• by Tanya Gazdik , December 12, 2021

Mars Petcare has named Nashville International Airport the first to be certified a pet-friendly destination.

The airport installed a variety of pet-friendly amenities before and after the security checkpoint. New features include a dedicated dog park, two curbside relief areas, and an indoor relief area with a hydration station.

The Mars announcement comes in response to a rising demand for pet-friendly travel options, as a recent survey shows 85% of pet parents are likely to travel within the next year, with 65% saying they would like to bring their pets along.

Mars Petcare collaborated with the Civic Design Center, which designs public spaces, and the American Association of Airport Executives on the certification assessment.

To spread the word about the new airport certification, Mars Petcare teamed up with a Nashville native, singer, songwriter Cassadee Pope, who recently checked out the pet-friendly updates at the airport with her French bulldog, Cuppy.

The pet care company’s “Better Cities For Pets” program aims to help pet owners find the most pet-friendly travel options available.

The new airport certification follows Mars Petcare's recently launched partnership with Hilton's Homewood Suites by Hilton and Home2 Suites, now implementing pet-focused programming and benefits in the U.S. and Canada. Additionally, by Jan. 1, both brands will introduce consistent pet fees, starting at $50 per stay.

To apply for the new certification, airports must be located within 90 miles of a Better Cities for Pets certified city.