What Airlines Allow Reptiles In Cabin?

Taking pet lizards on a plane is possible, believe it or not! Although not many airlines will allow lizards to fly on their planes, some do. The following 7 airlines allow pet lizards to fly in cargo hold:

Aegean Air.
Air Canada.

Air Europa.
Alaska Air.
American Airlines.

Finnair.
WestJet.

Can I fly with my reptiles?

Traveling with Pet Exotic Animals: Bird, Iguana, Turtle, Snake, Rabbit, Lizard, Monkey, Frog, Hamster, or Rat – According to the 2009/2010 National Pet Owners Survey, 5.3 million households have opted for a small animal for a pet instead of a dog or cat.

Whether transferred, relocating, or vacationing, many people with small animals like to travel with their pet. The majority of people who travel with a pet do so with a dog, as dogs are more generally welcomed by accommodations worldwide. The issue of cat dander and allergies keeps many hotels from wanting to accept cats, but there are plenty who do.

From the standpoint of taking a pet into another country or on an airline, then cats and ferrets generally fall under the same rules and level of acceptance as dogs. For those pet owners who are traveling with a bird or an exotic pet, (not a cat, dog or ferret,) it is important to consider both the regulations of your airline and your destination country,

You will need a compliant airline pet carrier, whether traveling in the cabin or as checked baggage or cargo. If you are traveling in the cabin, the carrier will have to fit under the seat in front of you, have adequate ventilation, have a waterproof bottom, and be secure. If your pet is traveling as checked baggage or in cargo, you will need a carrier which is in accordance to the rules of the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

It must be made of rigid material, securely assembled, be ventilated on all four sides, have no wheels, and have a spring-lock door that your pet cannot open. You can find additional details about: compliant pet crates, IATA Compliant Pet Crates, Here are some rules for traveling with a nonstandard pet: Birds : Most airlines that accept small pets in the cabin will also accept domestic birds, although finding a suitable bird carrier can be difficult.

See an excellent carrier for small birds, Traveling internationally with a bird requires research as every country seems to have a different rule and the rules change frequently. The issue of bird flu has made traveling with birds more difficult. However, there is one airline in the Middle East that only accepts hunting dogs and “falcons” in the cabin.

Rabbits : Your pet bunny rabbit probably won’t be accepted in the cabin of the aircraft but put him in an IATA compliant pet crate and he will be able to travel as checked baggage. With the exception of the UK, most other countries have not established any rules for rabbits.

If you have a certificate of good health for your domestic rabbit you should have no trouble entering most countries. Hamsters : The airlines do not allow them for whatever reason. Most countries immigration rules do not even mention them. They fall into the same category as rabbits. Turtles : There do not seem to be any bans on the import of turtles.

Some airlines accept them inside the cabin as long as they are in a compliant carrier and are not removed from the carrier during the flight. Reptiles : The airlines will not accept them either in the cabin or as checked baggage. It may be possible to ship the reptile as air cargo provided it has the proper container, but each airline has different rules.

The same is true of hotels and other accommodations – reptiles are just not one of the better pets to take with you when you travel. Monkeys : The import of monkeys varies depending on the type of monkey and the rules of the airline you are flying. Rats & Mice : The airlines will not allow rats and mice in the cabin of the aircraft.

You can ship rats and mice in cargo as long as it is in a proper container providing the country does not ban the import of that type of animal. Frogs : We cannot find any regulations on the import or export of frogs. As long as it is kept in a compliant carrier, the airlines should not have a problem with them.

The important thing to remember is that each airline makes its own rules for the import of birds and exotic pets, and every country with the exception of the European Union (EU) countries, make their own rules regarding the various types of pets.
The EU established one set of rules for all member countries except for the UK and Malta, which have more stringent requirements.

The source for reliable information is PetTravel.com through its immigration and airline sections that can be found in the directory on the left hand side of every page on our website. We are always happy to answer your questions at: or post on our blog or our forum,

Can you fly with a small lizard?

Traveling by air – Airlines will take most reptiles but only as cargo. This will be more expensive than shipping but it might be less stressful for your pet. Make sure to check with the airline on which you want to travel because they all have varying rules and regulations.

If going by cargo, make sure that you use an airline approved carrier for your type of pet.

For larger reptiles, such as iguanas and larger snakes, a cat or dog carrier may be sufficient.
Make sure the carrier is large enough so your pet can move around but not too large as the animal could injure itself.

Again, the airline can be a great resource regarding a carrier because they transport pets every day. Make sure that you properly label whatever carrier you use. Print “live animal” and “keep at room temperature” or other important information in large letters.

Also include your new phone number and address and any other contact information, such as a cell phone.
When traveling by air, make sure you are well organized.
Your pet will experience stress during the entire process, so make it as short as possible.

Pack your pet last and only when you are ready to leave for the airport.

Make sure you have plenty of time once you get to the airport, but not too long. Direct flights may cost a bit more but not having to switch airlines and spend additional time traveling will help reduce the stress load on your reptile.

How do you travel with lizards?

How to Safely Transport Reptiles to the Vet Hello everyone! Earlier this month we posted about safe transport of birds and small mammals to the vet, now we’re moving on to our scaled creatures! Reptiles come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes and can sometimes be a bit challenging to transport.

The most important thing is transporting them safely to and from the vet! Recommendations on how to transport them will vary from species to species.
Turtles need to come into the vet for a variety of reasons – they may be showing signs of illness, or coming in for their annual health exam.
It is very important that you bring a separate water sample from your turtles tank or pond to your appointment (kept in a clean glass or plastic jar) so this can also be assessed.

Turtles should not be transported to the vet in water as they can tire quickly and drown. Ideally turtles should be kept moist during transport to ensure they maintain hydration and to minimise damage to their delicate skin. We recommend transporting your turtle in a plastic container lined with damp bedding (such as paper towel for small turtles and soaked towels for larger ones). Turtles can be safely transported to the vet in a secure plastic tub with a damp padded substrate (e.g. a towel). You should never transport your turtle in a tub of water, as they can drown. It is important to have soft, damp substrate to prevent damage to their skin and shell and to help maintain hydration.

We regularly see a variety of lizards at the clinic – often bearded dragons and blue tongues, but we sometimes get large monitors too! Depending on the size of your lizard you can transport them in a number of ways. Ideally lizards should be secured in a carrier during transport. We do have some lizards that come to see us that are harness trained.

If a lizard is being brought to the vet just with a harness it needs to be supervised and held by a person at all times, even with this it is possible for a lizard to get into trouble by trying to run away. There are a number of carriers that are suitable for lizards, such as those often marketed for small mammals or birds.

Lizards can also be brought in a plastic tub, as long as there is adequate ventilation.
Most lizards appreciate having the ability to hide during stressful times, such as during transport.
A small box or sleeping bag can be used, be careful with heavy hides, as these may move around during a car trip and could cause injury.

Very large monitors should be securely contained within plastic tubs. These carriers are often marketed for small mammals (such as guinea pigs and rats) but are great for small reptiles. This is Rex the monitor. He is brought to the vet in a soft material carrier with good ventilation panels made of mesh. Reptiles often feel safer if they have a hide to use during transport. Rex has a material sleeping bag that he is rather fond of. Snakes come in a variety of sizes and suggested method of transport may change as your snake ages.

Hatchlings are generally brought to the clinic in small plastic tubs with ventilation holes and a hide.
It is particularly important for young animals to have access to a hide, as their first trip to the vet might be a bit scary for them and hiding may make them feel more secure.

As snakes get bigger often they can be safely transported in material bags such as pillow cases.

Can you fly with an iguana?

Some airlines allow iguanas to be transported in such carriers. If it’s a hard carrier, you should also use cloth to line the bottom for comfort. If you fly with your iguana, make sure to secure the front door so that it can’t suddenly burst open.

How much does it cost to bring a reptile on a plane?

Lizards on a Plane! Relax, They’re in Cargo

No, venomous snakes are not allowed on airplanes.
Everything else – from lemurs to lizards to lion cubs – may be traveling in the belly of your next flight.

What, you thought they drove?

While the Burmese python with all that screen time in the new film “Snakes on a Plane” would get turned back at the gate, non-venomous snakes can and do travel by air. In fact, as coldblooded animals that readily adapt to temperature shifts, they make great passengers.

Critters in cargo have become more commonplace as airlines, in response to new government rules, have made animal travel safer and more predictable.

Joining the traditional shippers – zoos, breeders and researchers – are regular folks who simply want to take their pets along.
It’s an evolution of our society, with pets becoming part of the family.

People hate to leave them behind,” said Lisa Schoppa, manager of express package service product development for Continental Airlines, one of the busiest shippers of animals. Pets can even earn frequent-flier miles, as some airlines go out of their way to cater to their owners.

Calling him “my four-legged baby,” Maria Torres greeted Simba, the family pug, after he arrived at the Newark, N.J., airport from Tampa, Fla., earlier this month. The Torres family, from Brooklyn, N.Y., had spent six months in Florida and couldn’t bear to be separated from Simba. He flew in the cargo hold of a Continental plane.

A seeing-eye miniature horse once flew first class with its owner on their way to an appearance on “Oprah,” said American Airlines spokesman Tim Wagner. Just recently, a penguin flew from the Fort Worth Zoo in Texas to the Little Rock Zoo in Arkansas.

The penguin actually marched on board,” he said.
On a recent day, Continental’s animal operation in Newark handled a Rhodesian ridgeback show dog and a tiny Labradoodle arriving from Buffalo, N.Y., along with five wooden crates from which the odd thumping noise was occasionally heard.

The lading order listed them as Cape Griffon vultures on their journey from South Africa to an alligator farm in Florida.

Continental staffers have seen ostriches, lizards, snakes, mice, monkeys, small kangaroos, white tiger cubs, turtles and alligators, said Peter Adragna, service manager. Animals can fly three ways: in the cabin as “carry on,” as checked baggage accompanying a passenger, or as unaccompanied freight cargo.

Only small dogs, cats, rabbits and birds – as well as service animals – can travel in the cabin of most airlines, tucked under the passenger seat. Anything else goes in the pressurized cargo hold. Which animals can travel where depends on complicated rules that factor in size, weight, destination, breed, temperature and age.

Newborns can’t travel. Some airlines ban pit bulls. Hawaii and the United Kingdom have quarantine regulations. Snub-nosed dogs and cats, whose short breathing passages make them more vulnerable to respiratory distress, have their own restrictions. Pet travel used to be far more haphazard, with fewer regulations and less paperwork.

Back in those free-wheeling days, you really could fly a poisonous snake, recalls Parker Space, owner of Space Farms, a zoo in Sussex, N.J.
They used to order diamondbacks and sidewinders from Texas.

They had to be stamped all over the box: ‘Venomous Snakes – Do Not Touch,’ ” he said.
Back then, animal travel was cheaper and easier – but much more dangerous to the animals.

The wide fluctuations in temperature – from the cold of the jet stream to the heat of a plane delayed on the tarmac – were especially risky. There were sad tales of peacocks that died because of insufficient air holes in their wooden crates, puppy-mill animals shipped far too young, or animals who suffered in excessive cold or heat.

Now airlines are held more accountable for the animals they fly. Any death or injury is logged in a monthly report filed by the Bureau of Transportation Statistics. (Go to, then search for “pets.”) Animals must have an overnight layover if their flight is too long, and cannot fly when it is too cold or too hot.

That added safety, combined with the growth in popularity of “pocket pets,” has increased the animal population of the average flight. However, most airlines limit the number of pets aboard, in part so there will be enough room to move any passenger with pet allergies.

Pet travel isn’t cheap.

Bringing them along in the cabin costs $80 to $95 each way on most airlines, while the fee for shipping them cargo is based on weight and distance.
Villanova University professor James Murphy spent about $1,000 to ship a Labrador puppy acquired on a study-abroad visit to Galway, Ireland.

While it may have been cheaper to buy a dog at home, other considerations overrode the cost. “We wanted a country dog; we wanted an Irish puppy. It’s as simple as that,” he said.

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IF YOU FLY
WITH FIDO

– Book a nonstop flight if possible.
– Consider an early-morning or late-day flight to avoid the heat of the day.
– Carry a current photo of your pet.

– Avoid giving your pet tranquilizers and sedatives; they diminish the animal’s balance and ability to respond to stress.
– Give your pet at least a month to acclimate to its carrier.

– Some animals find flying too stressful. Reconsider your plans if yours is one of them. Sources: The Humane Society of the United States; American Veterinary Medical Association News stories provided by third parties are not edited by “Site Publication” staff. For suggestions and comments, please click the Contact link at the bottom of this page. : Lizards on a Plane! Relax, They’re in Cargo

Can I travel with my bearded dragon?

Supplies –

To transport your Bearded Dragon, you will need an appropriately sized carrier, ideally around the same size as your reptile habitat at home. Since reptile carriers are not easily found, you may need to use a dog or cat carrier. Make sure the carrier is secure, though, and there are no places through which your reptile could escape. You may want to cover the bottom of the carrier with carpet so that your reptile doesn’t slip around while the car is moving. Since your Bearded Dragon is accustomed to hotter temperatures than will probably be comfortable for you in the car, you will need to find a way to keep him warm in his carrier. This can be done with a small heat mat or by simply keeping the temperature up in the car. Another important supply is your pet’s health information. It is essential to carry this with you during travel. All of his health certificates should be included. If your pet has any medications, be sure to pack those as well.

Can I fly with my pet gecko?

Can I Take My Leopard Gecko on a Plane? Although leopard geckos are not hard to care for, they do require frequent attention in order to get what’s needed for them to survive. Because of this, traveling can be difficult and can even cause confusion on what you should do for making sure that they’re being taken care of.

That said, let’s now take a deeper look into this topic to see if doing something like this is even possible.
Can I take my leopard gecko on a plane? It depends.
Some airlines will allow you to travel with reptiles while others won’t, so it’s best to check the policy of the airline that you decide to travel with before attempting to bring your leopard gecko along with you.

Although a lot of airlines don’t allow this type of transportation, fortunately, there are still other methods that you can use in order to bring or care for your leopard gecko that doesn’t include traveling in an airplane. Not only will some of these other options be less of a hassle for you, but they also might be safer for your leopard gecko as well.

Can a bearded dragon fly on a plane?

Summary – Yes, bearded dragons can be brought on a plane as checked baggage. Bearded dragons require a warm climate, so if you’re traveling to a colder destination, your dragon may not be able to survive the trip. If you’re unsure whether your dragon can make the journey, it’s best to consult with your carrier beforehand. : Can You Bring a Bearded Dragon on a Plane

What to do with reptiles when you go on vacation?

Hire A Pet Sitter (That Specializes In The Species They Will Be Caring For) – While almost anyone can care for cats or dogs, your exotic pets are unlike Fido and Whiskers and will need to be cared for by someone with a good understnading of the kind of care your fish or reptiles require.

Leave preferred veterinarian information with your sitter – remember to include their name, phone number, address, and any other relevant information Leave a feeding schedule – this one is incredibly important. As most aquarists are aware, overfeeding your fish can lead to spikes in ammonia levels in your tank, improper digestion, and fatty liver. Likewise, bearded dragons can suffer as a result of improper feeding and watering. Leaving a schedule for your sitter should keep issues like this at bay. Leave pre-packed feeding kits for the sitter – you can use plastic baggies or pill bottles to pre-pack the ideal amounts of food so that you are guaranteed no overfeeding or underfeeding will occur. Give your sitter a checklist to keep track of feeds – include days, time of days, and feed amounts. This is also useful if you have more than one pet or tank that needs feeding. Include misting and water information as well.

Can leopard geckos go on planes?

Airplanes, trains, and Leopard Gecko travel – Few airplanes and trains permit reptiles, and those that do are expensive. Airplanes will insist on having your Leopard gecko checked in as cargo. I would only recommend traveling in a plane if you are relocating, as flying can be stressful for you and your geckos.

Can you kiss your pet lizard?

I would have thought this would fall under the realm of common sense, but as the saying goes: Common sense is like deodorant, the people that need it the most don’t use it, A recent report out of Scotland is warning people not to kiss their pet reptiles, in response to four people who were hospitalized with salmonellosis after kissing bearded dragons, and other reptiles.

Reptile-associated salmonellosis is a major concern, and while there are ways to make reptile ownership very safe for most people, some risk will always remain.
Certain behaviours will increase that risk.

A large percentage of healthy reptiles have Salmonella in their intestinal tracts, and anything that’s in the intestinal tract ends up in the animal’s habitat and on its skin.

Kissing reptiles is an obvious way to be exposed to this bacterium, which can cause serious disease in some situations. Among the report’s recommendations are:

Families that own a bearded dragon or similar reptiles are advised to consult their doctor if they become ill with symptoms of fever, vomiting, abdominal pain and/or diarrhoea. They should also inform their GP that they keep a reptile. Children are particularly at risk because they like to stroke and handle pets. NHS Forth Valley have also issued a guide for pet owners to reduce the risk of catching Salmonella from lizards, which includes supervising children to make sure they do not put the animal, or objects it has been in contact with, near their mouths. It also recommended washing hands with soap and water immediately after handling a reptile, its cage or any other equipment, keeping a reptile out of rooms where food it prepared or eaten, and disposing of droppings and waste water down a toilet, rather than in a sink or bath.

Just common sense. More information about reptiles and Salmonella can be found on the Worms & Germs Resources – Pets page.

Can I bring a frog on a plane?

Re: travel with pacman frog by flight – Yes. I called Delta. You only can bring cat, dog and bird on board not amphibian or reptile. I have to use air cargo. Do you have any idea what container I can buy for my frog? It has not to be plastic. March 12th, 2015 #8 ( ) 100+ Post Member

Can I bring my snake on a plane?

January 6, 2023 / 5:30 PM / CBS News TSA officer discovers cat inside checked luggage TSA officer discovers cat inside checked luggage 00:24 A woman attempted to bring a 4-foot boa constrictor in a carry-on bag through a TSA checkpoint in Tampa International Airport last month, officials said. TSA spokesperson Lisa Farbstein said that a woman claimed the snake, named Bartholomew, was her emotional support animal, but after the airline was notified, it refused to let her have it on the plane. Snake on a plane? This is a @TSA X-ray of Bartholomew, a boa constrictor who was in a traveler’s carry-on bag at @FlyTPA last month. Woman claimed the snake was her emotional support pet. TSA notified the airline, which ruled that there was not going to be a snake on their plane! pic.twitter.com/kSg6YeRluU — Lisa Farbstein, TSA Spokesperson (@TSA_Northeast) January 6, 2023 The TSA posted on Instagram that airlines don’t allow snakes in carry-on bags, and only a few will allow them in checked bags if the animal is packaged correctly. In November, a cat was found in a carry-on bag at New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport. The cat belonged to “someone else” the traveler lived with, TSA said. The animal was unharmed and brought home, officials said. Animals aren’t the only strange find TSA agents have encountered. The agency even created a list of the 10 strangest discoveries, which include a gun found inside a raw chicken and fentanyl pills in candy wrappers. The Transportation Department issued a ruling in 2020 that would no longer allow people to bring emotional support animals onto airplanes. Service animals, which the DOT defined as a dog trained to help a person with a disability, are still allowed on planes.

In: Travel Tampa, Florida Florida

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Can we carry turtle in flight?

Policy for Carriage of Pets on International Flights – Animals such as dogs, cats, household birds and other pets when properly crated and accompanied by valid health and vaccination certificates, entry permits, and other documents required by countries of entry and/or transit will provisionally be accepted for carriage, with the advance agreement of carrier, subject to carrier’s regulations.

All Passengers intending to Import/Export pets into/from India from/for all countries as baggage are required to comply with applicable regulations and to have No Objection Certificate / Pre-import Clearance from Animal Quarantine & Certification Service (AQCS) in India, before the commencement of the journey to India.

For further details on import/export of pet to/from India, please refer to https://aqcsindia.gov.in/ The import/export of pets by passenger’s having the requisite clearance & permission from Animal Quarantine & Certification Service – India (AQCS) can ONLY be done via 06 Airports in india at present viz.

BANGALORE ( BLR ) / CHENNAI ( MAA ) / DELHI ( DEL ) / HYDERABAD ( HYD ) KOLKATA ( CCU ) / MUMBAI ( BOM ) The import / export of the pets has to be done only from the port/s mentioned on the permission obtained by the passenger.E.G. If the permission to import / export a pet has been granted by the ACQS office in DELHI, then the first port of arrival for this pet will be DELHI ONLY Pets will be accepted only when properly crated and accompanied by valid documentation e.g.

Official health certificate from the country of origin certifying that the cat or dog is free from clinical sign and symptoms of all infectious and contagious diseases including Rabies, Distemper, Leptospirosis etc, entry permits and all other documents required by countries of entry, for transit of Pets.

Weight up to 32 kgs maximum including the weight of the pet + kennel/crate is permitted. For weights in excess of 32 kgs, the Pets MUST be booked as Cargo only.A maximum of 2 animals – pets as checked baggage or service dog is permitted per aircraft, subject to health documentation, and No Objection Certificate. This rule is valid for all flights, without exception.The dog and Cat (three months of age and older) must be vaccinated against Rabies more than one month, but within 12 months prior to actual embarkation and all details shall be officially certified or mentioned in the official Health certificate. Also all other vaccination record/detail shall be officially certified or mentioned in the official Health Certificate.The name of owner in the official health certificate must match with the name as mentioned in the ticket of owner to establish ownership. Passenger’s booking reference must include a remark indicating that he/she will travel with a PET.Pets will be carried at an additional charge and will not be included in the Free Baggage Allowance, even if the passenger has no other baggage, to the exception for Guide/Service Dogs. Normal excess baggage charges will be applied according to the baggage system applicable i.e.- Piece or weight, for carriage of accompanied pets. Weight of the pet plus container, as also food carried per container, will be charged.

However, a Trained Guide / Service Dog when properly muzzled and leashed, not occupying a passenger seat and compliant with all other Pet Import Regulations and with concurrence of the Commander are the only pets accepted in cabin. Air India will not be responsible in the event such pets are refused entry into or passage through any country or territory.

Can I travel with my ball python?

What you need to know before your reptile flies the friendly skies. – The Samuel L. Jackson horror flick Snakes on a Plane has taken in more than $20 million at the box office since it opened Aug.18. In the film, a drug dealer smuggles 300 snakes onto a plane that’s carrying a man who plans to testify against him.

What’s the proper way to transport a snake on a plane? In a box, with warning labels. According to the International Air Transport Association’s Live Animals Regulations (which have been adopted by the United States), snakes should first be wrapped in a cloth sack—if you’ve got a plain old garden snake, a pillowcase will do.

That sack should then be tied off and placed inside a sturdy container that’s easy to open and close with ventilation holes small enough to prevent the critter from escaping. There also must be enough room inside for the snake to lie down naturally. The box should be labeled “LIVE ANIMAL.” Venomous snakes get a special tag that includes the reptile’s scientific name and a pictorial warning label.

Venomous snakes should, if possible, be packed in rigid plastic containers, so inspectors can look inside without opening the package. You can sometimes put more than one nonvenomous snake in the same container, depending on their sizes and habits. Any snake longer than 120 centimeters needs its own bag.

Same goes for cannibalistic snakes like the black-headed python and the mussurana, The container should also be climate-controlled. The body temperatures of snakes and other cold-blooded animals fluctuate with ambient temperatures, so containers shouldn’t get hotter than 85 degrees or colder than 45 degrees.

Packaging might include heat or cold packs to maintain a moderate temperature.
Many airlines refuse to ship animals during extreme weather conditions,) Many airlines allow dogs and cats as carry-on luggage for a fee, as long as you store them in a pet carrier.
Snakes, though, aren’t allowed in the cabin.

You can send your slithery friend either by cargo plane or in the luggage compartment of a passenger jet. Airlines store the box in a pressurized, temperature-controlled area of the plane. The cost of shipping an animal depends on the size, manner of transport, and distance traveled.

Can TSA detect animals?

TSA offers tips for traveling with small pets through the security checkpoint this holiday season DENVER – With the holiday travel period upon us, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is expecting to see a marked increase in the number of pets brought to the security checkpoint at Denver International Airport (DEN). Traveling through the security checkpoint with your pet can be easy when you know what to expect.

TSA recognizes that for many pet owners, their animals are an extension of their family and they want to travel together,” said TSA Deputy Federal Security Director for Colorado Anne Cross “Becoming familiar with the screening procedures and how to clear security quickly and easily is the first step to embarking on a great trip with your pet.” In the past few weeks, TSA has discovered two pets during the X-ray screening process.

The first was a cat who had been placed in a piece of checked luggage at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York. The second incident involved a dog who was screened at the security checkpoint at Dane County Regional Airport in Madison, Wisconsin.

All pets should be brought to the security checkpoint in a hand-held travel carrier. Remove the pet from the carrier just prior to the beginning of the screening process. Place the empty travel carrier so it can be x-rayed. Never place a pet in the x-ray tunnel. The x-ray at the security checkpoint is used to screen passengers’ personal property and carry-on luggage only. If possible, carry the pet during the screening process. Alternately, a pet can walk through the screening process if the owner has the pet on a leash. A TSA officer will give the pet owner’s hands an explosive trace detection swab to ensure there is no explosive residue on the owner’s hands. Once the screening process is complete, owners should return the pet to the travel carrier at the re-composure area away from the security checkpoint. This location helps ensure the safety of the pet as well as other passengers.

Other helpful travel tips to make your trip thru security as easy as possible include:

Acclimate the pet to the process of traveling by familiarizing it with the travel carrier in the days leading up to the trip. This familiarization will help ensure the pet is more relaxed as it travels through the security process and the airport. Be on the lookout for “working” K9s and handlers at the airport. Areas where it is common to see a working K9 at airports may include a security checkpoint or in the terminal concourse. If you encounter a working canine, please be screened at an alternate checkpoint. Know the temperament of your pet and ensure that you can maintain control of it in a busy and potentially crowded transportation environment. Familiarize yourself with the pet relief areas at DEN. There are multiple locations available.

✔ Jeppesen Terminal, Level 2 on the northwest side (pre-security) ✔ A Gates, Level 2, near the U.S. Mail drop ✔ B Gates, Level 2, near the U.S. Mail drop ✔ C Gates, Level 2, near the U.S. Mail drop

Below are additional tips for traveling with pets provided by in Golden, Colorado.

Ensure your pet is healthy and up to date on vaccinations before you travel. Check with your veterinarian for a health certificate. Make sure you have your pet’s vaccination records. Book a direct flight when possible. Ensure your pet is microchipped and wearing a collar and tag with current, accurate information. Purchase a pet-friendly crate large enough for your pet to stand, sit, and turn around comfortably. Make sure you have fresh food and water for your pet. Take your dog for a walk and allow them to go to the bathroom before your flight. When traveling with cats, provide a small elimination area in the carrier or be thoughtful with their feeding schedule, so they don’t need to go to the bathroom during the flight. Help your pet acclimate to the carrier ahead of the flight. Leave the carrier in their living space and feed them in the carrier to ensure they are comfortable. Ensure you let the airline personnel know you are traveling with a pet.

Pet travel restrictions vary by airline, so please check with your air carrier before traveling with your pet. For information on traveling with service animals or for other special circumstances, please reach out to the TSA Contact Center by calling 866-289-9673 or by emailing, : TSA offers tips for traveling with small pets through the security checkpoint this holiday season

Do reptiles need check ups?

Many reptile owners are surprised to learn that all pets, including reptiles, need at least annual checkups. A number of reptile veterinarians actually recommend checkups at least twice a year. There are two reasons for this: first, since most pets including reptiles do not live as long as people, getting a checkup only once a year is like you going to your doctor every 5-10 years.

This is too long to wait to find out if something is wrong with your pet. Second, early detection and treatment of disease are very important to give your pet the best prognosis for recovery from disease and is less expensive than treating a serious problem. Regular veterinary care, to prevent problems before they occur, is necessary to ensure your pet lives a long, healthy life.

This is what veterinarians call practicing preventive medicine.

What Animals Can you not take on a plane?

Exotic Pets – Most airlines do not accept exotic or unusual pets, regardless of their status. These may include rodents, reptiles, arachnids, hedgehogs and ferrets, but this rule can apply to any animal. Call your airline and check the rules before booking a trip for you and your exotic pet.

Can you fly with a terrarium?

TSA rules on plants – TSA allows you to bring plants through airport security as a carry-on item so long as they can fit in the overhead bin or underneath the seat of the airplane, This means you should be able to bring flowers, bouquets, and even house plants on a plane.

But you need to be aware of a couple of things with respect to TSA. If you are carrying a bouquet, check for pins that might be used to hold the bouquet together. If TSA finds these they may confiscate them as they could consider them a prohibited sharp object. The TSA liquid rule states that you can only bring liquids through airport security in 3.4 ounce containers that fit into a quart sized bag.

Some plants — especially those with the small vial containers at the bottom — may contain water which could be problematic (more on how to deal with that below). Related: TSA Marijuana Rules Explained (Flying with Weed)

What to do with reptiles when you go on vacation?

Can I travel with my bearded dragon?

Supplies –