Pets and metal detectors

So I had this thought during one of my lectures this morning when I should have been paying attention...

Are our pets taken through a metal detector at any point in the immigration process? I ask because one of my cats has a metal IM (intramedullary) pin from when she had a broken leg. The orthopedic surgeon left it in as it isn't causing any trouble and she would have had to cause some soft tissue damage to get it out.

I was wondering if I should get a letter from the surgeon or my vet stating she has a pin in that leg.

This is probably silly, but I was curious and obviously would like to avoid any potential trouble.

I know when I traveled from the UK to Ireland they had me take the cats out of the crates so they could put the crates through the detector. But thinking back, I'm not sure what they did in the US. I don't remember taking the cats out of the crates there (I was in Newark). It would definitely be worth having a letter from the vet and calling the airline prior to flying to ask what they'll do. 

I know when I traveled from the UK to Ireland they had me take the cats out of the crates so they could put the crates through the detector. But thinking back, I'm not sure what they did in the US. I don't remember taking the cats out of the crates there (I was in Newark). It would definitely be worth having a letter from the vet and calling the airline prior to flying to ask what they'll do. 

Thanks Bmore!! I think I will do just that, to be on the safe side.

I am sure they scan them - have you seen "Nothing to Declare"?  If not, you would be amazed the way people sneak stuff into countries.

I see you are moving from Florida to the UK?  I moved from St Petersburg (pit stop at my parents house in GA) to England.  I am happy to be moving to be with my husband but sure will miss Florida sunshine.

I am sure they scan them - have you seen "Nothing to Declare"?  If not, you would be amazed the way people sneak stuff into countries.

I see you are moving from Florida to the UK?  I moved from St Petersburg (pit stop at my parents house in GA) to England.  I am happy to be moving to be with my husband but sure will miss Florida sunshine.

Yes I've spoken with the surgeon who did the operation and I will just make sure to have all my records with me so that there aren't any problems (hopefully).

I'm not moving until next year, and maybe I will change my mind eventually but I can't wait to be in a more temperate climate!! I can't stand the heat and humidity in Florida. Ugh! I live in Gainesville currently, so more in-land and the seabreezes that used to make things somewhat less icky in Miami are no longer present. It makes for some pretty gross summers.