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Travelling with pets can be a stressful experience, especially if you're unsure about the rules and regulations. While service dogs are allowed inside airport terminals and on planes, the rules for other pets vary by airline and airport. Some airports require pets to be in a carrier or kennel, while others allow them to be on a leash in certain areas. It's important to check with your airline and airport before travelling with your dog to ensure you're following the correct procedures. Additionally, it's a good idea to familiarise yourself with the screening process and any required veterinary paperwork.
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What You'll Learn
Rules vary by airport and airline
Rules and restrictions for travelling with pets vary across airlines and airports. While some airports require pets to be in a carrier or kennel at all times, others allow pets to be on a leash in certain areas. It is important to check with your airline and the airport before travelling with a pet to understand their specific rules and regulations.
At the San Francisco International Airport, for example, pets must be kenneled and ready for travel within the airport terminals, except for service animals. However, leashed animals are permitted in other areas of the airport, such as the Animal Relief Areas. Similarly, at the Washington Dulles International Airport, small pets can accompany their owners in the cabin of an aircraft, but they must be screened at the security checkpoint. During the screening process, owners are advised to carry their pets through the walk-through metal detector. Alternatively, pets can walk through the screening process on a leash. Dulles International Airport provides four pet relief areas, with two located outside the terminal and two inside the concourses.
Some airports may have more lenient rules regarding pets on leashes. For instance, at JFK Terminal 8, dogs on leashes are allowed everywhere, and employees often come over to greet them. At the same time, other airports, such as EWR, may have stricter enforcement, with reports of air crew yelling at dog owners to put their dogs in carriers.
In addition to airport regulations, it is essential to consider airline policies. Different airlines may have varying policies regarding pets in the cabin, with some allowing pets to be out of their carriers and others requiring them to remain inside. It is recommended to inform the airline in advance if you plan to travel with a pet and to check for any specific requirements, such as veterinary papers, kennel sizes, and restrictions.
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Service animals are allowed inside terminals
Service animals are allowed inside airport terminals. However, the rules regarding pets vary across different airports and airlines. While some airports require pets to be in a carrier or kennel, service animals are generally exempt from these rules. It is important to check with your airline before travelling with a pet.
When travelling with a service animal, it is recommended that you have the appropriate veterinary papers and that you are aware of any kennel size restrictions. Service animals are typically allowed on airport transport systems, such as the AirTrain in San Francisco. Most airports also provide animal relief areas, which are usually located behind security. These areas provide essential amenities such as drinking bowls and garbage bins with mutt mitt dispensers.
During the security screening process, pets should be removed from their carrier and held while they walk through the metal detector. Alternatively, pets can walk through the screening process on a leash. Owners should be prepared to balance their pet and their belongings, as all items will need to go through the X-ray machine. It is important to note that pets should never be placed in the X-ray tunnel. Instead, the empty travel carrier should be placed in the X-ray machine.
When travelling with a service animal, it is important to maintain control of your pet in the busy and crowded airport environment. If your pet may become skittish or attempt to escape when removed from its carrier, you can request that a TSA officer screen your pet in a private screening room.
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Small pets should travel in the cabin
Your pet should be brought to the security checkpoint in a handheld travel carrier. Just before the screening process begins, remove your pet from the carrier and hold it or keep it on a leash. The empty carrier will then be x-rayed. It is important to never place your pet in the x-ray tunnel. After the security checkpoint, your pet must remain in its kennel while at the airport, unless they are in a designated relief area.
When choosing a carrier for your pet, ensure that it is the appropriate size and that your pet can fit comfortably inside. The carrier should be clean and leak-proof, with absorbent bedding made of safe, non-toxic material. Soft-sided collapsible kennels are recommended as they can be slightly larger and still fit under the seat. They should be made of water-repellent material and have nylon mesh ventilation on 3 or more sides. The kennel must also be rigid and secure enough so that the animal cannot escape.
It is important to help your pet acclimate to the carrier before the day of travel. Leave the carrier in their living space and feed them in the carrier to ensure they are comfortable. Additionally, do not sedate your pet before travel unless it is specifically advised by your veterinarian, as the effects of tranquilizers on animals at high altitudes are unpredictable. Other important considerations include temperature restrictions and weight restrictions, which vary depending on the airline.
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Prepare for security screening
Preparing for security screening with your dog at the airport is a straightforward process, but it does require some planning. Here are some detailed instructions to help you prepare:
Before Arriving at the Airport
Before your trip, it is important to confirm the airline's policies regarding pets and ensure that your dog has been cleared for boarding. Most airlines will only accept smaller dogs, and there may be fees associated with bringing your dog on board. Check with your airline and be aware of any specific requirements or restrictions they may have. It is also a good idea to take your dog for a walk and allow them to go to the bathroom before arriving at the airport.
Documentation and Identification
If you are travelling with a service dog, the Department of Transportation (DOT) requires all service dog handlers to fill out a specific service dog form. It is recommended to submit this form to your airline ahead of time. While not mandatory, equipping your service dog with a recognisable vest, tag, or identification card can help signal their role to airport staff and fellow travellers. Handlers of psychiatric service dogs may also find it reassuring to carry a copy of their PSD letter.
At the Security Checkpoint
Upon reaching the security checkpoint, promptly inform the TSA agent that you are accompanied by a service dog or a pet. If your dog is a service dog, you may need to remove any metal items such as collars. However, essential items for controlling or identifying your dog while on duty are exempt from removal. You have the option to carry your dog through the walk-through metal detector, or you can walk them through the screening process on a leash. Small service dogs can be carried. If the alarm sounds, you may undergo a pat-down, but you will not be separated from your dog. After the screening, proceed to a designated area away from the security checkpoint to securely place your dog back into their carrier.
During the Screening Process
Listen carefully to the guidance provided by the TSA officers and follow their instructions. They may swab your hands for explosive residue as part of the screening process. All pets should be brought to the security checkpoint in a handheld travel carrier. Remove your dog from the carrier just before the screening process begins. Place the empty carrier on the conveyor belt for X-ray screening, but never place your dog in the X-ray tunnel.
After the Screening Process
Once you and your dog have successfully passed through security, consider requesting pre-boarding from the gate agents to comfortably settle your dog before general boarding commences. Remember, travelling with your dog should not be a source of stress. TSA officers are trained to accommodate both service dogs and pets, and they are there to assist you throughout the process.
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Relief areas are available
These relief areas provide essential elements for animals in transit, such as drinking areas with bowls and garbage areas with mutt mitt dispensers. They are situated in fully fenced and landscaped areas with accessibility for the disabled, and they are available 24 hours a day.
At San Francisco International Airport, painted paw prints on the arrivals level terminal curbside walkways lead the way to the outdoor relief locations at Terminal 1, Courtyard 2, Arrivals/Baggage Claim Level, and Terminal 3, near Courtyard 4, Arrivals/Baggage Claim Level.
Dulles International Airport also has four pet relief areas, with two located outside the terminal (pre-security) and two located inside the concourses (post-security).
It is important to know where the pet relief areas are in the airport you are using, and if possible, it is a good idea to get a flight from a gate nearby.
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Frequently asked questions
It depends on the airport and whether the rules are enforced. While most airports require pets to be in a carrier, some people have reported being able to walk their dogs on a leash without issue. Service animals are allowed inside passenger terminals as long as they are on a leash.
You'll need to take everything metal off your dog and carry them through the metal detectors while their carrier and your belongings go on the X-ray belt. At the security checkpoint, remove your dog from its carrier and send the carrier through the X-ray machine. Then, carry your dog through the metal detector or walk them through on a leash.
If your dog may be skittish or anxious when removed from its carrier, request that a TSA officer screen your dog in a private screening room. The officer will escort you and your dog, still in its carrier, to the room.
Many airports have animal relief areas, which provide drinking areas with bowls and garbage areas with mutt mitt dispensers. These areas are usually located behind security, so you'll need to take your dog outside if they're not already in an animal relief area.
Small dogs can travel in the cabin of an aircraft with their owners after being screened by TSA officers at the security checkpoint. However, pet travel restrictions vary by airline, so be sure to check with your airline before traveling with your dog.
