Can you take a dog to Gatwick?

[hereismydog]

Not actually into the terminal, of course! I’m doing an airport pickup in a couple of weeks and staying at a friend’s the night before so will have DDog in the car (completely illogical to drive 30 miles in the wrong direction to take him home and then back out to Gatwick), but I think it’ll be a bit too warm to leave him in the car, and don’t really want to leave him alone there anyway.

I can’t stay in the car as need to help with luggage (and I really can’t wait to see my Mum!) so I was going to walk with DDog to the outdoor paved bit outside arrivals (he wouldn’t be indoors at any point) but I can’t find anything online to suggest that is allowed either.

Way too much of a rambly post for a really simple question, sorry 😂😂 anyone know please?

I can't see why not?

I just had visions of seeing someone whinging on MN about dogs at the airport 😂😂

Last week I landed at Heathrow and someone had their dog whilst they waited for a loved one right by the arrivals door aka inside the terminal building by the Costa

I just had visions of seeing someone whinging on MN about dogs at the airport

You know that's going to happen anyway though. Some people seem to think that moaning is an Olympic sport

My son came to pick us up from Heathrow and came inside with our dog to meet us. He didn’t get stopped.

Outside would definitely be fine..

Dogs are not allowed airside (beyond security) in the terminal buildings unless assistance dogs or are transiting onto an aircraft. Well behaved dogs are permitted on a lead in the arrivals area of the terminal as long as they do not enter the café servery or seating area

You will definitely be ok outside, whether you get inside is pretty much up to which security guards you see imo. I've picked up a lot, particularly from various airports and sometimes they are fine, and sometimes they say no because of the working dogs. I stayed outside after that, but have seen others take dogs in. All my experience was before lockdown when my husband used to travel monthly.

Dog haters on MN whinge about the very existence of dogs. I'm absolutely sure it will be fine outside.

Yes. Think that will be fine. Lots of nice woods and dog walking nearby too.

Why would someone "whinging on MN" stop you doing something?

I used to work at Heathrow and dogs were always in arrivals waiting to meet people!!