Delta Air Lines Pet TravelDL

What types of animals are permitted in the cabin?

Small dogs and cats (plus household birds on domestic U.S. flights) that meet age, health, size, and kennel requirements may travel in the cabin. Brachycephalic (snub-nosed) breeds of dogs and cats are not permitted. Emotional support animals are not recognized as service animals.

What is the maximum weight allowed for a pet in the cabin?

Delta does not publish a specific maximum weight for in-cabin pets. The pet must be small enough to fit comfortably in an approved soft-sided kennel that fits under the seat in front of you, and must be able to move around inside without touching the sides.

What are the carrier size requirements for in-cabin pet travel?

Delta recommends a soft-sided kennel with maximum dimensions of 18" x 11" x 11" (approximately 45.72 x 27.94 x 27.94 cm) as this fits most aircraft types. The kennel must be leak-proof and have ventilation openings on at least 3 sides for domestic travel and 4 sides for international travel. Actual under-seat space varies by aircraft, so customers should check aircraft dimensions for their specific flight.

Can pets travel in the cargo hold, and what are the requirements?

Delta Cargo shipment is currently restricted to active U.S. Military or U.S. State Department Foreign Service Officers (FSO) with permanent change of station orders, plus service animals that cannot be accommodated in the cabin. Pets must be transported in an IATA LAR Container Requirement #1-compliant crate. A health certificate from a USDA-accredited veterinarian (within 10 days of travel) is required. Sedation is prohibited. Temperature restrictions apply: no transport if temperature exceeds 80°F (27°C) or falls below 20°F (-7°C). Bookings must be made at least 14 days prior to departure via the Delta Cargo Customer Service Center at 1-800-352-2746.

What are the fees for traveling with a pet?

In-cabin pet fees (one-way): U.S./Canada/Puerto Rico/U.S. Virgin Islands — $95 USD/CAD for tickets issued before April 8, 2025; $150 USD/CAD for tickets issued on/after April 8, 2025. International — $200 USD/CAD/EUR. Brazil — $75 before April 8, 2025; $200 USD on/after April 8, 2025. Military/FSO checked baggage pet fees (one-way): $200 USD for U.S./USVI/Puerto Rico/Canada/Caribbean; $200 USD for Brazil (tickets on/after April 8, 2025). Fees are collected at check-in and assessed at each stopover point.

Is there a limit on the number of pets per passenger or per flight?

Only 1 pet kennel is permitted per passenger in the cabin. Per flight, Delta allows up to 4 pets in Delta Comfort+/Main Cabin and 2 in Delta First (domestic). Delta One, Business Class (international), and Delta Premium allow 0 pets (service animals excepted). Pets are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis and must be booked in advance via Delta Reservations.

Are there any breed restrictions for pets traveling in the cabin or cargo?

Yes. All brachycephalic (snub-nosed) dogs and cats and their mixes are prohibited on Delta and Delta Connection flights in any capacity (cabin or cargo). Restricted dog breeds include: Affenpinscher, American Bully, American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Boerboel, Boston Terrier, Bull Terrier, Boxer (all), Brussels Griffin, Bulldog (all), Cane Corso, Chow Chow, Dogo Argentino, Dutch Pug, Dogue de Bordeaux, English Toy Spaniel, Japanese Chin, Lhasa Apso, Mastiff (all), Pekinese, Pit Bull, Presa Canario, Pug (all), Shar Pei, Shih Tzu, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Tibetan Spaniel. Restricted cat breeds include: British Shorthair, Burmese, Exotic Shorthair, Himalayan, Persian.

What documents and health certificates are required to travel with a pet?

For cargo/checked baggage: a health certificate from a USDA-accredited veterinarian issued within 10 days of travel is required; international travel requires an international health certificate. For dogs traveling to the U.S.: a completed CDC Dog Import Form, proof of microchip, and the dog must be at least 6 months old and appear healthy. Additional documentation may be required depending on the dog's rabies vaccination history and recent travel. For service animals: DOT Service Animal Air Travel Form (and DOT Relief Attestation Form for flights 8+ hours), submitted at least 48 hours before departure.

How do I book a flight for my pet, and can I do it online?

In-cabin pets must be booked by contacting Delta Reservations as soon as possible after making your own reservation. Have your pet kennel's dimensions (length, width, height) ready. Cargo shipments (for eligible military/FSO customers) must be booked via the Delta Cargo Customer Service Center at 1-800-352-2746, no earlier than 14 days before departure. Online booking for pets is not available.

Are there special requirements for international travel with a pet?

Yes. Customers must contact the embassy or consulate of their destination country for animal travel regulations, obtain all necessary vaccines and paperwork (health certificates, vaccination records, import permits), and check CDC and USDA APHIS advisories. Dogs traveling to the U.S. must be microchipped, at least 6 months old, appear healthy, and be accompanied by a completed CDC Dog Import Form. EU travel requires a veterinary certificate and microchip (tattoos not accepted). Some destinations prohibit pets in the cabin entirely (e.g., Australia, New Zealand, UK, Hong Kong, South Africa, Hawaii). Additional charges such as veterinary bills, customs clearance, and quarantine costs may apply.

Are there temperature-related restrictions for pets traveling in the cargo hold?

Yes. Delta does not ship pets if the temperature exceeds 80°F (27°C) or falls below 20°F (-7°C) at any point during the animal's journey (at origin, transit, or destination). A Certificate of Acclimation is required when temperatures fall between 20°F (-7°C) and 45°F (7°C).

What is the airline's policy on sedating pets during travel?

The sedation of household dogs and cats is not permitted during air travel, including any medication that causes sedation. The use of tranquilizers or sedatives at high altitudes is unpredictable and poses a safety risk.

Is there a dedicated contact for pet travel inquiries?

For cargo/military pet shipments: Delta Cargo Customer Service Center at 1-800-352-2746 (dial 711 for relay services). For in-cabin pet bookings: Delta Reservations. For service animal questions: Delta accessibility assistance line at 404-209-3434 (dial 711 for relay services), or call 1-800-221-1212 and ask for the CRO Desk.

Source: Official pet policy page ↗