What is Delta Airlines Pet Policy?

Traveling with pets can be challenging, but choosing a suitable airline can make all the difference. Delta Airlines welcomes pets and has a comprehensive pet policy to accommodate various pet travel needs. This guide will cover everything you need to know about the Delta Airlines pet policy to ensure a comfortable and smooth journey for you and your furry companion.

What is the pet policy for Delta Airlines?

Delta pet policy offers several options for pet travel, including in-cabin travel, cargo shipments, and accommodations for service animals. Each option comes with specific requirements and guidelines to ensure the well-being of pets.

Pets must always remain in their kennels while at the airport and onboard the aircraft to avoid travel restrictions on future flights. Let’s look at the different types of pet travel services one by one.

What is Delta Airlines carry-on Pet policy?

Delta Airlines pet travel allows small pets to travel in the cabin, given they meet specific criteria and requirements. Here are the details:

Age Requirements

Your pet needs to be at least 8 weeks old for domestic travel. If you are traveling internationally, there might be stricter requirements. For instance, pets must be 16-weeks-old if traveling to the U.S. from another country and at least 15-weeks-old when traveling to the European Union.

General Rules

As per Delta pet travel, only one pet per kennel is allowed. There are a few exceptions: One female cat/dog with an unweaned litter (8 weeks to 6 months old) and two pets of the same breed/size (8 weeks to 6 months old) may share a kennel if they fit and are compatible.

Pet Carrier Specifications

Your pet must travel in a soft-sided, ventilated kennel that fits comfortably under the seat in front of you. The dimensions will vary depending on the aircraft, so be sure to check with Delta for specific size requirements. Delta pet policy recommends a soft-sided kennel with maximum measurements of 18 x 11 x 11 since this fits most aircraft types.

Checking-in Your Pet

Arrive early at the special service counter, complete the documentation, and get a cabin pet tag. Then, head to the security checkpoint, where you will be asked to remove your pet from the carrier.

What is Delta Airlines pet cargo policy?

For pets that cannot travel in the cabin, the airline offers a Delta pet cargo shipping option. This service is primarily for military and foreign service personnel traveling on permanent change of station (PCS) orders.

General Guidelines

• Bookings for pet cargo travel should be made up to 14 days before departure.
• Pets may not necessarily travel on the same flight as their owners.
• Parents must drop off and pick up their pets at the Delta pet cargo location 4-6 hours before departure.
• Cut-off times for pet check-in are 2.5 hours for domestic and 4 hours for international.

Health Requirements

• Pets must travel in crates that comply with industry regulations and allow them to stand, sit, turn around, and lie down comfortably.
• A health certificate from a USDA-accredited veterinarian, issued within 10 days of travel, is mandatory.

Weather Requirements

• Delta flying with pets is unavailable during extreme weather (below 20˚F or above 80°F) on the ground at any point during travel.
• A Certificate of Acclimation is required for pets traveling when temperatures fall between 20°F and 45°F.

Restrictions

• Older pets with health issues, such as heart disease or diabetes, might not handle travel well. Consult your veterinarian.
• Brachycephalic (snub-nosed) breeds are not permitted due to breathing difficulties at high altitudes.

Fond Tip: Get your pet accustomed to spending time in their carrier before the flight. This reduces stress for them during the journey.

If you missed your Delta flight and have a pet with you, it's crucial to understand the impact on their transport.

How strict is Delta with service animals?

Delta allows only dogs as trained service animals. You must fill out Delta Airlines pet policy forms documenting your service animal's health, training, and behavior.

• Trained service animals engaging in disruptive or aggressive behavior like growling, biting, etc., will be refused transportation.
• Service animals must lie in the floor space below a seat or on a customer's lap.
• Pre-boarding is available for customers traveling with service animals to accommodate their needs during the boarding process.

International Pet Travel with Delta

Planning for international Delta pet travel requires advanced preparation due to strict regulations set by each country. Here are some key steps to take before your trip:

• Contact the destination country's embassy or consulate. They will provide specific pet import regulations for your destination.
• Obtain necessary paperwork, including health certificates, vaccinations, and other documentation specific to your pet and destination.
• Consult your vet to ensure your pet meets all health requirements for the destination country.
• Check with the CDC about regulations for importing pets into the United States or contact Delta Airlines reservation phone number.
• Check with APHIS and review international animal export regulations (if applicable).
• Be aware of additional Delta pet fees like terminal handling, customs clearance, veterinarian services, and kennel storage. These fees are separate from shipping rates and are typically due upon arrival.

Military Pet Travel with Delta

Military members and U.S. State Department Foreign Service Officers can check their pets as baggage when traveling on active transfer orders.

• Booking Requirements: Pets must be booked at least 48 hours in advance to ensure proper arrangements.
• Regulatory Compliance: Pets must meet federal regulations, including documentation and health requirements.
• Accepted Animals: Cats, dogs (excluding snub-nosed breeds), household birds, guinea pigs, rabbits, and hamsters on domestic U.S. flights are allowed under Delta pet policy.
• Crate Requirements: Crates must be constructed of rigid plastic, metal, wood, or a material of comparable strength with solid roofs. Ventilation openings on 3 sides, functional handles on the exterior, and secure closures are also required.
• Size or Weight Fees: Unlike regular baggage, no excess size or weight fees apply to pet crates.

Fond Tip: Bring essentials like food, water bowls, and a favorite toy to keep your pet comfortable and content on the flight.

If you didn't find your preferable option, you may cancel your Delta flight.

How much is the pet fee on Delta?

The Delta pet fee varies depending on the type of travel and destination.

Note: The CAD amount is charged when exiting Canada, and the EUR amount is charged when exiting Europe.

How to book a flight with a pet on Delta?

Delta pet travel operates on a first-come, first-serve basis for pets in the cabin, with a limited number allowed per flight.

How to add a pet to Delta flight?

• Check Requirements: Ensure your pet meets Delta's in-cabin travel requirements.
• Contact Reservations: Call Delta Reservations as soon as possible after booking your own Delta flight.
• Provide Kennel Dimensions: Have your pet’s kennel dimensions (length, width, height) ready when you call.

Conclusion

From cozy carry-ons to shipping as cargo, Delta Airlines offers pet travel options to suit various needs. Remember, understanding Delta Airlines pet policy and booking in advance are critical to a smooth journey for you and your pet.

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