St. Louis Airport Service Animal Policies

Assistance animals are welcome to travel with passengers who have disabilities. Certain exemptions are provided to these animals, but some rules and restrictions still apply. To determine if your dog qualifies to be certified as a Psychiatric Service Dog and can be accepted as such for air travel, you can visit Pettable’s PSD service.

St. Louis Airport Pet Relief Areas

The St. Louis International Airport boasts six distinct animal relief areas, even though the indoor areas are technically reserved for service animals as part of the STL airport pet policy. If you find yourself needing to relieve your pet pre-departure or during a layover at the St. Louis Airport, the most reliable solution is to head down to the lower-level pet relief area outside Terminal 2 or the upper west side of Terminal 1. You can find these areas by exiting the airport and walking along the main airport road. If you don’t believe you have time to exit and re-enter the airport, you might try talking to an airline representative who may be able to authorize access to a post-security option for your pet.

 

STL Airport Pet Cargo Locations

If your pet has flown into STL on the same plane as you, then you can pick it up in the baggage office for your flight. If you have chosen to ship your animal as air-cargo, you will need to pick it up at the cargo facilities. There is one main facility that houses several different cargo companies. You can find it near the airport.

Main Cargo Facility
9833 Air Cargo Rd.
Berkley, MO 63134

It is not common, but sometimes your animal will be shipped as checked baggage, in which case you will need to locate him in the baggage claim office. You will most likely be notified if this is the case, but it never hurts to call for specific details about your animal.

For pet drop-off, or to drop off any live animal, bring your pet to the cargo facility at least 2 hours prior to their departure when flying domestically, and at least 3 hours prior when flying internationally.

 

Essential STL Airport Pet Policy Tips

Many of the pet policies for St. Louis International Airport are similar to other airports you might fly through on your trip. Whenever you are in the terminal, keep your animal in its carrier or on a leash close to your luggage and your person. It’s not suggested to tranquilize or sedate your pet before flying. Instead, the most important thing to bear in mind is that your pet is most likely going to be a little overwhelmed and anxious, so getting him or her familiar with the carrier beforehand will be very beneficial.

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