Delta Airlines Pet Policy

Delta allows you to travel with certain pets in the cabin or ship them as cargo depending on size—but does not accept pets in the checked baggage section of the aircraft. 

Delta Airlines’ pet policy allows pets in all cabins (incl. Basic Economy) on domestic flights. On international flights, pets are not allowed in First Class, Business Class, or Business Elite. Read the sections below for information on flying with pets on Delta, pet carrier size, pet fee, and some frequently asked questions on pet travel at Delta Airlines.

Major Highlights

Below is an overview of Delta Airlines pet policy and pet travel rules:

• 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. 
• Delta does not accept pets as checked baggage in the aircraft hold due to COVID-19, except for military personnel travelling on travelling on duty.
• 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.
• Service dogs are allowed to travel free of charge in the cabin with their owners. 
• Delta no longer accepts emotional support animals free of charge. 
• Delta 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. For animals shipped as pet 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 Embargo. Due to frequent changes in flight schedules in response to the COVID-19 situation, Delta Cargo has temporarily embargoed all pet cargo shipments from April 1, 2020. The embargo applies to all live animals transported as cargo on domestic and international routes.

Delta Airlines In-Cabin Pet Policy

Delta Airlines and pets in-cabin 

Per Delta Airlines’ in-cabin pet policy, you can bring your pet—such as a small dog, cat, or household bird—in the passenger cabin with you. However, your pet must fit comfortably in a small, well-ventilated carrier that fits under your front seat. The size of your carrier will depend on the aircraft you’re travelling on, so check with Delta before planning your trip. 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 Requirements for Pets in the Cabin

Per Delta Airlines pet travel policy:

• Pets Allowed
  • Within the USA (except Hawaii), Canada, U.S.V.I., and Puerto Rico. Small dogs, cats, and household birds.
• Pet Reservations. Call Delta at +1-844-903-1897 in advance to make arrangements for your pet.

• Number of Pets Allowed. 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
• 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.
• Pet Fees for In-Cabin Pets. The per-way pet fee (payable at check-in) for in-cabin pets is:
  • 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
• Pet Carrier Requirements
  • The carry-on pet carrier size will depend on the flight/aircraft, so you must call Delta Reservations for details. 
  • The pet’s weight (incl. carrier/kennel) should not exceed 18lb/8kg.
  • Delta recommends soft-sided pet carriers with maximum dimensions not exceeding 18in x 11in x 11in, as this size fits most aircraft. 
  • 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 pet carrier. 
  • Your pet 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. 
• Other Pet Requirements 
  • Your pet must remain inside its container at all times—during the flight, in the airport lounge, and in 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. 
• Pet Travel Restrictions
  • CDC Restrictions on Pet Travel from High-Risk Rabies Countries. Starting July 14, 2021, dogs that have been to a high risk for rabies country in the last 6 months will not be accepted. Dogs that have been to a high-risk country will only be accepted with an advance written approval from the CDC (CDC Dog Import Permit).
  • Seating Restrictions. 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 
  • Regional Restrictions
    • 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

Delta Airlines Checked Pets Policy

Delta is no longer allowing pets to travel as checked baggage in the aircraft hold. However, US Military personnel on active transfer orders are allowed to transport pets as checked baggage. Pets that are too large must travel as air cargo on select aircraft.

Military personnel travelling with pets as checked baggage must notify Delta in advance, within 48 hours of departure. Pets accepted include cats (excluding banned breeds) and dogs (excluding banned breeds) on domestic and international flights. Rabbits, hamsters, household birds, guinea pigs, and marmots will only be accepted on domestic flights within the United States.

Delta Airlines Pet Cargo Policy 

What is Delta Airlines’ pet cargo policy?

Per Delta Airlines’ pet cargo policy, larger animals can be shipped as air cargo via Delta Cargo. Delta Cargo flies to the United States, Canada, Latin America, South America, the Caribbean, Asia, Africa, Australia, the Middle East, and Europe. Pet cargo reservations for international travel must be made through an IPATA agent.

The key highlights of Delta Airlines pet cargo policy are as follows:

• Animals accepted include all types of live subject to the following restrictions:
  • Live animals are only accepted on Delta Cargo routes. 
  • The transportation of live animals to the United Kingdom includes cats, dogs, live fish, ferrets, and insects. Other animals will not be accepted. 
  • Non-human primates will only be accepted if shipped between rehabilitation centers, wildlife preserves, and zoological organizations and societies. Shipments between private parties are prohibited. Eligible non-human primates should be fully weaned and at least 2 years old.
  • Animals engaging in aggressive or dangerous behavior may be denied transportation. 
  • Shipment of the following animals is banned by Delta Cargo:
    • Elephants, leopards, lions, rhinos, and buffalo hunting trophies.
    • Cats and dogs for research purposes.
  • DASH and DASH critical animals will not be accepted.
• Age requirements
  • Dogs and cats must be at least 8 weeks old and fully weaned.
  • For other warm-blooded animals, the age will vary. Call 1-800-352-2746 for details. 
• Domestic pet shipments (within the United States) 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, as check-in closes 2 hours before departure.
  • At least 5 hours before departure for international flights, as check-in closes 4 hours before departure.  
• The pickup of the pet will be from a Delta Cargo location.
• Temperature Restrictions. Delta Cargo will only accept dogs and cats 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). If the temperature is between 45°F (7°C) and 20°F (-7°C), you must submit a Certificate of Acclimation.
  Note. The above-mentioned temperature restrictions do not apply for birds, poultry, and chicks, cold-blooded animals (incl. fish and live seafood), and rats/mice research purposes unless they are being transported as personal pets.
• 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 at +1-800-352-2746.

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. 
• Number of dogs/cats per kennel
  • If aged between 8 weeks – 6 months: Up to 2 dogs or cats per kennel, as long as they’re of comparable weight and do not weigh more than 20lb/9kg each.
  •  If aged 6 months and above: Only 1 dog or 1 cat per kennel. 

Note. Mothers (dams) are not allowed to travel in the same kennel with their weaned/unweaned young. 

• 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 Fee

• 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 +1-800-352-2746.

Tips Before Departure

• Train your pet to get used to staying inside its container for 5 – 7 days before your travel date. 
• Do not feed or water your pet for 2 – 3 hours before your flight’s departure. 
• Take your 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. 

Banned Breeds on Delta AirlinesThe following snub-nosed (Brachycephalic) dog and cat breeds will not be accepted on Delta Airlines as checked baggage or air cargo:  Dog Breeds. Tibetan Spaniel, American Bulldog, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Shih Tzu, Shar Pei, Pug, Pit Bull, Pekinese, King Charles Spaniel (Cavalier King), Mastiff (all breeds excl. German Mastiff), Japanese Spaniel (Chin), Japanese Pug, Japanese Boxer, Lhasa Apso, French Bulldog, English Toy Spaniel, English Bulldog, Dutch Pug, Chow Chow, Chinese Pug, Bulldog (all breeds), Boxer (all breeds), Brussels Griffin (Petit Brabancon), Boston Terrier, American Bully (all breeds), American Pit Bull Terrier, Affenpinscher, and American Staffordshire Terrier. Cats Breeds. British Shorthair, Persian, Himalayan, Exotic Shorthair, Scottish Fold, and Burmese.

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 a 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 Hawaii, the U.K., and other countries have additional requirements and quarantine laws that prohibit the entry or transit of animals. 
• For more information, call +1-404-209-3434 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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