Does TSA require pet health certificates?

Most airlines also require a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (health certificate) issued within 10 days of travel. Federal regulations require pets to be at least 8 weeks old and they should be weaned at least 5 days before flying. Talk to your veterinarian about feeding schedules.



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CDC does not require general certificates of health for pets for entry into the United States. However, health certificates may be required for entry into some states or may be required by airlines. Check with officials in the state of final destination and with the airline before your travel date.

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The TSA does not have general guidelines for pet carriers, but carriers typically go through an X-ray machine (while pets must go through a metal detector, just like their owners), so it's a good idea to bring a leash or harness, so your pet doesn't break loose at security.

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While Delta Air Lines does not require a health certificate for your animal to travel in the cabin or as checked baggage, some States and Countries do require health documents.

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Nearly all the dogs used in Federal service at TSA, FBI, BATF, ICE, CBP, USDA - APHIS etc are all provided by the Army Military Working Dog Program kennels at Joint Base Lackland-San Antonio. Depending on how many specialties the dog is trained in, the cost is estimated at anywhere from $20k to $40…

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They don't want them out of the carrier at all, which is understandable. I flew United (sorry, not Northwest or American) with my 15-pound dog about a year ago. I bought a soft-sided carrier that was approved by several airlines, as shown on its tag at the pet store, but no one ever measured or weighed it.

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How to get a pet passport to import your dog, cat or other animal to the United States in 7 Steps
  • Step #1 - Export Requirements. ...
  • Step #2 - Proof of rabies vaccination. ...
  • Step #3 - Screwworm Inspection. ...
  • Step #4 - Import Permit. ...
  • Step #5 - Veterinary Health Certificate. ...
  • Step #6 - Requirements to Import a Puppy.


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Dogs must stay in their carriers while at the airport unless they are using a pet relief area. If the airport does not have pet relief areas, you and your dog will have to leave the airport and return through security.

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Carry-On Pets They must be able to fit in a small, ventilated pet carrier that fits under the seat in front of you. One pet is permitted per kennel with the following exceptions: One female cat/dog may travel with her un-weaned litter if the litter is between 10 weeks to 6 months of age.

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At the airport, TSA's use of explosive detection canines significantly enhances the efficiency of the security screening process, serving as an added layer of security. Away from the airport, the dogs can work in a variety of locations and use their keen sense of smell to augment existing security efforts.

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Pets traveling in the cabin need to stay inside a carrier. Carrier requirements may change from airline to airline, but dogs should be able to stand naturally and turn around inside it without touching the sides or top. Can my cat or dog sit on my lap? No.

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Pets are flown as baggage when you are on the same flight and they are traveling in the cargo hold beneath. This is usually applicable for pets that are medium sized. At all the time during the duration of the flight, your pet will be kept inside the kennel that meets the airline approved size limitation.

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Your airline may allow soft-sided pet carriers for in-cabin travel. One option for small dogs is the Snoozer Roll Around Travel Dog Carrier Backpack 4-in-1 a well-ventilated, soft-sided dog carrier that's a backpack, a rollable carrier with wheels, a safe dog car seat, and a pet bed, all in one.

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U.S. Airline Pet Policies Typically, airlines require pet health certificates that are no older than 10 days, even if the receiving country accepts an older one. Some countries, however, require a health certificate to be even less than 10 days. Check directly with the airline.

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Usually dogs are only allowed to fly in the cabin—known as carry-on pets—if they can comfortably fit in a carrier that you can stow under the seat in front of you. A small number of airlines, including JetBlue, Alaska Airlines, and Etihad Airways, allow passengers flying with dogs to buy an extra seat for their pet.

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Many airlines allow pets to fly in the cabin as a carry-on, so long as they stay inside a carrier that's small enough to fit under the seat in front of you for the duration of the flight. Southwest, Alaska, United, American, Delta, Hawaiian, Spirit, and Frontier are some of the airlines that allow pets as carry-ons.

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