Flying with a pet? The best airport lounges for animals – offering luxury pooch pampering and anxiety free travel

Thinking about bringing your furry companion on a trip but worry the long haul will be too taxing for them? What if doggy bathroom breaks, controlled air temperatures and even spa treatments would be waiting for you? Good news – many airports now cater to your four-legged friends, and four airports have gone the extra mile to build lounges where almost every creature on Earth can be housed, bathed and pampered.

Next time you’re ready to hit the friendly skies with your pooch in tow, try booking through these four airports.

John F. Kennedy International Airport, US

New York’s main international airport has been highly rated by pet-sporting travellers. Its Ark Pet Oasis provides round-the-clock care and includes outdoor relief, feeding, watering, travel crate cleaning (for the occasional accident) and even the option to get your pet bathed if he or she became soiled in transit. The list of services is quite extensive, but to soothe pet owners’ fears, veterinary care and overnight accommodation are available (where they will be watched for 24 hours). Even if your four-legged pal happens to be a horse, ARK Pet Oasis has your mare covered.

If you’re lucky enough to have your pet with you in the cabin, JFK offers seven animal relief areas throughout the terminals to suit even the snootiest snout. Terminal 5 has a 4,000 sq ft, pet-friendly rooftop complete with outdoor garden, seating for humans and a large terrace.

American Airlines has a 1,000 sq ft grassy pet-relief area and service animal area in its departure section. Terminal 4 has a 70 sq ft grassy (this one is artificial) spot for walking pets before take-off. There’s even a place to wash your hands after you dispose of the waste in the convenient bins. And Terminal 8 has a 1,000 sq ft natural grass patch where dogs can romp and relieve themselves.

Osaka International Airport, Japan