Delta Airlines allows small pets like dogs, cats, and household birds to travel in the cabin on certain flights within the contiguous U.S. for a fee. Pets must fit in an approved kennel under the seat. International pet travel has stricter requirements, including CDC regulations. Delta Airlines Pet Policy Service animals and military pets have separate policies.
What is the Delta Airlines Pet Policy?
Delta Airlines has a comprehensive pet policy to ensure the safety and comfort of your furry companions during travel. Here are the key points:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Carry-On Pets | Cats, dogs, and birds (small-sized) can travel in the cabin in a ventilated kennel. |
| Checked Pets | Larger pets may be transported as checked baggage or via Delta Cargo. |
| Age Restrictions | Pets must meet minimum age requirements (e.g., 15 weeks old for travel to the European Union). |
| Vaccination | Pets require up-to-date vaccinations (e.g., rabies), as per destination regulations. |
| Health Documentation | Health certificates from a veterinarian may be required. |
| Fees | Additional charges apply based on the travel method (carry-on, checked, or cargo). |
| International Travel | Requires specific documentation and adherence to destination country rules. |
Delta Airlines Pet Policy for International
Delta Airlines allows pets to travel internationally, but there are specific requirements and guidelines to ensure a smooth journey for your furry friend. Here are some key points:
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Eligible Pets | Small dogs, cats, household birds (birds only on U.S. domestic flights) . |
| Age Requirements | – To U.S.: Dogs: 6 months; Cats: 16 weeks . – EU: 15 weeks . |
| Kennel Size | Max 18” x 11” x 11” (soft-sided, leak-proof, 4-sided ventilation for international) . |
| Fees (One-Way) | – International: $200 USD/CAD/EUR . – Brazil: $200 (tickets issued after April 8, 2025) . |
| Booking | First-come, first-served; call Delta Reservations in advance . |
| Prohibited Destinations | Australia, Barbados, Brazil (originating), UK, UAE, Hong Kong, Hawaii, Iceland, Jamaica, New Zealand, South Africa . |
| Health Documents | – CDC Dog Import Form for U.S. entry (microchip + rabies vaccine) . – EU: Veterinary certificate + microchip . |
| Military Exceptions | Checked pets allowed for active U.S. military/Foreign Service Officers (max 100 lbs., $200 fee) . |
| Temperature Restrictions | No travel if ground temps exceed 80°F (27°C) or drop below 20°F (-7°C) . |
| Service Animals | Trained dogs only; DOT forms required 48 hours pre-flight . |
Delta Airlines Pet Policy in Cabin
Below is a concise overview of Delta Airlines Pet Policy in Cabin in bullet points:
- Eligible Pets: Small dogs, cats, and household birds are allowed on domestic flights within the contiguous U.S.
- Age Requirements: Pets must be at least 8 weeks old for domestic travel.
- Kennel Requirements: Pets must be in a ventilated, soft-sided kennel that fits under the seat in front of you.
- Pet Count: Only one pet per kennel, except for a mother with an un-weaned litter or two small pets of the same breed and size.
- Fees: A one-way fee applies, collected at check-in.
- Seating Restrictions: Passengers with pets cannot sit in exit rows, bulkhead seats, or certain other designated areas.
- Additional Rules: Pets must remain inside their kennel at all times during the flight.
- For full details, visit Delta’s
Delta Airlines Pet Policy for Domestic Flights
This table provides an overview of Delta Airlines’ domestic pet policy.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Eligible Pets | Small dogs, cats, and household birds are allowed in the cabin on domestic flights within the contiguous U.S. |
| Age Requirements | Pets must be at least 8 weeks old for domestic travel. |
| Kennel Requirements | Pets must be in a ventilated, soft-sided kennel that fits under the seat in front of you. |
| Pet Count | One pet per kennel, except for a mother with an un-weaned litter or two small pets of the same breed and size. |
| Seating Restrictions | Passengers with pets cannot sit in exit rows, bulkhead seats, or certain designated areas. |
| Additional Rules | Pets must remain inside their kennel at all times during the flight. |
Delta Airlines Policy for Military Pets
The following is a concise overview of Delta Airlines Policy for Military Pets personnel:
- Eligibility: Available for active U.S. Military members and U.S. State Department Foreign Service Officers traveling on official transfer orders.
- Checked Baggage Option: Pets can be transported as checked baggage for a fee.
- Booking Requirement: Pets must be booked as checked baggage at least 48 hours before arrival.
- Documentation: Pets must comply with federal regulations, including CDC documentation requirements for dogs entering the U.S.
- Flight Restrictions: Pets are not accepted on flights exceeding 12 hours or itineraries with more than one connection.
- Fees:
- $200 USD for travel within the U.S., U.S. Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico.
- $200 USD/CAD/EUR for travel to Canada or the Caribbean.
- $150 USD for tickets issued before April 8, 2025, for travel to Brazil; $200 USD for tickets issued on/after April 8, 2025.
- Accepted Animals: Cats (except snub-nosed breeds), dogs (except pug or snub-nosed breeds), household birds, guinea pigs, rabbits, and hamsters (domestic U.S. only).
- Crate Requirements: Pets must be transported in an approved shipping crate that meets International Air Transport Association (IATA) standards.
Delta Airlines Pet Policy for Vaccination Requirements
Delta Airlines requires pets traveling internationally to have up-to-date vaccination records. The specific requirements depend on the destination country. Here are some general guidelines:
| Requirement | Details | Applicable To |
|---|---|---|
| Rabies Vaccination | Required for all dogs/cats entering the U.S. or EU; must be administered at least 30 days before travel (puppies: 3 months old + 30-day wait) . | Dogs, cats |
| CDC Dog Import Form | Mandatory for dogs entering the U.S.; includes proof of microchip and rabies vaccination . | Dogs |
| EU Veterinary Certificate | Required for pets entering the EU; must include microchip ID and rabies details . | Dogs, cats, ferrets |
| Health Certificate | Issued by a licensed vet within 10 days of travel for checked/cargo pets . | All pets (except cabin pets on U.S. domestic flights) |
| Hawaii Requirements | Rabies vaccination + health certificate issued ≤10 days before travel; 120-day quarantine (or 30-day with pre-approval) . | Dogs, cats |
| Military/Checked Pets | Health certificate + proof of vaccinations (varies by destination) . | Dogs, cats, birds, rabbits |
| Service Animals | Rabies vaccination + DOT forms (no health certificate required) . | Trained service dogs |
| Banned Breeds | Snub-nosed breeds (e.g., Bulldogs, Pugs) exempt from cargo due to health risks . | Dogs, cats |
| Temperature Restrictions | No travel if ground temps exceed 80°F (27°C) or drop below 20°F (-7°C) . | All pets |
Visit us: Delta Airlines Wheelchair Assistance
Tips for Stress-Free Travel with Delta Airlines Pet Policy
| Tip | Details |
|---|---|
| Book Early | Delta limits the number of pets per flight, so reserve your pet’s spot in advance. |
| Check Requirements | Ensure your pet meets age, health, and documentation requirements for domestic or international travel. |
| Choose the Right Kennel | Use a soft-sided, ventilated kennel that fits under the seat in front of you. |
| Prepare Your Pet | Acclimate your pet to the kennel before travel to reduce anxiety. |
| Pack Essentials | Bring food, water, and comfort items for your pet’s journey. |
| Arrive Early | Allow extra time for check-in and security screening with your pet. |
| Follow In-Flight Rules | Keep your pet inside the kennel at all times during the flight. |
| Monitor Your Pet | Watch for signs of stress and provide reassurance during travel. |
FAQs on Delta Airlines Pet Policy
Yes, small dogs, cats, and household birds are allowed on domestic flights within the contiguous U.S. for a fee.
Pets must be at least 8 weeks old for domestic travel. For international travel, dogs must be at least 6 months old, and cats must be at least 16 weeks old.
Delta does not allow certain snub-nosed breeds of dogs and cats to travel as checked baggage due to health risks.
Fees vary based on destination. Domestic flights typically have a one-way fee, while international flights may have additional charges.
The CDC requires specific documentation for dogs entering the U.S., including proof of rabies vaccination and health certificates.
Dogs entering the U.S. must have proof of rabies vaccination administered at least 30 days before travel.
no longer recognizes emotional support animals as service animals.