Delta Airlines – Pet Policy
| Pet Type | Cabin | Checked Baggage / Cargo | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dog | Yes (small, healthy, fit in soft-sided kennel max 18”x11”x11” (45x28x28 cm), kennel counts as personal item; max 9 kg including kennel; max 4 pets total on flight; brachycephalic allowed only in cabin) | Yes (healthy, fully vaccinated dogs accepted as checked baggage or cargo on eligible flights; restrictions by breed, route and temperature embargoes; brachycephalic prohibited in cargo; advance booking required) | Dogs must have health certificate and vaccination proof; CDC Dog Import Permit required for U.S. entry starting August 2024; aggressive breeds may be denied; carrier to meet IATA standards; pets must not be sedated; advance booking essential |
| Cat | Yes (same as dogs with respect to kennel size and weight; brachycephalic cats allowed only in cabin) | Yes (restrictions similar to dogs in cargo; documentation and advance booking required) | Health and vaccination certificates required; restrictions on brachycephalic cats in cargo; compliance with destination regulations mandatory |
| Bird | Yes (small household birds like parakeets and canaries allowed in cabin on approved routes) | No (generally not accepted in cargo; check route-specific rules and documentation requirements) | Import/export permits and health certificates required; limited acceptance of bird species; recommended to check with the airline prior to booking |
| Reptile | No | No | Not accepted as pets in cabin or cargo; may be shipped via specialized animal freight handlers subject to documentation |
| Fish | No | No | Not accepted as pets in cabin or cargo; only shipped as specialized cargo with permits |
| Rabbit | No | No | Not accepted as pets; may be shipped as cargo on specific arrangements |
Important Guidelines
- Pets must be at least 8 weeks old, healthy, and with up-to-date vaccination certificates.
- Advanced booking of pet travel is required; limited space is available for pets in cabin and cargo.
- Only approved carriers/kennels compliant with IATA standards allowed; kennel must fit under the seat in cabin.
- Breed restrictions and embargo periods may apply; brachycephalic (snub-nosed) breeds allowed in cabin only.
- Certain aggressive breeds may be denied travel.
- Pets must remain in carrier at all times in the airport and on the aircraft.
- Dogs and cats entering the U.S. starting August 2024 require the CDC Dog Import Permit.
- Ensure all import/export/country specific documents for destination and connecting airports are arranged in advance.
Woofly Tips
- Prepare your pet in its carrier prior to the journey to reduce stress and ensure compliance.
- Weigh and measure the pet plus carrier ahead of time to avoid issues at check-in.
- Confirm all documents are in order—health certificates, vaccinations, microchip info, permits, and the CDC import permit for U.S. arrivals.
- Reserve your pet’s travel spot as soon as possible, ideally at ticket purchase.
- Check potential route or seasonal embargoes that may affect your pet’s travel eligibility.
- Contact Delta well in advance for any unusual breeds, large pets, or exotic animals that require special arrangements.
Note: Policies may vary by route and aircraft; always consult Delta’s official website or customer service for your specific itinerary.
Last updated: July 27, 2025