North America
Flying with a dog on Delta Air Lines DL
North America
Flying with a dog on Delta Air Lines
Fair
Here is the Delta Air Lines pet policy for dogs, checked against the airline's own pages in October 2026. Below: what applies in the cabin and in the hold, the breed rules for your dog, and what to sort out before you fly.
Delta Air Lines dog policy at a glance
In the cabin
No weight limit
In the hold
Not available
Delta Air Lines doesn't carry dogs in the hold.
Delta Air Lines pet carrier size: dog carriers that fit
We checked every carrier in our comparison against the limits of Delta Air Lines, size by size. Shown are the ones that fit by their dimensions, most mentioned first. At the gate, Delta Air Lines decides.
In the cabin
9 carriers fit by their dimensions
Illustration Sherpa Original Deluxe Fits Small, Medium
Illustration Sherpa Delta Deluxe Fits
Illustration Sleepypod Air Fits Breed rules
Restrictions| Breed group | Cabin with you |
|---|---|
| Snub-nosed | Allowed |
| Strong breeds | Not listed |
– not listed
Snub-nosed
- Cabin, with you
- Allowed
Strong breeds
- Cabin, with you
- Not listed
Brachycephalic breeds restricted. Global cargo embargo (except US Military).
Assistance dogs
AllowedTrained service animals are accepted under separate accessible-travel guidelines and are not treated as pets.
Summary
Small dogs, cats and household birds that fit in a kennel under the seat may travel in the cabin; there is no stated weight limit, but the pet must be small enough to move around comfortably in its kennel. Delta recommends a soft-sided kennel no larger than 18 x 11 x 11 inches. The one-way cabin fee is 95 USD/CAD before April 8, 2025 and 150 USD/CAD on or after that date within the U.S., Canada, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, and 200 USD/CAD/EUR internationally. Pets are barred from the cabin to or from several destinations including Hawaii, Australia, the UK and the UAE.
Maximum in-cabin kennel dimensions depend on the aircraft under-seat space; Delta recommends a soft-sided kennel of 18 x 11 x 11 in, which fits most aircraft. The kennel must fit fully under the seat in front and allow the pet to stand and turn around. Generally 1 pet per kennel; one female cat or dog may travel with her un-weaned litter aged 8 weeks to 6 months, or 2 pets of the same breed and size aged 8 weeks to 6 months may share one kennel if compatible and charged as 1 pet.
Hold or shipping transport is covered on a separate Shipping Your Pet page and is not detailed here.
Before you fly
- Check which vaccinations and health documents your route requires, and keep them with you.
- Reserve your dog's spot early, as places per flight are limited.
- Check the entry rules of your destination country.
- Get your dog used to the carrier or kennel well before the trip.
Always double-check
Airline pet policies change often and vary by route, aircraft and season. Confirm the current rules directly with Delta Air Lines before booking.
Similar airlines in North America
Flying with a dog on Delta Air Lines: FAQ
What is the Delta Air Lines pet policy for dogs? ▾
Delta Air Lines allows small dogs in the cabin. Some breeds are restricted, and the Dog-Friendly Score is 77/100. Checked against the official policy in October 2026.
Can I bring my dog in the cabin on Delta Air Lines? ▾
Yes. Delta Air Lines allows small dogs in the cabin in an approved carrier that fits under the seat in front of you.
Can my dog travel in cargo on Delta Air Lines? ▾
No. Delta Air Lines does not offer hold or cargo transport for dogs.
How much does it cost to fly a dog on Delta Air Lines? ▾
On Delta Air Lines, the in-cabin fee is $150–200 (each way · varies by route and booking); the airline states: $95 USD/CAD before April 8, 2025; $150 USD/CAD on/after April 8, 2025 within U.S./Canada/Puerto Rico/U.S. Virgin Islands; $200 USD/CAD/EUR international, each way. Fees change, so confirm the exact amount when you book.
Are there breed restrictions on Delta Air Lines? ▾
Yes. Delta Air Lines restricts certain breeds: Brachycephalic breeds restricted. Global cargo embargo (except US Military). Check the breed rules for your dog before booking.
Does Delta Air Lines accept assistance dogs? ▾
Yes. Trained assistance dogs are accepted in the cabin, usually free of charge, with the required documentation. Contact Delta Air Lines in advance.