Delta Airlines Pet Policies

Pet Travel Information on Delta Airlines

Pets can fly, including dogs, cats, and domesticated birds. But whether your pet gets carried on, checked in or shipped as (very special) cargo, there are a lot of requirements and restrictions in place to make sure she's comfortable and safe. Get the guidelines for happy, healthy jet-set pets.

Connection Carriers & Pet Travel

If your pet's journey takes it on more than one airline, there are some additional considerations you'll want to think about ahead of time. Arrange for your pet's flights to allow for plenty of extra time to change planes-because your pet can't just sprint to the next gate or airport terminal the way you can. Also remember:
Prior arrangements are necessary with all the carriers involved.
If a pet has to transfer from a Delta flight to a Connection Carrier, the Delta flight must be confirmed at least 48 hours before the scheduled departure time of the Connection Carrier flight. That way we have enough time to make transfer arrangements between the two carriers, and ensure your pet is safely delivered. [AMZ asins='B00QHC01C2,B00AAPGA2W,B000633ZOY,B0B77BRG75']

Pets in the Cabin on Delta Airlines

Small dogs, cats, and household birds may travel in the cabin as carry-on, upon payment of a pet carry-on fee.  Your pet must be able to fit in a small, ventilated pet carrier that fits under the seat in front of you

Requirements when flying with your pet in the cabin:

- Your pet must be at least 10 weeks old for domestic travel
- Your pet must be 16 weeks old if traveling to the U.S. from another country and must be at least 15 weeks old when traveling to the European Union
- One pet is permitted per kennel with the following exceptions:

a) One female cat/dog may travel with her un-weaned litter if the litter is between 10 weeks to 6 months of age. No limit on the number of animals in the litter
b) 2 pets of the same breed and size between the age of 10 weeks and 6 months may be allowed to travel in 1 kennel as long as they are small enough to fit into a single kennel and are compatible – they will be charged as 1 pet

Pets in cabin kennels will count as your one carry-on item. In addition to the kennel, you are permitted to bring one personal item onboard the aircraft.

Pet Kennel Requirements for Carry-on Travel

Your pet must be able to fit in a small, ventilated pet carrier that fits under the seat in front of you and adhere to the following requirements:

Be small enough to fit comfortably in a kennel without touching or protruding from the sides of the kennel and have the ability to move around

The kennel must fit under the seat directly in front of you

The soft- or hard-sided kennels must be leak-proof and have ventilation openings on three sides (four sides for international travel)

Maximum carry-on kennel dimensions are determined by your flight as the space under seats vary by aircraft, we recommend a soft-sided kennel with maximum dimensions of 18” x 11” x 11” since this fits most aircraft types

Maximum carry-on kennel dimensions are determined by your flight – please check your flight's aircraft dimensions to ensure your kennel will fit, or contact Delta Airlines directly for assistance.  Please have your pet kennel's dimensions ready prior to contacting Delta.  

Your pet must remain inside the kennel (with door secured) while in a Delta boarding area (during boarding and deplaning), a Delta airport lounge and while on board the aircraft

Delta Dog/Cat/Pet Carry-On Baggage Fees

To/from Canada/US/Puerto Rico: $125 USD each way

To/from US Virgin Islands / International: $200 USD/EUR each way

To/from Brazil: $75 USD each way

Exceptions when flying with pets in the cabin on Delta Airlines

On some routes pets are not allowed to travel in the cabin, and can only be sent as checked baggage.  These include:

Hawaii
Australia
Brazil - Exit Brazil
Colombia - Exit Colombia
Dubai
Hong Kong
Iceland
Jamaica  
New Zealand
Republic of Ireland
South Africa
United Kingdom
United Arab Emirates

Booking your Pet in the Cabin on Delta Airlines

You must pre-book your dog or cat with Delta Airlines before your flight, as there is only a limited number of pets allowed per flight - a maximum of 4 pets total in the main cabin - please contact Delta Reservations directly as early as possible to reserve your pet's spot.  You must have your kennel dimensions ready when calling.  

Pets as Checked Baggage on Delta Airlines

If you are flying with a larger dog that does not fit into a kennel to be brought as carry-on, you may ship your pet with Delta Airlines's Cargo department.

A separate booking from their flight itinerary is required. Additional fees and charges may apply

A pet shipped domestically via Delta Cargo, opens in a new window cannot be booked until 14 days prior to departure

Pets are not guaranteed to be shipped on a customer’s same flight or flight schedule

Please contact Delta Airlines directly for exact requirements, rules and fees for flying with your larger pets.

Restricitons on Pets Flying to Hawaii

Hawaii requires that all live animals shipped or brought into the state have health and rabies inoculation certificates dated no more than 10 days before travel begins. On Delta flights to Hawaii, pets will not be accepted as carry-on baggage.

Please note, Hawaiian quarantine facilities are located in Honolulu only; therefore, Delta cannot accept pets on nonstop flights to any other Hawaiian city. Delta does not participate in the Neighbor Island Dog and Cat Entry Program. Also as of October 1, 2016, Delta and Delta Cargo will no longer accept warm blooded animals on flights with an average flight time of greater than 12 hours. 

All cats and dogs are subject to a 120-day quarantine in Hawaii. If specific pre- and post-arrival requirements are met, your pet may qualify for a shorter (30-days or less) quarantine. Costs are charged to the pet owner and must be paid in full upon arrival. Payment methods include cashier's check, traveler's check, money order, personal check, or cash.

Seeing-eye dogs (and other service animals) are accepted with certain provisions, including making advanced arrangements and verifying availability and cost. For further information, visit the Hawaii Department of Agriculture, opens in a new window or call 808-483-7151.

Delta Airlines Pet Travel Contact Numbers

Pets traveling with passengers:
800-221-1212 for flights within the United States, 800-241-4141 for international flights

Pets traveling unescorted:
888-736-3738 (Delta Pet First) to book your pet's travel arrangements

Please confirm that you have all necessary certificates, paperwork, and that your pet meets all veterinary requirements before flying with your pet. [AMZ asins='B00QHC01C2,B00AAPGA2W,B000633ZOY,B0B77BRG75']