We love our pets—essential companions that also perform essential jobs. At Pearson, we make pet safety and comfort our priority, because a passenger experience isn’t whole unless everyone can come along. Here, some tips and tricks to make flying smooth for your furry friends. Make sure to plan ahead and learn more here.
1. Plan ahead
Whether travelling across town or across the Atlantic, it’s smart to ensure your pet has eaten, rested and relieved itself before setting off. Double check that you’ve packed your pet’s food, equipment, medication and favourite toys. And if you’re taking transit to the airport, familiarize yourself with the many modes’ various pet policies. While riding the UP Express, for example, dogs must be kept in carriers during rush hour, but passengers can bring up to two leashed pooches on the train outside peak times.
2. Brush up on Pearson’s service-animal policy
Only service animals and travelling animals are allowed in our terminals. Service animals must be leashed, while travel animals must be kept in their kennels. Pearson is an animal-friendly space (we’re pet owners too), but we also work with dozens of different airlines, each with different rules. Call your airline or check their website to make sure they can accommodate your animal.
3. Find the potty zones
There are several Service Dog and Pet Relief areas—16 in total—spread out across the airport, pre- and post-security, inside and outside Terminals 1, 3, and the IFC. Pups that got to go will feel a sense of familiarity: each of our stations is marked by a friendly faux fire hydrant, a patch of artificial turf and some complimentary poop bags. Find all of their specific locations here.
4. Prepare your precious cargo
We always keep your animal’s welfare top of mind. If you’re transporting a pet via cargo, or are receiving one from a foreign country, contact your airline and freight forwarder in advance. If you’re using a pre-arranged service to ship your animal, your service provider can drop them off at the Cargo West Facilities or Cargo Area 5. We understandget it: flying can make even the toughest among us nervous. Consider consulting your vet about anti-anxiety solutions to keep your cuddle buddy calm.
5. Be courteous
Pearson loves pets, but everyone is different. Some people are allergic to animals; some have phobias. So it’s our job to make sure that every passenger, human or not, feels safe and respected. Please keep this in mind when strolling through the terminals. And if you ever need a source of courteous inspiration, just look to the good boy or girl curled up at your feet.