What You Need to Know About Delta Air Lines Pets Cargo Services 

What You Need to Know About Delta Air Lines Pets Cargo Services  Image
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Published Oct 30, 2025 8:40 AM EST

Delta Airlines only allows pet cargo bookings within 14 days of your original flight departure—so plan your furry companion's trip accordingly.

Flying with pets can be stressful, but Delta Airlines pet cargo takes the worry out of the equation! Whether moving, traveling, or sending your beloved companion across the country, Delta ensures your pet's comfort and safety. Let's dive into the key details you'll need for a smooth pet cargo experience.

What is Delta Pets Policy for Cargo?

Delta Airlines pet cargo review is a specialized service offered by Delta Airlines to transport pets who can't travel in the cabin. Delta ensures pets travel safely and comfortably in a climate-controlled and pressurized cargo hold. This service follows strict guidelines to prioritize your pet's health and safety throughout the journey.

What are the eligibility criteria for Delta’ pets cargo?

The eligibility criteria for Delta Airlines pet cargo vary by destination. Pets must be at least 12 weeks old for domestic flights, while international travel may require pets to be 15 to 24 weeks old, depending on country-specific rules.

Here's what you need to know about Delta pet policy International:

  • All dogs and cats must be at least 12 weeks old.
  • Animals must be fully weaned and able to self-feed.
  • Your pet must be at least 15 weeks old when traveling to the European Union.
  • A mother and her young cannot share the same kennel for safety reasons.

FlyO Tip: Be ready! At check-in, you must complete a live animal checklist and pack food with 24-hour feeding instructions for your furry traveler.

How do I book pet cargo for Delta?

To book Delta Airlines pets cargo, simply call Delta Airlines, confirm your pet meets all travel requirements, check availability, and complete your booking with payment.

Here's how you can book cargo flights for your furry friend:

  • Call their customer service team directly and provide your pet's travel details.
  • Confirm that your pet meets Delta's travel requirements and check cargo space availability.
  • Finalize your booking by paying the fees and receiving your confirmation mail.

Alternatively, you can also call our FlyOfinder reservations at +1-571-378-7016 for specialized help and guidance.

How much does it cost to ship your pets cargo on Delta?

The price to ship your pet through Delta Airlines pet cargo cost depends on the pet's size, kennel dimensions, weight, and travel route. Prices are usually calculated case-by-case, so Delta recommends contacting their customer service directly for an exact quote. In comparison to the Delta pet cargo cost, the in-cabin pet fees start at $95 each way for travel within the U.S., Canada, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands.

Important Note: Failure to follow pet policies and kennel rules may result in losing the privilege to travel with your pet on future flights.

What does Delta Pet Cargo carry?

Delta Airlines pet cargo transports all pets safely in a climate-controlled cargo environment. Here's the overview:

  • ✔️ Dogs
  • ✔️ Cats
  • ✔️ Birds
  • ✔️ Reptiles
  • ✔️ Amphibians

What are the requirements for pets on Delta cargo?

Pets must meet Delta's age, breed, and health requirements, travel in an IATA-approved kennel, and comply with destination, weather, and documentation policies.

If you're planning to ship your pet via Delta Airlines pet cargo, here's what you need to know:

  • General Guidelines:

You should book your pet's cargo reservation up to 14 days before your flight. Remember that your pet might not always travel on the same flight as you. Delta requires pet drop-off at their Cargo facility 4–6 hours before departure. The check-in cut-off time is 2.5 hours for all domestic flights and 4 hours for international flights.

  • Health Requirements:

Your pet must travel in a properly sized, IATA-approved crate—they should be able to stand, sit, lie down, and turn around comfortably. A valid health certificate from a USDA-accredited veterinarian, issued within at least 10 days of travel, is also mandatory.

  • Weather Restrictions:

Delta restricts pet cargo travel if temperatures fall below 20°F or rise above 80°F at any point during the journey. If the temperature is between 20°F and 45°F, a Certificate of Acclimation is required.

  • Additional Restrictions:

Older pets with health issues like heart disease or diabetes may not be fit for air travel, so always check with your vet first. Delta also prohibits snub-nosed (brachycephalic) breeds from traveling in cargo due to breathing difficulties.

FlyO Tip: Always get a USDA-approved health certificate within 10 days—international travel requires additional vet endorsements for a smooth trip.

What are the Delta pet cargo restrictions?

Delta Airlines pet cargo does not accept sedated pets, restricted breeds, sick or aggressive animals, or those needing in-transit medication. All shipments must meet USDA, IATA, CDC, and TSA animal transport rules. Here are the Delta cargo restrictions:

  • Delta strictly prohibits sedated or tranquilized pets for cargo travel to ensure their safety and well-being during the flight.
  • Snub-nosed (brachycephalic) breeds such as bulldogs, pugs, and Persian cats are prohibited due to their breathing difficulties at high altitudes.
  • Pets showing signs of illness, injury, or physical distress will not be accepted for transport to prioritize animal welfare.
  • Animals that exhibit aggression or attempt to escape their crate will be denied travel for safety reasons.
  • The transportation of untreated remains or deceased animals is not allowed.
  • Delta does not allow live animals to be transferred to another airline at any point during the journey.
  • Live animals are not accepted under Delta's DASH same-day express service.
  • Pets without valid health certificates or necessary travel documents will not be accepted for cargo shipment.
  • Only travel crates that comply with USDA and IATA guidelines—allowing the pet to stand, sit, and turn around comfortably—are accepted.
  • All shipments must fully comply with USDA Animal Welfare Regulations, IATA Live Animal Regulations, CDC Importation Rules, and TSA security guidelines.

Book stress-free pet cargo or flight reservations now with FlyOfinder – call us today at +1-571-378-7016 for expert help and great airline deals.

What other airlines offer pet cargo services?

Several airlines still provide pet cargo services, offering climate-controlled and secure transport for your pets. While it also has some restrictions:

  • American Airlines: They offer pet cargo services for both domestic and international travel with climate-controlled kennels. USDA and IATA compliance is mandatory for pet handling.
  • United Airlines: United's PetSafe program offers pet cargo transport, but snub-nosed breeds are mostly restricted due to respiratory concerns. They may have seasonal embargoes, too.
  • Lufthansa: Lufthansa operates one of the world's largest Animal Lounges at Frankfurt Airport, offering high-welfare animal handling and care.
  • Air Canada: Air Canada offers domestic and international pet cargo services with temperature-controlled options, following IATA and regulatory guidelines.
  • KLM: KLM provides professional live animal transport with specialized animal facilities, including their Schiphol animal hotel.

Conclusion

Delta Airlines pet cargo stands as a trusted leader in pet transportation, offering unmatched safety, compliance, and care for your beloved animals. Whether for domestic or international travel, Delta's industry-leading pet cargo services deliver peace of mind and professional handling from departure to arrival.

🔔 Take charge of your pet's safe travel today! Call the FlyOfinder reservations team at +1-571-378-7016 for our expert Delta pet cargo bookings and exclusive flight deals.

FAQ’s

Q1: Does Delta allow pets as cargo?

Delta Airlines pet cargo allows pets to travel separately as cargo under their specialized live animal transport service, following USDA and IATA regulations. To grab our best airline deals, contact the Delta Airlines pet cargo contact number or +1-571-378-7016.

Q2: How strict is Delta's pet policy?

Delta enforces strict pet policies, requiring compliant crates, health certificates, and adherence to breed and weather restrictions for safety. Violations may result in travel denial.

Q3: Does Delta require a pet health certificate?

Delta mandates a USDA-accredited health certificate issued within 10 days of travel, confirming your pet is fit for air transport. To get information about pet travel, call the Delta cargo phone number, or you can call us at +1-571-378-7016 to make flight bookings.

Q4: Does Delta transport pets in cargo?

Delta transports pets in cargo via Delta cargo, providing temperature-controlled environments and specialized animal handling services.

Q5: What is the best pet carrier for Delta?

Delta requires IATA-compliant, hard-sided crates that allow pets to stand, turn, and lie comfortably. Soft-sided carriers are accepted in-cabin only.

About the author
Author Profile

Elena Porter, a passionate traveler and writer. With over 12 years of experience in the travel industry, Elena Porter began her career as a customer service agent for a major international airline, giving her first-hand insight into the complexities of ticketing and passenger support. Since joining FlyOfinder in 2019, she has specialized in decoding complex airline policies to help travelers save money and avoid stress. Known for her insightful advice, Elena's advice focuses on practical, actionable strategies. She is an expert in leveraging airline loyalty programs, navigating intricate baggage fee structures, and finding unpublished deals using tools like the low-fare calendar.