Service Animal Relief Areas at STL (Near Gate A16)

Shop Overview

Service Animal Relief Areas (SARA) at St. Louis Lambert International Airport (STL) are dedicated facilities—not retail—designed to give working service animals and traveling pets a clean, designated place for a quick comfort break before boarding. The SARA near Gate A16 is especially convenient for travelers departing from the A gates who want to avoid leaving the secure area and re-clearing TSA.

The experience is typically fast and functional: expect clear airport wayfinding, easy in-and-out access, and a space intended for practical use rather than browsing. If you’re traveling with a service animal on a tight connection, using the nearest SARA can reduce stress and help you stay on schedule—particularly helpful during peak boarding waves in Concourse A.

What to Buy

• Nothing to purchase on-site: SARAs are facilities and generally do not sell products.
• What to pick up nearby (recommended): If you need last-minute supplies, check nearby newsstands in Terminal 1 (e.g., Hudson News locations) for water, paper towels/tissues, hand sanitizer, and resealable bags—all useful for responsible cleanup and quick paw wipe-downs.
• Price expectations: Convenience items bought airside typically carry airport pricing. Duty-free savings don’t apply here, and most pet or care essentials are standard retail (not duty-free merchandise).

Location & Hours

Exact location: Concourse A, near Gate A16 (Terminal 1 secure area). Once you’ve cleared security and entered the A gates corridor, follow signage for restrooms and pet/service animal relief—A16 is a reliable reference point for asking staff or checking the terminal map.

Security status: Typically after security in the gated area, making it ideal if you’re already airside and don’t want to exit and re-enter screening.

Hours: Facility access generally aligns with terminal operating hours and flight schedules. If you’re traveling very early or late, confirm access via airport signage or the STL terminal map on flystl.com.

• Peak times: Early mornings (first departure banks), late afternoons, and evening push periods—expect more foot traffic in the corridor near A gates.
• Quieter times: Mid-morning to early afternoon on many weekdays, when concourse movement is lighter and you may have more space.

Shopping Tips

• Plan a buffer: Build in 10–15 minutes before boarding to locate the SARA, complete the stop, and return to your gate without rushing.
• Bring essentials: Pack disposal bags, wipes, and a collapsible water bowl in your personal item—airport retail may not have pet-specific items.
• Know the rules: Service animals are permitted under DOT/ADA guidelines; airline-specific documentation requirements can vary by carrier and itinerary.
• Returns and reservations: Not applicable—this is a facility, not a shop. For any items purchased nearby (newsstands, specialty retail), return policies are set by each retailer and may be limited for food/opened items.
• Payment/currency: Not applicable at the SARA. Nearby retailers generally accept USD and major credit cards/contactless payments.