At IAH, new amenities meet passenger needs—and pets, too

A service animal relief area opens at Terminal E arrivals level as Houston Airports continue to undergo phased improvements.

Jul 21, 2025

Houston Airports has opened a new service animal relief area at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), expanding passenger accommodations as part of the ongoing Terminal E arrivals modernization.

Now open to the public, the pet relief area is located on Level 1 near the C/D/E Purple Garage elevators, just west of the traffic lanes.

The outdoor space features artificial turf, red rock landscaping, custom lighting and nearby public art installations. It’s designed for quick access and comfort, especially for animals arriving on international flights.

To improve post-security comfort, Houston Airports has replaced metal benches with new solid wood seating in Terminal A. The benches — now installed at TSA checkpoints and on the Terminal A Skyway platform — reflect the airport system’s investment in both functionality and design. Together, these upgrades signal a commitment to modernizing the airport experience space by space.