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Airports Become New Year’s Eve Havens for Dogs, With Hundreds Sheltering at Frankfurt

Statutory fireworks bans near runways created quiet zones that drew pet owners to terminals and nearby hotels.

Overview

  • Frankfurt Airport reported large numbers of dogs seeking calm in its terminals during the 2025/26 New Year’s Eve period under the area’s no-fireworks rules.
  • Paderborn/Lippstadt invited owners to stay in the terminal free of charge with open gastronomy and pet-supply giveaways, with no advance registration required.
  • Hotel industry representatives said airport properties have built a growing niche over the past three years, with some recording roughly 80% occupancy on New Year’s Eve.
  • Airport-area hotels charged additional pet fees that varied by brand and demand, with examples in Berlin ranging from €12 to as high as €50 for the night.
  • Veterinarians and trainers described fireworks as severely stressful for many dogs, and some advocates renewed calls for broader consumer-fireworks restrictions.