Three Texas Airports Ranked Among Most Pet-Friendly in America

Sometimes a dog's just gotta catch a flight, and not every airport offers amenities for man's best friend. Thankfully, three airports right here in Texas are ranked among the most pet-friendly.

UpgradedPoints.com compiled a list of the top 10 pet-friendly airports across the United States. They factored in efforts to go beyond complying with federal regulations that require relief areas for service dogs, including boarding and daycare facilities, real grass and fun fixtures in relief areas, and flexible drop-off and pick-up options.

Austin-Bergstrom International was the highest-ranked Texas airport, coming in at #6. It scored big points for featuring a landscaped and lighted dog walk with a drinking fountain, bags for picking up Rover's land mines, and trashcans. The dog walk area is pre-security, but AUS also features a relief station once you're past security. That's doggone thoughtful!

They also host four events each year during which you can meet and pet service dogs. That's usually a no-no, but those events are probably a great opportunity to teach kids about service dogs and what they do and even get a few answers to your own questions. (Plus you get to pet the puppies, and who doesn't want an excuse to do that?)

Dallas Love Field ranked at #8 on Upgraded Points' list for its roomy relief area on the top floor next to baggage claim. There's even a small relief area downstairs and one after you've gone through security.

Ranked at #10 was Dallas/Ft. Worth International, which features several relief areas outside entry doors on the airport's lower level and once you're passed security. There's also a pet resort nearby where dogs and cats can be picked up day or night.

Check out the full list of pet-friendly airports here. The article ends with a list of tips for traveling with your pet that should also prove handy if you decide to take your best friend with you on your next flight.

And speaking of flying dogs, here's a fun video just because.