What is the pet policy at RSW in Fort Myers

Note to readers: The News-Press and Naples Daily News are providing special coverage of Southwest Florida International Airport. We are calling it “Airport Week.” March is traditionally the busiest month of the year with more than 1,000,000 travelers expected to come and go through Fort Myers. Look for stories all week about RSW , including today's installment on the airport's pets policy.

If wasn't for some basic rules and regulations, Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) might be more like Wild Kingdom.

People love their pets. This means there are many pet owners who prefer to take their beloved animals with them on a trip instead of boarding them. And in Southwest Florida, a place knows for its snowbirds or temporary residents, people who will live here for months at a time, seeing pets at RSW is common.

On a recent Friday there seemed to be dogs in every direction you looked. Dogs being walked on a leash and dogs sitting patiently in the laps of their owners.

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What is the pet policy at RSW in Fort Myers?

Here's what to know, according to the Southwest Florida International Airport's website:

The Lee County Port Authority rules and regulations on animals in the terminal at Southwest Florida International Airport is based on Lee County Ordinance No. 94-09. The rules and regulations do not apply to trained service animals used by an individual with a disability, as defined by Section 4.03.08(1)(d), Florida Statutes, or any law enforcement animals of a federal, state or local agency in performance of their duties.

For all other non-service animals, including emotional support animals, the following will apply:

• Non-service animals are not allowed in the airport terminal unless they are traveling with their owner/handler. If they are traveling, Lee County Port Authority (LCPA) requests the owner to have travel paperwork on-hand at all times.
• Non-service animals must be kept in a carrier, carried or restrained by a leash no longer than 5-feet long. LCPA requests the owner/handler to maintain control of their animal at all times while on airport property.
• If an animal exhibits aggressive behavior or poses a threat to the health and safety of others, the owner must immediately place the animal in a carrier or remove it from the airport terminal.
• All animals must be house-broken. The owner is responsible for cleaning up and reporting any mess left by the animal. Please note, there are designated Animal Relief Areas at both ends of the terminal building on the lower level (near the gazebo and loading dock) or across the street from baggage claim on the lower level near the parking garage.