Delta Airlines Pet Policy: The Complete 2026 Guide

Delta Airlines allows small dogs, cats, and household birds to travel in-cabin on domestic flights for $150 USD each way (tickets issued on/after April 8, 2025). Larger pets must use Delta Cargo, though a network-wide embargo currently limits cargo pet shipments to active U.S. military and Foreign Service Officers only. Service animals (trained dogs only) fly free with proper DOT documentation.

Flying with a pet involves more logistics than most travelers expect. Carrier size limits, breed restrictions, route-specific bans, rising fees, and cargo embargoes all have the potential to derail travel plans especially when the details aren’t verified until check-in day.

What Are Delta’s Pet Travel Options in 2026?

Delta Air Lines currently offers three ways for pets to travel:

The most important thing to understand upfront: Delta Cargo has a network-wide embargo on general household pet shipments. As of 2026, only active U.S. military personnel and Department of State Foreign Service Officers traveling on Permanent Change of Station (PCS) orders qualify for the cargo exception.

How Much Does Delta Charge for a Pet on the Plane?

Delta charges a one-way per-pet fee collected at check-in. The amount depends on your destination and when your ticket was issued.

Cost example: A round-trip domestic flight with your dog costs $300 USD total ($150 each way) for tickets issued after April 8, 2025. If you bought your ticket before that date, the total would be $190 USD.

Note: CAD is charged when exiting Canada; EUR is charged when exiting Europe. These fees are governed by the contract of carriage in effect at the time of ticket issuance.

What Pets Are Allowed in the Cabin on Delta?

Delta permits the following pets to travel in-cabin on domestic U.S. flights:

• Small dogs
• Cats
• Household birds (domestic U.S. flights only)

For international flights, only dogs and cats are eligible provided the passenger holds all required entry documentation for the destination country, and the route isn’t on Delta’s restricted list.

Age and Health Requirements

All dogs entering the United States regardless of travel origin must comply with CDC requirements effective August 1, 2024:

• Be at least 6 months old
• Be microchipped and appear healthy
• Be accompanied by a completed CDC Dog Import Form receipt
• Meet vaccination documentation requirements based on travel history and country risk classification

How Strict Is Delta with Carry-On Pets?

Delta is quite strict about in-cabin pet compliance. Agents inspect carrier dimensions, confirm the pet can move comfortably inside, and verify the kennel fits under the seat in front of you all at check-in.

Key in-cabin rules:

• One kennel per passenger; must fit under the seat directly in front of you
• The pet must be able to stand, sit, turn around, and move without touching the kennel’s sides or top
• Delta recommends a soft-sided kennel with maximum dimensions of 18″ x 11″ x 11″ (fits most aircraft types)
• The kennel must be leak-proof and ventilated on at least 3 sides for domestic travel and 4 sides for international travel
• Your pet must remain secured in the kennel at all times in the airport (including during check-in, boarding, and deplaning), in Delta Sky Clubs, and onboard the aircraft

Can my dog sit on my lap on Delta? No. Delta requires pets to remain inside their carrier at all times onboard the aircraft. A pet out of its carrier is a policy violation that can result in losing future pet travel privileges.

Seat Restrictions for Passengers with Pets

You cannot select seats in the following areas when traveling with an in-cabin pet:

• Bulkhead seats
• Emergency exit rows
• Seats designated as “no stowage”
• Flat-bed seats or Delta One seats
• Delta Premium Select seats
• Rows 46–51 on A330-200 aircraft
• Rows 54–59 on A330-300 aircraft
• Center seats on B757-200 aircraft
• Row 1 and window seats in First Class on B737-900ER

How Many Pets Are Allowed per Flight?

Pets are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. Contact Delta Reservations as soon as possible after booking your own ticket capacity fills quickly, especially on popular routes.

What Destinations Don’t Allow In-Cabin Pets on Delta?

Delta does not permit in-cabin pets on flights to or from the following destinations, regardless of the pet’s health status or documentation.

• Australia
• Barbados
• Brazil, Colombia, Dominican Republic (pets originating in these countries cannot travel)
• Hawaii (no pets allowed on flights to Hawaii)
• Hong Kong
• Iceland
• Ireland
• Jamaica
• New Zealand
• South Africa
• United Kingdom
• United Arab Emirates

Additionally, Delta has active cabin pet embargoes for flights originating in Brazil, Colombia (effective June 7, 2021), and the Dominican Republic (effective January 24, 2025). Passengers returning to those countries with their pet from the U.S. may still travel under standard acceptance rules.

What Is the Delta Pet Policy Weight Limit?

Delta does not publish a specific weight limit for in-cabin pets. Instead, the policy focuses on kennel size and the pet’s ability to fit comfortably within it. The practical rule: the combined weight of the pet and its carrier must fit under the seat in front of you, and the pet cannot press against the kennel sides or ceiling.

For most small dogs and cats, this means the pet itself typically weighs under 15–20 lbs, though Delta will not quote a hard weight cutoff. If you’re uncertain, call Delta Reservations with your kennel dimensions before your travel date.

Does Delta Allow Large Dogs to Fly?

Delta does not allow large dogs in the passenger cabin. Large dogs cannot travel as checked baggage under current policy, and Delta Cargo’s general pet embargo means cargo transport is also unavailable for most travelers in 2026.

Current reality for large dog owners:

• In-cabin travel: Not permitted (size restriction)
• Checked baggage (AVIH): Only available to active U.S. Military and Foreign Service Officers with transfer orders, on flights under 12 hours
• Delta Cargo: Under a global embargo; general public not currently eligible
• Partner airlines: May have different policies verify directly with the operating carrier

If you have a large dog and are not active military, you may need to explore alternative carriers with active large pet programs, or work with an IPATA-member professional shipper who can advise on available routing options.

Can Dogs Go in Cargo on Delta?

Delta Cargo has a network-wide embargo on general household pet shipments as of 2026. The only exception is for active U.S. military personnel and Department of State Foreign Service Officers traveling on Permanent Change of Station (PCS) orders.

For those who qualify, here’s how Delta Cargo pet transport works:

Delta Pet Cargo Requirements (Military/FSO Exception)

Age minimums:

• Domestic: Cats and dogs must be at least 12 weeks old
• International: At least 15 weeks old
• Dogs entering the U.S.: At least 6 months old

Temperature restrictions:
Forecasted temperatures must be between 20°F and 80°F at every point in the journey origin, transfer, and destination while the pet is in Delta’s care on the ground.

Drop-off timing:

• Domestic: 4–6 hours before departure
• International: 6 hours before departure (cut-off is 4 hours for international, 2.5 hours for domestic)

Booking window: 1–14 days before departure. Pets cannot be tendered overnight at a station for an early flight the next morning.

Drop-off and pickup locations: Delta Cargo facilities only not at airport ticket counters. Pets are picked up from the Delta Cargo facility at the destination, not at baggage claim.

Delta Pet Cargo Cost

Delta Cargo pricing for pet shipments is not published as a flat rate costs vary based on route, kennel size, aircraft type, and any applicable surcharges. Contact Delta Cargo directly at 1-800-352-2846 for a quote. Additional fees may include:

• Base shipping rate (varies by route and weight)
• IATA-compliant crate (if purchasing through Delta Cargo facilities)
• Health certificate issuance by a USDA-accredited veterinarian
• Potential customs clearing agent fees (required for shipments to AMS and CDG)

For reference, Pets in Hold (AVIH) fees for qualifying military personnel are $200 USD for most domestic and international routes.

Cargo Kennel Requirements

All cargo kennels must comply with IATA Live Animal Regulations (LAR). Key specifications for dogs and cats (IATA Container Requirement #1):

• The pet must be able to stand, sit, turn around, and lie down naturally without touching the container sides or top
• Absorbent bedding must be present inside the crate
• Water and food containers must be attached to the inside of the crate door
• Maximum crate height accepted: 24 inches (enforced since March 1, 2019)
• Two dogs or cats may share one crate only if: both are 12 weeks to 6 months old, each weighs less than 20 lbs, and the crate is large enough for both

Embargoed cargo stations: Even for qualifying military/FSO, Delta Cargo does not accept pet shipments at: Amsterdam (AMS), Paris (CDG), Frankfurt (FRA), London (LHR), Seoul (ICN), and Tokyo (HND).

Breed Restrictions for Cargo

Delta Cargo does not accept snub-nosed (brachycephalic) dogs or cats, or their mixes. These breeds face elevated risk of respiratory distress during air travel. Examples include Bulldogs, Pugs, Boston Terriers, Persian cats, and Himalayan cats. Consult the Delta Cargo restricted animals list for the full breakdown before booking.

Sedation policy: Sedated or tranquilized animals are NOT accepted under any circumstances.

What Is the Delta Pet Policy for International Travel?

International in-cabin pet travel on Delta is permitted to most destinations (excluding the restricted country list above) if the passenger holds all required entry documents for the destination country. Delta Cargo international shipments are currently under embargo for general travelers, with limited exceptions for military personnel and even those exceptions exclude specific stations.

International in-cabin requirements:

• Dogs must be at least 6 months old to enter the U.S.; cats must be at least 16 weeks old
• Dogs traveling to the EU must be at least 15 weeks old
• The kennel must be ventilated on all 4 sides (vs. 3 sides for domestic travel)
• The fee is $200 USD/CAD/EUR one-way

International in-cabin pet weight limit: No fixed weight limit is specified by Delta for international in-cabin travel. The same kennel-fit standard applies the pet and carrier must both fit under the seat in front of you.

For international cargo shipments (military exception only): All standard cargo requirements apply, plus:

• An IPATA-member professional pet shipper must handle the booking (exception: military/FSO with PCS orders)
• International health certificates must be issued within 10 days of travel, signed by a USDA-accredited veterinarian and endorsed by an APHIS Veterinarian (or a military veterinarian for military shipments)
• Additional country-specific permits may be required (CITES, CDC, USDA, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service)
• Customs clearing agents are required for shipments to AMS and CDG

For destination-specific entry requirements, Delta directs travelers to the USDA APHIS Travel With a Pet website and the CDC for dog-specific import rules.

Can I Buy My 50 lb Dog a Seat on the Plane?

No Delta does not sell seats to pets, regardless of size. Only trained service animals are permitted to occupy floor space in front of a purchased adjacent seat (if you buy an extra ticket to create additional floor space). A regular 50 lb dog cannot fly in the Delta cabin under any circumstances.

What Paperwork Is Needed to Fly My Pet on Delta?

The documentation you need depends on whether your pet is traveling in-cabin or via cargo, and the route.

In-Cabin Documentation

When calling Delta Reservations to book your pet, have the following ready:

• Kennel dimensions (length, width, height)
• Pet breed and weight
• Destination-specific documentation (if international)

Delta Cargo Documentation (Military/FSO)

• Copy of Permanent Change of Station orders
• IATA-compliant crate (pre-confirmed for aircraft compatibility)
• Shipper’s Certification and Journey Declaration Form
• Air waybill from booking confirmation
• Domestic or International Health Certificate (issued within 10 days of travel)
• Certificate of Acclimation (if ground temperatures will fall between 20°F and 45°F)
• Feeding and Watering Instructions Label (provided by cargo agent)

How Do Trained Service Animals Differ from Emotional Support Animals?

Delta recognizes only fully trained dogs as service animals under its current policy, in alignment with the DOT Air Carrier Access Act rule effective January 2021. Emotional support animals (ESAs) no longer receive service animal status and must travel as standard cabin pets if they meet eligibility requirements.

Service Animal Requirements

To fly as a recognized service animal on Delta, the animal must:

• Be a dog that is fully trained to assist a person with a disability (animals in training are not eligible)
• Be up-to-date on all vaccinations (must be at least 4 months old)
• Fit within the floor space of your assigned seat without intruding into the aisle or neighboring passengers’ space
• Refrain from disruptive or aggressive behavior (growling, biting, lunging, barking excessively, or relieving itself outside designated relief areas)

Service Animal Documentation

Submit both forms to Delta at least 48 hours before departure:

1. DOT Service Animal Air Travel Form   required for all service animals
2. DOT Relief Attestation Form   required for flights 8 hours or longer

Service animals travel free of charge. Their kennels (occupied or not) are treated as assistive devices, exempt from baggage fees. Up to 2 service animals may travel with one passenger, though additional seat purchases may be required for floor space.

Onboard Accommodation

Service animals must remain on the floor (foot space) in front of the handler’s seat or in the handler’s lap. They may not occupy a seat, eat from tray tables, or encroach on neighboring passengers’ space. Handlers cannot sit in exit rows.

How Does the Delta Pet Policy Compare to American Airlines?

American Airlines pet policy vs. Delta pet policy key differences:

American Airlines allows up to 7 in-cabin pets per flight in the main cabin, compared to Delta’s limit of 4. American Airlines also currently accepts pet cargo for general travelers on eligible routes a significant difference for owners of large or cargo-only pets in 2026.

Plan Your Trip: Key Takeaways for Delta Pet Travel

Planning ahead is the single most important thing you can do when flying with a pet on Delta. Spots fill quickly, documentation errors can ground your travel, and the policy details especially for international routes change with little notice.

Before you book:

• Confirm your route isn’t on the restricted destination list
• Verify your pet meets the age minimums for your specific route
• Check that your kennel meets Delta’s dimensional recommendations (18″ x 11″ x 11″ soft-sided)
• Contact Delta Reservations immediately after booking your own ticket to add your pet

Before you fly:

• Obtain a health certificate from a USDA-accredited veterinarian within 10 days of travel (required for most routes)
• Confirm CDC documentation requirements if your dog is entering the U.S.
• Arrive early check-in with a pet requires additional time at the Special Service Counter
• Allow extra time for your pet to use a designated relief area before boarding

For the most current requirements, always verify directly with Delta at delta.com/pet-travel or by calling Delta Reservations, and consult the USDA APHIS Pet Travel site for international documentation requirements. Policies shift, and the cost of being caught off-guard at the airport is simply too high.

Frequently Asked Questions 

How early should I book my pet on a Delta flight?

As early as possible. Delta operates on a first-come, first-served basis with strict limits (4 pets per flight in the main cabin). Contact Delta Reservations immediately after booking your own ticket, and have your kennel dimensions ready.

Does Delta allow snub-nosed dogs or cats to fly in-cabin?

Delta does not explicitly ban brachycephalic breeds from in-cabin travel, but snub-nosed breeds cannot travel via Delta Cargo. If your brachycephalic dog fits within the kennel requirements and your route is eligible, in-cabin travel may be possible but consult your vet first, as these breeds can be vulnerable to stress and respiratory issues during flight.

Can two dogs travel in the same carrier on Delta?

Yes, under specific conditions. Two pets of the same breed and size, both between 8 weeks and 6 months of age, may share one kennel in the cabin if they fit comfortably and are compatible. They are charged as one pet. For cargo, both animals must be 12 weeks to 6 months old and each must weigh under 20 lbs.

What happens if my pet is denied boarding on Delta?

If your pet or carrier does not meet Delta’s requirements at check-in, Delta may refuse to transport the animal. Failure to comply with pet policies can also result in losing the ability to travel with your pet on future Delta flights.

Does Delta charge a pet fee for service animals?

No. Trained service animals (fully trained dogs assisting passengers with disabilities) travel at no charge. Their assistive devices, including kennels, are also exempt from baggage fees.

Can I take my cat on an international Delta flight to the UK?

No. Delta does not permit in-cabin pets on flights to or from the United Kingdom, regardless of pet type or documentation. The UK is on Delta’s restricted destination list for cabin pets.

Is a health certificate required for all pets on Delta?

Health certificates are not explicitly mandated by Delta for all domestic in-cabin trips, but many U.S. states require them, and they are required for Delta Cargo shipments (issued within 10 days of travel). For international travel, health certification is always required. Check your destination state’s agriculture department requirements before flying.

Can I book my pet on Delta.com, or do I need to call?

Pet bookings cannot be completed online. You must contact Delta Reservations by phone to add a pet to your reservation. Have your kennel dimensions, pet breed, and pet weight on hand when you call.