Delta Airlines Pet Policy: The Complete Guide To Traveling With Pets

Planning a trip and wondering if your furry companion can come along? Understanding the Delta airlines pet policy before you book is one of the smartest things you can do as a pet owner. From in-cabin travel rules to cargo options, fees to breed restrictions, this complete guide covers every detail you need for traveling with pets on Delta Airlines so you and your pet arrive stress-free.

What Is the Delta Airlines Animal Policy? An Overview

The Delta airlines animal policy is designed to balance pet owner needs with the safety and comfort of all passengers on board. Delta currently accepts small dogs, cats, and household birds in the cabin on most domestic routes. Larger animals that cannot fit under the seat must use Delta Cargo, a dedicated, climate-controlled freight service for animal transport.

What sets Delta apart from many competitors is its firm commitment to animal safety. After recording 74 pet deaths between 2005 and 2015, Delta officially stopped accepting pets as checked baggage on March 1, 2016. The decision shifted larger pet transport entirely to Delta Cargo, which offers pressurized, temperature-regulated environments staffed by trained animal-handling professionals. It was a critical policy shift and one that continues to define the delta pet travel policy today.

Pet In Cabin On Delta Airlines: Who Qualifies?

The most convenient and popular option is keeping your small pet in the cabin with you. Here is exactly who qualifies for pet in cabin on Delta Airlines:

Accepted pets for in-cabin travel:

• Small dogs
• Cats
• Household birds (domestic flights only)

Basic eligibility requirements:

• Your pet must be at least 8 weeks old for domestic U.S. travel.
• For international travel to the U.S., dogs must be at least 6 months old and cats at least 16 weeks old.
• For travel to EU destinations, pets must be at least 15 weeks old.
• Pet and carrier combined must not exceed 20 pounds.
• Your pet must remain inside the carrier for the entire flight no exceptions.

Cabin limits per flight:

• Up to 2 pet kennels in Domestic First Class (no flatbed configuration)
• Up to 4 pet kennels in Main Cabin and Comfort+.
• Zero pets permitted in Business Class, International Delta One, or Premium cabins.

Because spots are capped per flight, availability is not guaranteed. This is why calling Delta Reservations early ideally right after booking your own ticket is essential.

Delta Airlines Dog Travel Policy: Breed Restrictions You Must Know

Not every dog breed is permitted under the Delta airlines dog travel policy. Brachycephalic (snub-nosed) breeds are subject to special restrictions due to the heightened respiratory risks they face at altitude, particularly in cargo holds.

Snub-nosed breeds banned from Delta Cargo include:

• Bulldogs (English and French)
• Boxers
• Pugs
• Boston Terriers
• Shih Tzus
• Persian cats (also falls under this restriction)

These breeds can travel in the cabin if they meet all size and age requirements but they are completely prohibited from cargo transport. If you own one of these breeds and your pet is too large for the cabin, Delta is not the right airline for your trip.

Additionally, no Pitbull breeds have been accepted as service or emotional support animals since July 10, 2024.

Carrier Requirements For Delta Airlines Travel with Pets

Your pet's carrier is essentially their in-flight seat. It must meet Delta's exact specifications and getting this wrong could mean your pet is denied boarding at the gate.

Approved soft-sided carrier dimensions: 18" x 11" x 11" (though actual under-seat space varies by aircraft, so confirm with Delta before your flight)

Carrier must be:

• Leak-proof and well-ventilated (minimum three sides for domestic travel, four sides for international)
• Spacious enough for your pet to stand, turn around, and lie down naturally
• Securely enclosed your pet cannot stick out of any opening
• Fully stowed under the seat in front of you at all times during the flight

Hard-sided carriers are generally approved at approximately 17" x 12" x 8", but soft-sided carriers are far more commonly recommended because they offer more flexibility.

Delta Airlines Travel with Pets: Fees Breakdown

Domestic Flights (U.S., Canada, Puerto Rico, USVI):

• Tickets issued before April 8, 2025: $95 per pet, each way
• Tickets issued on or after April 8, 2025: $150 per pet, each way

International Flights:

• Standard international fee: $200 per pet, each way
• Brazil routes (tickets issued on or after April 8, 2025): $200 per pet, each way

Fees are collected at check-in and are non-refundable once your flight departs. Note that fully trained service dogs (over four months old) are exempt from all pet fees.

Traveling with Pets on Delta Airlines: Step-by-Step Booking Process

• Book your own flight on delta.com or through the Delta app. 
• Call Delta Reservations directly to add your pet (online pet booking is not available). 
• Confirm your pet meets all age, weight, and breed requirements for your route. 
• Have your carrier's exact dimensions ready, length, width, and height. 
• Pay the applicable pet fee, which is collected at check-in. 
• Obtain a health certificate from a licensed veterinarian (issued within 10 days of departure). 
• Gather vaccination records, especially rabies documentation. 
• Download and complete Delta's pet travel form from delta.com. 
• Arrive at the airport early to allow additional processing time at the check-in counter. 
• Proceed through security with your pet inside the carrier and placed on the X-ray belt.

Required Documentation for Delta Airlines Pet Travel

Missing even a single document can result in your pet being denied boarding. Here is what you need:

For Domestic Cabin Travel:

• Health certificate from a licensed veterinarian (issued within 10 days of your flight)
• Rabies vaccination records
• Delta pet travel form (available on delta.com)

For international travel, requirements become significantly more complex. Preparation timelines can range from one to four months depending on your destination. Key documents may include:

• Health certificate and pet passport
• Proof of microchip identification
• Import/export permits (varies by country)
• Country-specific veterinary certificates EU travel requires a special Veterinary Certificate confirming your pet has a microchip and meets all health standards
• For travel to the Republic of Ireland, you must notify the Department of Agriculture before your trip
• For the United Kingdom, contact the Animal Reception Centre to begin the approval process in advance

Delta Cargo: Traveling with Larger Pets on Delta Airlines

For pets too large to travel in-cabin, Delta Cargo is the designated service. It's important to understand that as of 2025, Delta Cargo for civilian travelers is under a global embargo. The only exception is for active U.S. Military personnel and U.S. Foreign Service Officers traveling on official orders.

For civilian pet owners with large dogs or other animals that cannot fly in the cabin, Delta is currently not an option. Working with a professional pet relocation service is advised, as these companies can coordinate multi-airline routes and country-specific documentation.

Delta Cargo Crate Requirements (for eligible travelers):

• Must meet IATA Live Animals Regulations (LAR) standards
• Rigid construction plastic, wood, or metal with a solid roof
• Ventilation on all four sides
• Sufficient room for the pet to stand, sit, lie down, and turn around naturally

Temperature Restrictions For Cargo Travel:

• No travel when temperatures exceed 80°F at origin or destination
• No travel when temperatures fall below 20°F (unless an acclimation certificate is provided by a vet)

Delta Airlines Animal Policy for Service Animals

Under the Delta airlines animal policy, fully trained service dogs are permitted to travel in the cabin on most routes at no additional charge. They must be over four months old and fully trained for a recognized disability-related task.

Emotional support animals (ESAs) are no longer recognized under Delta's policy and are treated as regular pets subject to all standard fees and carrier requirements.

International vs. Domestic Delta Pet Travel Policy: Key Differences

Tips for a Smooth Delta Pet Travel Experience

Book early. Cabin pet spots are limited per flight. Calling Delta Reservations immediately after booking your own ticket gives you the best chance of securing a spot.

Choose the right seat. Bulkhead rows, exit rows, and certain aircraft-specific rows do not permit pet carriers. When you make your reservation keeping in mind details like Delta Airlines Seat Selection ask the agent which rows are pet-friendly to avoid having to move at the gate.

Acclimate your pet to the carrier. Start weeks before travel by letting your pet sleep, eat, and spend time in the carrier at home. This reduces in-flight anxiety significantly.

Never sedate your pet. Delta prohibits sedated pets in cargo, and veterinarians strongly advise against sedating pets for cabin travel as well. Natural calming aids are a far safer alternative.

Double-check your name on the ticket. You'd be surprised how a small discrepancy can cause delays at check-in. Just as you'd verify Correct Name On Delta Ticket for your own booking, make sure your reservation matches your government-issued ID exactly especially when you're already managing pet paperwork at the counter.

Have a backup plan. Unexpected delays happen. If you've ever dealt with a Delta Missed Flight situation, you know the extra complications that arise and those complications multiply when a pet is involved. Keep your vet's contact info handy, pack extra food and supplies, and know Delta's rebooking process ahead of time.

Final Thoughts

The Delta airlines pet policy is one of the more structured and safety-conscious approaches among major U.S. carriers. While the fee increase in 2025 and the cargo embargo for civilian passengers are notable limitations, Delta's in-cabin program remains a solid and reliable option for small pet owners on domestic and select international routes.

The key to a successful trip is to prepare a book early, gather your documents well in advance, choose the right carrier, and confirm every detail with Delta Reservations before your departure date. With the right groundwork, traveling with pets on Delta Airlines can be just as comfortable and straightforward as any other flight.