Animals in the Airport
At Tampa International Airport, we understand our guests’ attachment to their pets. But the Airport can be a frightening and dangerous place for our furry friends. TPA’s escalators, elevators, shuttles and SkyConnect train, with their moving parts and closing doors, can all be hazards to pets not properly restrained. Animals can also become frightened and run onto restricted areas of the property, where they may be difficult to retrieve and can be injured by vehicles, aircraft or wildlife.
For those and many other reasons, TPA only allows service animals and pets traveling with ticketed passengers within the airport. Non-service animals must be kept in their pet carriers at all times except when using our pet relief areas located at the Main Terminal and each of our Airsides. Non-service animals without a pet carrier must be kept on a leash within 5 feet of their owner and under control at all times.
Safety
Please NEVER take your animal on the escalator and use extra care when boarding any of our trains, shuttles or evaluators. Again, pets MUST remain in their carriers when moving throughout the Airport and are not permitted in any food establishments while on Airport property.
For the full list of rules while visiting TPA, click here.
Pet relief areas
Service animal relief areas are located post-security at each of TPA’s Airsides. The covered spaces are located on the gate level and furnished with lush synthetic grass and a red fire hydrant. There are waste disposal bags, bins and a drinking sink.
The Main Terminal pet relief areas are located just outside the building on the Baggage Claim Level, and at our Blue Express Arrivals area, providing pre-security access for passengers and visitors with service animals.