Delta Airlines can be considered one of the most inclusive American airlines in terms of pet travel because it allows carrying small domesticated dogs, cats, and birds in the cabin on its domestic and some of its international flights. The cargo service offered by Delta Airlines is also available on paper but is currently placed under a worldwide embargo for general use, as discussed further in the article. Just like any other American carrier, Delta Airlines is bound to follow the Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA), which ensure free and carrier-free transportation of service dogs in the cabin without any charge. However, pets and ESAs are not covered by these regulations, and their transportation is solely regulated by the airline’s separate pet policy.
This article will cover all the aspects of Delta’s pet policy.
What Is Delta Airlines’ Pet Policy?
Delta Airlines allows pets such as small dogs, cats, and household birds to accompany passengers in the passenger cabin on domestic flights at a one-way fee if they qualify for the airline’s age, health, size, and carrier policies. On select international flights where Delta operates, dogs and cats can be transported in the passenger cabin as well, provided that the pet owner has all the required health and rabies certifications.
Delta Cargo is an option that exists under Delta’s policies, although it is temporarily embargoed against public transport as of 2026. The only travelers allowed to ship their pets through Delta Cargo are military personnel and State Department Foreign Service Officers in accordance with their official orders.
Service dogs above four months old do not have to pay any Delta pet fee or abide by the airline’s pet policies. However, ESAs no longer have this privilege after DOT’s ruling in 2021 and are treated equally to regular pets in all aspects.
What Types of Pets Does Delta Airlines Allow?
For in-cabin travel, Delta permits small dogs, cats, and household birds, but only if they can comfortably fit into an appropriate carrier that is stowed under the seat in front of the passenger.
Where cargo transport is offered (only applicable for eligible military and Foreign Service personnel), Delta has a more inclusive policy and allows hamsters, guinea pigs, and rabbits in addition to dogs, cats, and household birds.
Brachycephalic breeds, which include Pugs, Persians, and other types of dogs and cats, are categorically disallowed from transportation by cargo because of health considerations.
Age criteria: In the U.S., pets need to be at least eight weeks old; when traveling internationally, however, dogs are required to be at least six months old while cats should be no younger than 16 weeks old, but 15 weeks for trips involving the European Union.
What Are the Requirements for International Pet Travel on Delta Airlines?
Pet transportation through Delta Airlines includes the shipment of pets like dogs and cats, both of which can be transported internationally as cabin pets if they are within a certain size range and a certain breed and are kept in an acceptable, well-ventilated carrier throughout the flight. The company has also put an embargo on the transportation of pets via cargo shipments to other countries, in line with the embargo on domestic cargo shipping.
Documents required for international travel:
- Health certificate – this document is mandatory and issued by a registered veterinarian
- Rabies vaccination certificate
- Import permits – Delta Airlines might require a CDC dog import form receipt for pets coming to the United States
- Vaccination records – these depend on the destination country
- Well-ventilated, non-collapsible, leak-proof carrier with handles
- Pre-arrangement – since space for pets is limited, it has to be reserved in advance
Pet transportation is not allowed on flights to or from: Hong Kong, New Zealand, Australia, Dakar, Jamaica, Dubai, Iceland, Ireland, Barbados, South Africa, Colombia, Brazil, the Dominican Republic, the United Kingdom, and the United Arab Emirates.
How Much Does Delta Airlines Charge for Pet Travel?
Delta Airlines Pet Fees Are Based on Destination and Ticket Purchase Date:
- Domestic Pets in-cabin: $95 if ticket purchase takes place before April 8, 2025; $150 if ticket purchase takes place on or after April 8, 2025
- International Pets in-cabin: Normally $200
- Exception for Brazil Route: $75 for ticket purchase before April 8, 2025; $200 for ticket purchase on or after April 8, 2025
- Cargo pet pricing is flexible based on destination, crate size, and ticket purchase date (relevant only to the limited number of qualified military/Foreign Service personnel)
Fully Trained Service Dogs older than four months are exempt from all Delta Pet Fees.
What Is the In-Cabin Pet Policy for Delta Airlines?
Delta’s in-cabin policy for pets includes small dogs, cats, and domesticated birds on most domestic routes, while only dogs and cats on certain international routes are included. Generally speaking, passengers can take only one pet per passenger and, in most cases, only one per carrier.
There are restrictions for seating of passengers with in-cabin pets, and they cannot sit in the bulkhead, exit, no stowage rows, Delta One or flat beds, selected rows on the Airbus A330 aircraft, and certain seats on the Boeing 737-900ER. As there are not many available spots for pets and they are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, it would be wise to contact Delta directly.
What Is Delta Airlines’ Pet Carrier Size Policy?
The required carrier should have ample space for the pet to stand, turn, and lie comfortably but not too large such that it cannot fit under the seat in front of the passenger. The size limit is 18″ long x 11″ wide x 11″ high and applies to both hard- and soft-sided carriers, although the latter is preferable because of its flexibility when fitting in tight spaces under seats.
It is advisable to ensure the chosen carrier fits your pet well enough not to require contact with the walls or top of the carrier while standing or moving inside. Pets that do not meet this criterion will not be allowed to travel in cabin class.
Is There a Pet Weight Limit for In-Cabin Travel on Delta Airlines?
No, there isn’t any weight restriction that applies to pets allowed in the cabin with Delta. What really matters is how much room the pet has in the carrier, which doesn’t occupy a seat, take up space from another passenger, or obstruct the aisle or emergency exits.
Can You Bring More Than One Pet In-Cabin on Delta Airlines?
Absolutely, if certain requirements are met. Usually, Delta requires only one pet for each traveler, but two pets of the same breed and category, who are two to six months old, may share one carrier if they fit into it properly. Moreover, females can take their unweaned litters along if the kittens or puppies are between 10 weeks and six months old.
Delta restricts in-cabin pets per cabin section: two pets on a flight in First Class or Delta One, and four pets in the Main Cabin.
Does Delta Airlines Restrict In-Cabin Pet Travel to Specific Destinations?
Yes. Apart from the foreign locations listed above, there are no pets allowed in the cabin when traveling to and from Hawaii, Guam, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands on domestic flights, despite the fact that these are still considered to be part of the United States territory.
Does Delta Airlines Require a Health Certificate for Pet Travel?
It depends on the route. For in-cabin domestic travel to and from any city within the contiguous U.S., there are no specific health certificate requirements from Delta; however, there are exceptions for Hawaii, Guam, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, as well as possible state entry requirements.
A health certificate, which should be issued within 10 days before traveling and signed by a licensed veterinarian, is mandatory for all international trips, regardless of in-cabin or cargo transport. It should also be noted that dogs traveling internationally should be at least six months old, microchipped, and the receipt of the CDC Dog Import Form should accompany them.
A health certificate is mandatory for cargo shipments (limited to military and Foreign Service only) for domestic and international flights and should be issued within 10 days before travel.
Does Delta Airlines Allow Pets to Fly in Cargo?
Indeed, in theory – though accessibility is presently limited. Delta Pet Services’ cargo services remain restricted for use only by U.S. military and State Department Foreign Service Officers on orders of permanent change of station. The transport of all other civilian cargo pet shipments remains globally embargoed as of 2026.
Travelers eligible for service must make reservations via the Delta Cargo Customer Service Center at 1-800-352-2746 and furnish a health certificate along with an approved IATA Live Animals Regulations (IATA-LAR) container. Delta’s cargo pet travel cannot be reserved earlier than 14 days in advance of travel, and shipped pets do not travel guaranteed with their owners. All brachycephalic breeds are ineligible for travel in cargo.
Are There Temperature or Weather Restrictions for Cargo Pet Travel?
Yes. If the temperature is below 20°F or over 80°F during transport, including in the place of departure, transit, and final destination, Delta will not accept pets in cargo. If the temperature is within the 20°F to 45°F range, Delta may ask pet owners to present a Certificate of Acclimation before booking their trip. The temperature should be maintained throughout the entire period that the pet spends in Delta’s care, two hours after the final arrival in case of domestic transportation and four hours in case of international travel.
Are Emotional Support Animals Allowed on Delta Airlines?
No. Emotional support animals travel as pets on all Delta flights, paying the same fee, meeting all carrier requirements, and subject to all of the restrictions described above. It follows the 2021 DOT regulatory change according to which ESAs are no longer protected under ACAA due to the number of safety issues and frauds associated with these animals. There is no separate ESA policy for Delta – emotional support animals must merely conform to Delta’s general pet policy, flying either as pets in-cabin or as cargo (for certain travelers).
If your ESA letter was issued specifically for air travel, it may be time to think about what document suits your needs better. ESA letters remain fully valid for their initial purpose – housing accommodation according to the Fair Housing Act but have no special status with any airline anymore, Delta included. If you are still wondering whether to obtain an ESA letter or get evaluated for psychiatric service dog certification, ESA Clinic can refer you to a licensed mental health professional.
What Is Delta Airlines’ Policy for Service Animals?
Delta acknowledges only dogs as the true service animals and includes physical disability service dogs as well as psychiatric service dogs if they are individually trained to do tasks for the disabled person. Service animals don’t have to ride in a carrier; rather, they are allowed to sit on the lap of the handler (provided that they are small in size) or in the floor space of the handler’s seat but not in another seat, blocking an aisle, or sitting in the exit rows. Some limited space seats such as bulkhead and flat-bed seats are also excluded from service dog travel.
Delta Airlines allows two service dogs for one passenger without any fee charge and within the carry-on baggage restriction limit. Service dogs have to be at least four months old and vaccinated.
How Do You Add a Service Animal to a Delta Airlines Flight?
- Check eligibility. Delta requires that only fully trained dogs may serve as service animals. Partially trained service dogs are not allowed, unless the dog travels with its trainer to the future owner.
- Fill out necessary forms – DOT Service Animal Air Transportation Form and DOT Relief Attestation Form, if the flight exceeds eight hours.
- Place a request for a service dog at Delta, choosing “Trained Service Animal” when filling out the application.
- Familiarize yourself with Delta’s policy regarding service animals to be sure that you understand seating arrangements and requirements concerning behavior.
- Book your flight after getting approval for your request, but don’t forget that service dogs cannot travel in exit rows.
- Get ready for traveling – take the bed, kennel, bowls, food, and another leash and collar for your service dog. These items are free of charge from the baggage costs.
The service dog is still the responsibility of the handler regarding behavior. The dog should be leashed or harnessed, behave itself properly, and DOT forms should always be ready at hand.
Do You Need to Notify Delta Airlines in Advance for a Service Dog?
Yes. Delta needs official notice and form submission not less than 48 hours before departure via the “My Trips” page of Delta. If you book your ticket less than 48 hours before departure, then it is possible to submit the filled form either at the check-in counter or at the departure gate. Due to the fact that service dogs and their owners are not allowed to sit in exit rows and may need an additional seat, it is better to think about it beforehand.
Do Service Dogs Fly for Free With Delta Airlines?
Yes. Service dogs, together with all their travel necessities, including beds and meals, can travel free on Delta according to ACAA regulations.
Are There Breed Restrictions for Service Dogs on Delta Airlines?
No. As per the present DOT regulation, Delta Airlines welcomes all breeds of dogs as service animals as long as they satisfy the documentation and training requirements. It is a significant change in Delta’s policy since it had been enforcing a ban on pit bulls due to safety reasons, but DOT has issued new guidelines that prohibit airlines from applying breed-specific requirements to service animals. Now, pit bulls can travel as trained service animals as long as they exhibit proper behavior and have the necessary documentation.
However, it should be noted that the aforementioned exception applies only to trained service dogs since pit bulls remain prohibited by the general policy of Delta.
Can You Bring More Than One Service Dog on a Delta Airlines Flight?
Yes. Delta permits travelers to take up to two service animals on flights if there is enough floor or lap space for both or an extra seat has been purchased by the handler.
Are There Size Restrictions for Flying With a Service Dog on Delta Airlines?
Yes. Although the ACAA forbids Delta from having formal restrictions on the breed or size of any service animal, the service dogs are required to be small enough to fit into the passenger’s foot space or the lap of the traveler. Handlers of large service dogs may need to buy an extra seat for the dog.
Planning Your Trip With a Pet, ESA, or Service Animal
The airline’s policy is quite distinct: Pets and ESAs will incur similar charges and transportation limitations, with the exception being trained assistance dogs that travel for free and without restraint, and air freight services will be unavailable due to the ongoing embargo. Those who rely on their animal being either an ESA or a service dog for traveling purposes would do well to know the difference before making a reservation.
ESA Clinic has a network of licensed mental health practitioners who can give you all the necessary information and help you decide which kind of certification is needed for your case, whether it is a legitimate ESA letter for housing arrangements or psychiatric service dog qualification.
