Have you noticed crates or carriers being advertised as "TSA-approved"?

Let me clear the air: this is nothing more than a marketing gimmick. There is no such thing as TSA approval for pet carriers, and falling for this label could leave you with a carrier that doesn't meet airline or international transport standards—putting your pet (and your trip) at risk.

What the TSA Actually Does?

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is responsible for airport security screening in the US. They do not set or enforce pet carrier design standards, nor do they "approve" or certify any brand of carrier.

Here's what TSA requires at security checkpoints:

• Pets must be removed from the carrier and carried or walked through the screening machine.
• The empty carrier goes through the X-ray.
• TSA officers may swab or visually inspect the carrier.

That's it. TSA's focus is safety and screening—not construction, ventilation, or travel suitability. TSA has nothing to do with crate design.

Where Can you Find Crate Requirement Information?

The real standards come from the airline or animal transportation company thatyou will use and IATA. IATA will give you the dimensions for the crate as well as the requirements needed for a compliant crate.A compliant crate = a safe and secure container for your pet's travel.

When in doubt, check the rules with your airline and IATA to ensure your pet's carrier/crate truly complies.Your pet's safety depends on it.