Can I Bring Small Pets on a Plane?
TSA Rules for Small Pets on Airplanes
Carry-On Luggage
Rules for Small Pets in carry-on luggage vary by airline. Contact your airline before flying.
Checked Luggage
Rules for Small Pets in checked luggage vary by airline. Contact your airline before flying.
Small pets are allowed through the security checkpoint. Please check with your airline for their policy. You should remove your pet from the carrying case and place the case through the X-ray machine. You should maintain control of your pet with a leash and remember to remove the leash when carrying your pet through the metal detector. Animal carriers will undergo a visual and/or physical inspection.
Traveling with Small Pets? Make sure to also check current TSA regulations and your airline's specific policies before your flight. For international travel, review international air travel restrictions as they may differ from domestic rules.
Frequently Asked Questions About Small Pets
Can I bring Small Pets in my carry-on luggage?
Whether you can bring Small Pets in your carry-on luggage depends on your specific airline's policy. We recommend contacting your airline directly before your flight to confirm.
Can I bring Small Pets in my checked luggage?
Whether you can pack Small Pets in your checked luggage depends on your specific airline's policy. We recommend contacting your airline directly before your flight to confirm.
What are the TSA regulations for Small Pets?
Small pets are allowed through the security checkpoint. Please check with your airline for their policy. You should remove your pet from the carrying case and place the case through the X-ray machine. You should maintain control of your pet with a leash and remember to remove the leash when carrying your pet through the metal detector. Animal carriers will undergo a visual and/or physical inspection.
Are there any special considerations for Small Pets?
Airlines may have their own rules about this item that are more restrictive than TSA regulations. Contact your specific airline before your flight to confirm their policy.
Are the rules for Small Pets the same for international flights?
While the TSA rules apply to flights departing from or arriving in the United States, international flights may have additional restrictions based on the destination country and airline policies. Always check with your specific airline and destination country regulations for international flights involving Small Pets. Review our international travel guide for more details.
Do I need to declare Small Pets at security checkpoints?
For certain items, TSA requires travelers to declare them at security checkpoints. Even if Small Pets is permitted, it's always a good practice to inform TSA officers if you're carrying something unusual or that might raise questions during screening. This helps expedite the security process. Check our security screening guide for more information.
TSA Disclaimer
The information provided on this page about Small Pets is based on the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) guidelines. Please note that TSA officers have the final say on whether an item is allowed through the checkpoint. The TSA's decision may be based on concerns about the item, how the item appears on the X-ray, or other security concerns. All items are subject to additional screening.
Regulations can change. We recommend checking the official TSA website before your trip for the most current information.