Delta In-Cabin Pet Rules
Delta accepts small dogs, cats, and household birds in the cabin on domestic flights within the contiguous U.S. if the pet meets the age, health, size, and kennel requirements. Dogs and cats may travel outside the contiguous U.S. only when the paperwork and destination rules line up.
Delta is first-come, first-served for cabin pets. That means a human seat being available does not mean a pet space is available. Book the passenger, then contact Delta Reservations quickly with the kennel dimensions.
The pet must stay inside the kennel at the airport and on the aircraft. Delta calls this out strongly enough that repeat noncompliance can cost a traveler future pet travel privileges.
Fees and Kennel Requirements
| Route | Delta in-cabin pet fee |
|---|---|
| U.S., Canada, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands | $150 each way for tickets issued on or after April 8, 2025 |
| International | $200 each way in USD, CAD, or EUR depending on exit point |
| Brazil | $200 for tickets issued on or after April 8, 2025 |
Delta recommends a soft-sided kennel with maximum dimensions of 18 x 11 x 11 inches because under-seat space varies by aircraft. The kennel must be leak-proof, ventilated on three sides for domestic travel and four sides for international travel, and fit fully under the seat.
One pet kennel is allowed per passenger. In most cases, one pet is allowed per kennel. Delta makes narrow exceptions for an unweaned litter or two same-breed, same-size pets between 8 weeks and 6 months old if they fit safely together.
Seat choice matters: Delta blocks cabin pets from bulkhead seats, exit rows, flat-bed/Delta One seats, seats with no stowage, and a few aircraft-specific rows.
International, Cargo, and Exceptions
Delta's international rules are where people get burned. Pets are not permitted in cabin to or from several destinations, including Australia, Barbados, Brazil, Colombia, the Dominican Republic, Hawaii, Hong Kong, Iceland, Jamaica, New Zealand, South Africa, the United Kingdom, and the United Arab Emirates.
For dogs entering the U.S., CDC rules matter too. Dogs generally need to appear healthy, be microchipped, be at least 6 months old, and have a CDC Dog Import Form receipt. High-risk rabies country history adds more paperwork.
For larger pets, Delta points travelers to Delta Cargo when available. Cargo is not the same as a flight nanny. Cargo is a separate booking, crate standards are stricter, seasonal weather restrictions apply, and pricing depends on the animal, kennel, and route.
International flights are paperwork jobs. Do not assume a pet is cleared because Delta allows pets generally. Airline policy, CDC import rules, USDA export paperwork, and destination-country rules all have to match.
Flight Nanny Notes for Delta
Delta can be a solid flight nanny airline when the pet is small, the route is domestic, and the nanny books early. The Special Service Counter check-in adds time, so a tight airport handoff is asking for drama.
For pet owners, ask for the ticket confirmation and proof that the pet was added to the reservation. A flight number alone is not proof. Your furbaby does not care that the itinerary looked pretty in a screenshot.
For flight nannies, know your aircraft. Delta's own policy says under-seat dimensions vary, which means the same carrier can feel fine on one aircraft and tight on another.
Official Sources to Check Before Booking
Before booking, check Delta's Pet Travel on Delta, Delta's shipping your pet page, and the CDC's dog import requirements for any dog entering the United States.