I know that not all Pet Owners agree to allow their Pets to go through the Airport Security Scanning Machine, but I also know that some do. So I wanted to find out what the issue is and wrote this Letter to the Airport in Athens (where they never allow Pets to go through the Scanner – unlike at other Airports.)

I wrote this Letter to Athens Airport:
Will be traveling with a Cat in Cabin From Larnaca to Dusseldorf with Transfer in Athens. In Larnaca we can put the Cat through the Security Scanner as per their Policy (• Preferred and safe method for Airport security is to leave the cat in the travel crate/carrier •} But in Athens they ALWAYS force us to take the Cat out of the Bag , scan the Bag and put the Cat in again. Why is Athens different to other Int. Airports.??

And this was their Answer:
In reply to your email dated 16/01/20 regarding the screening of your cat and its travel crate, we would like to inform you that, as according to the x-ray manufacturer’s technical instructions, it is recommended to avoid the use of the x-ray machines for screening of live animals, we apply the process of separate  screening of the animal and its carrier.

Kind regards,
Marina Labropoulou
Security Controller – Investigator

It is-as you can see NOT recommended BUT up to the individual Owner to decide.
Just a piece of FYI.