You and your pet are traveling in the cabin of an airplane together. You have checked in at the reservation desk, your pet is quietly lying down in their airline compliant pet carrier, you have tickets and possessions in hand. Everything is going according to plan. You proceed to the TSA security checkpoint. As you wait in line, you wonder—what is coming next? How will I clear airport security with my pet?

PetTravel.com has received many questions about how people traveling with pets will be treated once they get to the front of the security line. Certainly, with all the confusion at security checkpoints and the flow of passengers intent on clearing the line and proceeding to their gate as quickly as possible, it is helpful to know how you and your pet will be cleared through security ahead of time.

The first thing pet owners should know is that TSA does not administer airline pet policies for pets flying in the cabin of an aircraft. According to TSA: “Our security procedures do not prohibit you from bringing a pet on your flight. You should contact your airline or travel agent, however, before arriving at the airport to determine your airline’s policy on traveling with pets.” TSA responsibilities include providing security and protection for travelers across all transportation sectors through the operation of various screening equipment and technology that identifies dangerous objects in baggage, cargo, and/or on passengers and prevents those objects from being transported onto the aircraft.

Procedures for screening live animals

According to TSA: “You will need to present the animal to the Security Officers at the checkpoint. You may walk your animal through the metal detector with you. If this is not possible, your animal will have to undergo a secondary screening, including a visual and physical inspection by our Security Officers. Your animal will NEVER be placed through an X-ray machine. However, you may be asked to remove your animal from its carrier so that the carrier can be placed on the X-Ray machine.”

Do NOT try to leave your pet in its carrier when presenting it to the x-ray machine. This scan is not intended for live animals but for passenger carry-on luggage and personal property only.

You will be asked to remove your pet from the carrier so that the carrier can be run through the x-ray machine. You will walk through the upright metal detector with your pet, either by carrying it or leashing it. After clearing the detector, the security officer may swab your hands to detect any traces of explosive devices.

Do not try to leave your pet in its carrier when presenting it to the x-ray machine. This scan is not intended for live animals but for passenger carry-on luggage and personal property only.

Airports can be busy places and intimidating to your pet. Pet owners should understand the temperament of their pet, as it is important to keep it under your control at all times. If you are traveling with a pet who is high-spirited or scares easily, you can request a screening room so that your pet will not escape should you not be able to contain them when out of the carrier or get them back in the carrier once clearing security. You should allow extra time for this request.

There has been a lot of news lately regarding the introduction of controversial body scanners in many airports. If the old stand-up metal detectors have been replaced with body scanners, both the pet and the owner are subject to being patted down. Again, you will remove the pet from the carrier and make it available to security officers should they decide to inspect your pet. Should you require a patdown, you should put your pet back in the carrier first.

Airports require that all pets remain in their carriers while inside the building, with the exception of service dogs. If you are traveling with a service dog, be sure that training material is available and that your dog is appropriately marked as a service dog. Avoid any contact with working or therapy dogs that are oftentimes seen throughout the airport.

Be on the lookout for working or therapy dogs who can be anywhere in an airport. As airports are high-activity areas, it is best to keep your pet contained and not disturb or distract these working dogs.

Do a bit of research ahead of time on pet relief areas in your airport so you can offer this opportunity for your pet ahead of boarding. All major airports are required to have pet relief areas past security checkpoints.

Be prepared when flying with a pet

Being prepared is key to traveling with your pet. Give yourself plenty of time to get to your gate. Keep your accessories (coat, purse, laptop, or other items you must carry) at a minimum so you will have free hands to handle your pet at security checkpoints. Take your pet out of the carrier after you have removed your shoes, belt, etc., and put your items on the table to be scanned. Be sure to carry a non-metallic leash in the carrier to loop around your wrist to be sure that your pet cannot escape when you remove them from the carrier. Even calm pets can get nervous and scared when around groups of people and in unfamiliar environments.

You can either carry your pet or let it walk beside you through the scanner. Once cleared, you can put your cat or dog back in the carrier.

We would welcome your feedback about how you cleared security checkpoints with your pet. Please leave a comment so that you can help others who are traveling with their pet. We appreciate your time.

More information on pet travel by air