When I move overseas, I brought my cat from the US to the foreign country.
After a few years, I moved back and obviously I brought the cat back with
me.

The airline charged me around $100 or $150 for kitty sit in a cage in the
cargo compartment during the 15-hour flight. I had all the necessary
vet records and documents.

When I arrived, the airline employee brought the cat to me in the baggage
area. I carried the cage and showed the CBP guy. I told him that I had a
cat with me from overseas. He didnt' even bother and just said "go right
ahead..." I exited the customs area and went home.

The next time I flew on the same flight back into the US, I had forgotten
about a half-eaten pack of beef jerky that was in my carry-on. That really
freaked out the CBP guys. He called his supervisor over and I got a stern
warning and a lecture. The beef jerky was actually produced in the US
and sold in the foreign country.(at a foreign Costco, no less)

Is a cat or dog really less dangerous than 1/2 ounce of beef jerky?