Delta Airlines ESA and Psychiatric Service Dog Policy

Delta Airlines’ service dog policy only includes trained service animals, defined as “dogs specifically trained to assist a person with a disability.” Delta’s policy does not focus on a support animal. The airline allows up to two service dogs per passenger, but proper procedures must be followed to ensure they’re permitted on your flight. Keep Delta Airlines’ stipulations in mind when prepping for your next flight.

Delta’s Required Documentations 

Before boarding Delta flights with a service animal, the airline requires customers to complete and submit the US DOT Service Animal Air Travel Form. This form requests vital information about the animal’s handler, vaccination record, and completed training. You must also agree to have your service dog leashed, harnessed, or tethered inside the airport and onboard the airplane. Finally, you must accept financial responsibility for any damage your service animal may cause.

For flights lasting eight hours or longer, there’s one additional form you’ll need to submit. By completing the DOT Relief Attestation Form, you certify that your service animal either a) will not need to relieve itself during the flight or b) can relieve itself in a sanitary manner.

Advanced Notice 

For flights scheduled 48 hours or more in the future, you can submit all required forms through Delta’s My Trips webpage. If your flight is expected to leave in less than 48 hours, you can present your completed Service Animal Air Travel Form, Relief Attestation Form, and PSD letter in person at the check-in counter or departure gate.

Delta PSD Letter Policies

While the Delta service dog policy doesn’t specifically request a Psychiatric Service Dog letter, preparing one before your flight is still helpful; you can submit it with your Service Animal Air Travel Form.

Delta’s Pet Fees

Delta charges two different types of pet fees. For its carry-on service, you’ll need to pay a $95 checked pet fee each way. For a roundtrip flight, that pays two separate $95 pet fees. Rates are higher if traveling outside the United States, Canada, or Puerto Rico. International pet fees are $200 each way. You’ll be assessed $75 for flights to and from Brazil.

Delta Cargo fees for larger animals can vary. These fees are grouped by region — for instance, from the northeast to the southeast — and include a base fee plus additional fees based on the animal’s weight.

Delta’s Breed Restrictions

Delta has a few breed restrictions for animals conveyed through its cargo service. Snub- or pug-nosed breeds face a greater risk of overheating due to their condensed facial structures. Dog and cat breed unable to travel via Delta Cargo include Persians, Scottish Folds, Himalayans, pit bull-type dogs, Pekinese, and Mastiffs.

As for carry-on pets, Delta does not cite specific breed restrictions. However, you may want to double-check with the airline before booking your ticket. Service dogs can travel on Delta regardless of breed if they meet proper documentation and behavior requirements. This includes pit bull-type dogs working as service animals.

Delta’s Pet Carrier Size Requirements

To travel in an aircraft cabin, your pet must fit inside a small ventilated carrier that slides under the seat in front of you. Since under-seat space can vary, Delta recommends using a soft-sided carrier measuring 18 11 by 11 inches or smaller. The allowable size may differ from this, depending on the aircraft. For a specific recommendation on kennel size, contact Delta Reservations. 

Your pet must also fit comfortably within the kennel or carrier, able to move around and not protrude from the sides. 

Delta’s Travel Requirements

As of July 14, 2021, the CDC temporarily prohibits dogs from traveling from countries at high risk for dog rabies. Within the last six months, dogs in high-risk countries are also temporarily suspended from flying. This includes pets and trained service animals alike. 

Carry-on access permits smaller animals, such as cats, pet birds, and small dogs, to accompany you in the cabin. Your pet must meet specific requirements and be housed in a carrier during the flight. Only one pet is permitted per kennel unless you’re transporting a nursing female with her litter or two pets of the same breed and size between 10 weeks and six months, as long as they are small enough to fit in one kennel. Some pets, such as larger dogs, cannot travel in the cabin. They may travel via the Delta Cargo service.

Domestic

Pets may travel on Delta’s domestic flights if they are at least ten weeks old.

International

Pets traveling on international flights must be at least 16 weeks old. On flights to EU nations, pets must be at least 15 weeks of age.

Delta does not transport pets in the cabin to or from these locations:

• Australia
• Barbados
• Dubai
• Hawaii
• Hong Kong
• Iceland
• Jamaica
• New Zealand
• Republic of Ireland
• South Africa
• United Kingdom
• United Arab Emirates

US Inbound

Delta’s pet policy on domestic flights applies to animals on incoming flights to the US.