2021, most airlines only recognize service dogs—emotional support animals are now treated as regular pets and must travel in carriers in the cabin or as checked baggage with applicable fees.
Do I need to exit security to use pet relief areas?
No, O'Hare has post-security pet relief areas in all terminals, so you don't need to exit and re-clear security. However, if you're near baggage claim or just arrived, pre-security outdoor relief areas may be more convenient. Post-security areas are indoors with artificial turf, while pre-security areas are outdoors.