Delta Airlines Pet Policy

Delta allows you to travel with certain pets in the cabin or ship them as cargo—but does not accept pets in the checked baggage section of the aircraft. Delta Airlines Pet Policy features:

• Small dogs, cats, and household birds can fly in the passenger cabin on domestic flights (most), provided your pet is small enough to fit comfortably in a carrier under your front seat. 
• Only cats and dogs are allowed in the cabin on international flights.
• The pet carrier size on Delta is determined by your route, but your pet must fit comfortably inside the carrier.
• Delta no longer accepts emotional support animals (except service dogs) free of charge, and does not accept snub-nosed dog and cat breeds.
• Larger pets can be shipped as cargo via Delta Cargo but there’s no guarantee that they’ll be booked on the same flight schedule as the passenger. 
• You must reserve in advance because pets are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. The number of pets accepted on a flight is limited to 2 pets in First Class, 2 in Business Class, and 4 in the Main Cabin on most flights.
• Pets travelling in the cabin on most domestic flights may not require a health certificate. But if shipped as cargo, a health certificate is required—and it must be issued within 10 days of travel by a licensed veterinarian. On international flights, the destination country’s health and documentation requirements must be met.

Delta Airlines Pet Policy for Transporting Pets in the Cabin

Carry-on Pets 

Per Delta Airlines’ pet policy, you can bring your pet—such as a small dog, cat, or household bird—in the cabin with you. However, your pet must fit comfortably in a small, well-ventilated carrier that fits under your front seat. In addition to the pet carrier/kennel, you are allowed to bring 1 personal item onboard, because your pet carrier/kennel will count as your carry-on item.

Delta Airlines Pet Travel Restrictions for Pets in the Cabin (Carry-on Pets)
Per Delta Airlines pet travel policy:

• Carry-on pets are not allowed in the following: 
  • Bulkhead/emergency exit rows
  • “No stowage” seats
  • Flat-bed seats
  • Rows 30-35 on A330-200s
  • Rows 30-43 on A330-300s
  • Center seats on B757-200s 
• Pets will not be accepted in the cabin on Hawaii-bound flights. 
• Household birds are allowed only on domestic flights (within the U.S.) excluding U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, Puerto Rico, and Hawaii.
• Pets (except service animals) must travel as cargo from/to the following countries:
  • Australia
  • United Kingdom
  • United Arab Emirates
  • South Africa
  • Republic of Ireland
  • New Zealand
  • Jamaica  
  • Iceland
  • Hong Kong
  • Dubai
  • Dakar
  • Barbados
• The number of pets allowed per flight is as follows:
  • Domestic incl. Canada—Business Class, Delta One 2
  • International—First Class, Business Class, Delta One, Delta Premium Select 0
  • Main Cabin—Domestic and International 4
• Delta’s carry-on pet fees (per-way, payable at check-in) is as follows:
  • To/from U.S./Canada/Puerto Rico USD 125
  • To/from U.S. Virgin Islands/International USD/CAD/EUR 200
  • To/from Brazil USD 75
• Call Delta at +1-844-902-2949 in advance to make arrangements for your pet.

Carry-on Pet Requirements—Pets in the Cabin 

If you’re travelling with a pet in the cabin, Delta Airlines pet policy states that:

• Pet Container
  • The pet container size will depend on the flight/aircraft, so you must call Delta Reservations for details. 
  • The pet’s weight (incl. carrier/kennel) cannot be more than 18lb/8kg.
  • Only 1 pet per passenger will be accepted.
  • Your pet must be small enough to fit in the container/kennel without any part of its body touching or protruding from the container. 
  • All pets must be able to sit, stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably inside the carrier/container. 
  • The pet carrier/container/kennel must fit under the seat directly in front of you. 
• Pet Age 
  • At least 10 weeks old if travelling within the United States.
  • At least 15 weeks old if travelling to the European Union.
  • At least 16 weeks old if travelling from the United States to another country.
• Other Pet Requirements 
  • Your pet must remain inside its container at all times—during the flight, in the airport lounge, and the boarding area.
  • Only 1 pet is allowed per container/kennel, except when a female dog/cat is travelling with its un-weaned litter between 10 weeks and 6 months old (there’s no limit on the litter’s number).
  • 2 pets can travel in 1 container/kennel (and will be charged for 1 pet) only in the following conditions: 

• They are of the same species and size. 
• They are between 10 weeks to 6 months old. 
• They can fit comfortably in the container. 

Delta Airlines Pet Cargo Policy 

Per Delta Airlines’ pet cargo policy, larger animals can be shipped as cargo via Delta Cargo. 

Delta Airlines pet cargo policy also states that:

• Domestic pet shipments (within the United States) can be made from 14 days to 24 hours before departure.
• There’s no guarantee that the pet will be shipped per the passenger’s flight schedule. 
• Delta Cargo does not accept warm-blooded animals on flights with an average flight time exceeding 12 hours, and shipments will not be allowed for more than 2 flight segments. The stopover between connecting flights must be at least 2 hours.
• You must drop your pet at a Delta Cargo location: 
  • At least 3 hours before departure for domestic flights.
  • At least 5 hours before departure for international flights.  
• The pickup of the pet will be from a Delta Cargo location.
• Delta Cargo will only accept animals for shipment when the temperature forecast at each location of the pet’s journey—i.e., origin, transfer, and destination—is between 20°F (-7°C) and 80° (27°C). 
• Delta Cargo recommends using an IPATA-approved pet shipper for international shipments. 
• Snub-nosed (Brachycephalic) dogs and cats and hybrids will not be accepted.
• The owner must obtain a Health Certificate from a licensed, USDA accredited vet within 10 days of the travel date. Digitally signed electronic health certificates will be accepted. 
• Go through  Delta’s booking guide to ensure you comply with all the requirements.
• For details, call Delta Cargo Customer Service +1-844-902-2949

Delta Airlines Pet Carrier Requirements for Pets as Cargo

When transporting a pet in the hold, Delta Airlines pet cargo policy requires that the pet carrier/container/kennel meet the following requirements:

• The pet carrier/container/kennel must comply with the USDA and IATA LAR regulations. 
• When shipping an animal other than a dog or a cat, you must provide the common and scientific name of the animal. 
• Pet carriers/containers/kennels with plastic latches, doors, and fasteners are not allowed. They must be connected by threaded nuts and bolts. 
• Pet carrier/container/kennel construction
  • Must be made of a rigid material, with a sturdy top, and ventilated from at least 3 sides. If travelling internationally, the container/kennel must be ventilated from all 4 sides. The openings must be on the upper 2/3^rd section of the container/kennel only. The openings of the ventilation must not be on top or on the door. 
  • The kennel door must be made of metal unless you’re using a CarePod crate. Plastic and Fiberglass doors, as well as plastic latches, are not allowed. 
  • Per federal regulations, kennel doors must not be locked. 
  • The container/kennel must have a rim or spacer bar that protrudes at least 1.9cm (0.75in) from all sides (with ventilation openings). 
  • If the container has any wheels, they must be taped together or removed.
• Pet carrier/container/kennel size
  • Delta Airlines pet cargo policy requires that the container/kennel be spacious enough for your pet to:
    • Stand or sit erect
    • Lie down naturally
    • Turn around normally 
  • Your pet’s head or ears must not touch the roof when it sits or stands inside the container. 
• Prohibited/Restricted Kennels
  Delta Airlines pet cargo policy requires that:
  • Kennels made out of wire/welded mesh, cardboard, wicker, or collapsible materials will not be accepted. 
  • Containers with dual doors are prohibited.
  • Containers/kennels with plastic doors and/or latches/fasteners to secure the top and bottom of the container will not be accepted. If using metal or plastic fasteners, the assemblies must be nut-and-bolt threaded type. 
  • Folding-type containers are not allowed. 
  • Above 300 series containers/kennels or customized crates exceeding 24in in height are prohibited. 
• Food and water
  Delta Airlines pet cargo policy requires that:
  • The pet container/kennel must contain 2 empty dishes for food and water (one-piece dishes are allowed if they can be divided into 2 separate sections). The dishes must be fixed to the inner section—but accessible from the outside—so that food and water can be provided when required. Per federal regulations, cats and dogs under 16 weeks old must be given food every 12 hours; and every 24 hours if 16 weeks or older; plus, the water receptacles must be filled at stopovers.
  • Water bottles are allowed, provided they can be securely fixed to the outer section and refilled without opening the door. A separate food dish must also be provided, however. 
• Absorbent Material
  Delta Airlines pet cargo policy requires that:
  • The pet container/kennel must have some absorbent material, such as shredded newspapers (black and white), bedding, towels, blankets, etc. 
  • Organic materials such as wood shavings, hay, or straw are not allowed outside of the United States and Alaska. 
  • Litter boxes for cats are not permitted. 
• Labels and markings
  Delta Airlines pet cargo policy requires that:
  • Per domestic and international regulations, containers/kennels must be labelled and marked as follows (in block letters):
    • LIVE ANIMAL (at least 2.5cm/1in) high on top and one side (at least).
    • THIS END UP (with arrows on at least two sides to indicate the top section of the container). 
  • If the animal must be fed in transit, attach/fix/provide the feeding instructions on top of the container and attach the food to the outer part of the container/kennel. If no food has to be given, you must attach a signed statement from your pet’s veterinarian. 
  • If shipping a warm-blooded animal, you must certify (in writing) that you have fed your pet within 4 hours of checking in. 
• Sedation/tranquilization of dogs and cats is prohibited 
  Delta Airlines pet cargo policy requires that:
  • If you had sedated, tranquilized, or medicated an animal other than a household cat or dog, you must provide the generic name of the drug used on top of the container/kennel, along with the dosage, the method of drug administration, the drug used, the animal’s weight, and the time of medication. 

Health Certificates and Travel Documents for Pets

On most domestic flights within the United States, you may not be required to carry a health certificate for in-cabin pets. However, a health certificate is required for pets shipped as cargo. The certificate must be issued by a licensed veterinarian less than 10 days from the travel date. 

If you’re traveling on an international flight with a pet, you must arrange the vaccinations and other important travel documents well in advance. Make sure to: 

• Carry the original documents with you. 
• Attach a tag (with full contact details incl. phone number) to the pet carrier/kennel.
• Label the pet’s name on the side of the pet container/kennel. 

Travel documents typically include: 

• Pet passport (if required). 
• Health certificate (in English) per legal requirements.
  (highly recommended that you attach copies to the kennel) 

To learn which documents you must carry and the rules that apply, contact the embassies or consulates of the country you’re visiting. For more information, check out the following websites:

• U.S. Regulations
• International Regulations

Delta Airlines Pet Charges

• Delta Carry-on Pet Fees 
  • Delta’s per-way pet fees (payable at check-in) for carry-on pets are as follows:

• To/from U.S./Canada/Puerto Rico USD 125
• To/from U.S. Virgin Islands/International USD/CAD/EUR 200
• To/from Brazil USD 75
• Delta Cargo Pet Fees
  • Call Delta Cargo Customer Service at +1-844-902-2949.

Tips Before Departure

• Train your pet to get used to staying inside its container for 5 – 7 days before your travel date. 
• Don not feed or water your pet for 2 – 3 hours before your flight’s departure. 
• Take you dog for a walk shortly before the flight. 
• Unless advised by a vet, never tranquilize your pet. 
• Report to the check-in counter slightly before the recommended time. 

Does Delta Airlines accept trained service animals on its flights?

Yes, the Delta pet policy allows trained service animals on all flights. However, the definition of service animals has changed—only dogs count as service animals. The other requirement is that the dog must be trained to assist passengers who have a disability. Each passenger (with a disability) is allowed to travel with up to 2 trained service animals in the cabin free of cost. 

• Documents Required

• 48 hours before the travel date, fill out and submit the U.S. DOT Service Animal Air Travel Form online via My Trips through the Accessibility Service Request Form.
• Passengers who book later must present the form either at Delta’s check-in desk or departure gate.
• Passengers whose flights exceed 8 hours must  additionally submit a DOT Relief Attestation Form. 
• General conditions 

• The service dog must:  
  • Be 16 weeks or older. 
  • Occupy the floor space within the passenger’s foot space or sit in the lap if smaller than 2-year-old infant. 
  • Must remain seated on the floor if it is larger than a 2-year-old lap infant.
  • Always stay with the passenger. 
  • Never occupy any seat.
  • Never occupy the aisle space or another passenger’s foot space. 
• Behavioral conditions 
  • The service dog must:
    • Always remain under the passenger’s control . 
    • Always be muzzled and leashed/harnessed.
  • The service dog must not:

• Bark, bite, or growl excessively.
• Pounce at others.
• Relieve itself inside the aircraft or at the airport. 
• Consume food from a tray.

Tip 

• Places like as Hawaii, U.K., and other countries have additional requirements and quarantine laws that prohibit the entry or transit of animals. 
• For more information, call +1-844-902-2949 or visit the destination country’s website/consulate.
• The service dog’s kennel (empty/occupied) will be treated as an assistive device and can be carried free of charge. 

How to Travel with an Emotional Support Animal (ESAN) on Delta Airlines

Delta will no longer accept new bookings for emotional support animals. This complies with the U.S. Department of Transportation’s final rule. Passengers who wish to travel with an emotional support animal must now make reservations per Delta’s Pet Travel Policy.

Note. If you had made a confirmed reservation for travelling with an emotional support animal on or before January 11, 2021, you will be allowed to travel as planned. However, new bookings will not be accepted. 

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Frequently Asked Questions on Delta Pet Policy

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