Does Delta check puppy age? Essential Tips

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When traveling to or from the following destinations on Delta, pets are only permitted to travel as cargo. There is, however, an exception for service animals. When traveling to Hawaii, pets are strictly not permitted in the cabin and other restrictions may also apply.

A good idea is to go through the current Delta pet travel restrictions based on your destination and/or connecting flights before you book your seats.

As of the date of publishing this post, there is a temporary suspension for dogs traveling within a 6 month period from countries that the CDC considers high risk for dog rabies. The only way around this is to obtain advance written approval from the CDC. This CDC Dog Import Permit applies to all carry-on pets, those traveling via cargo, and even service animals.

The following countries are on the exception list.

  • Australia
  • Barbados
  • Brazil – Exit Brazil
  • Colombia – Exit Colombia
  • Dubai
  • Hong Kong
  • Iceland
  • Jamaica
  • New Zealand
  • Republic of Ireland
  • South Africa
  • United Kingdom
  • United Arab Emirates
  • If you have a ticket that was purchased for travel from Brazil or Colombia to the U.S. on or after June 7th, 2021, carry-on pets will no longer be allowed with you. Tickets purchased before this date will be honored, however. This embargo does not apply to trained service animals.

    If your furry friend is going to be accompanying you on a Delta flight then here are the rules you need to keep in mind

    For the safety and comfort of all passengers, Delta Airlines allows a fixed number of pets on their aircraft. This means that acceptance is on a first-come, first-serve basis. You should call Delta in advance at 800-221-1212 to arrange to bring your pet on board.

    Also, keep in mind that those traveling with a service animal or an emotional support animal will not be allowed to carry an additional pet in the cabin. For your reference, here is the total fixed number of pets Delta allows on their flights depending on the ticket class and destination .

    Ticket Class Total number of pets per flight Observations
    Domestic First Class including Canada, U.S. Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico and Guam Domestic Business Class Domestic Delta One International First Class 2 Carry on pets are not allowed in any cabin with flat-bed seats
    International Business Class International Delta One Delta Premium Select 0 Not Permitted at any time regardless of aircraft. The only exception is service animals
    Main Cabin – Domestic and International 4 Restrictions may apply

    Additionally, carry-on pets are not permitted in the following areas:

  • Bulkhead, emergency exit rows
  • Seats designated as “no stowage”
  • Flat-bed seats
  • Rows 30-35 on the A330-200 aircraft
  • Rows 30-43 on the A330 -300 aircraft
  • Center seats on the B757-200 aircraft
  • What are the fees for traveling with your pets as a carry-on with Delta Airlines?

    Small dogs, cats, and household birds can all travel with you in the cabin for a one-way fee, collected each time you board a Delta Airlines flight. As per Delta Airlines policy, household birds are allowed on domestic U.S. flights only, excluding Hawaii, US Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, and Guam.

    All animals must fit in a small, well-ventilated pet carrier that fits under the set in front of you. If your pet is too large to fit then you need to consider shipping through Delta Cargo which I have explained in a separate section later below.

    Note: Pets in kennels brought in the cabin count as your one carry-on item. In addition to the kennel, Delta allows you to bring one personal item onboard the aircraft.

    The following fees apply to/from the following destinations.

    To/From Destination Checked Pet Fee Each Way
    U.S./Canada/Puerto Rico/U.S. Virgin Islands $95 USD/CAD for tickets issued on/after February 28, 2022. $125 USD/CAD for tickets issued before February 28, 2022
    International $200 USD/CAD/EUR
    Brazil $75 USD

    CAD amount will be charged to exit Canada, while EUR amount will be charged to exit Europe. These fees are established by the contract of carriage in effect at the time of ticket issuance.

    Approved pet carriers for flying a puppy in the cabin

    Delta requires that pets in the cabin weigh under 25 lbs, which was no issue for a young Lab puppy. My pup weighed less than 10 pounds at the time.

    The airline never actually weighed or measured my carrier. The guy at the check-in desk just glanced at it and was like, “yep, that’s good.” He did not ask to see my puppy, either.

    When I was on the phone with Delta to reserve a spot for my puppy, I did verify what carrier measurements would be acceptable. This is different for every plane, as well as where you’re seated on the plane, so it’s good to ask.

    The large Sherpa brand pet carrier I had was roughly 19″ by 11.5″ by 11.75″ and Delta said that would work just fine. I was flying first class, though, so that allowed for a little extra space. Sherpa pet carrier

    When it doubt, just go with the next size down. In our case, no one actually measured our carrier.

    When I flew with Rip, his carrier did not fit under the seat at all, so I just did my best and no one seemed to care.

    My friend Kate said the same when she flew with Alice.

    “Her little crate didn’t completely fit under the seat and stuck out a little. No one really seemed to care as long as I made an effort,” she said. Alice the poodle barely fit under the seat

    “I only had one flight attendant get picky that the carrier didn’t fit completely under but they let us stay. That said, you will have basically no leg room. Our flights were short and I am short so it wasn’t really a big deal.”

    Dog Health : How to Determine the Age of a Dog by Its Teeth

    Flying with a dog can be a confusing ordeal, with fees, vaccinations, and crate restrictions to consider. Each airline has different rules and regulations on flying, making it even more complicated for pet parents to know if theyve done everything they need to. Heres everything you need to know about flying with your dog on Delta Airlines.

    Domestic travel is the most common way dogs fly in the U.S. Due to most U.S. states having the same regulations and laws on transporting pets, it tends to be easier than traveling internationally. While domestic travel may be more straightforward, this doesnt mean its a walk in the dog park, and theres still plenty to know before flying with your dog on Delta Airlines.

    If your dog is small enough to fit under a plane seat, you may be able to take them in-cabin on your next domestic flight. Delta doesnt specify crate dimensions; however, your pooch must be able to move around comfortably without touching the sides of the crate. Specific crate dimensions do apply to some planes, so contact Delta before booking.

    The crate must fit under the seat in front of you and consist of waterproof material. Itll also need to be ventilated on at least three sides. The kennel counts as one carry-on bag, so youll be permitted one extra piece of hand luggage. Youre limited to one dog per kennel unless your dog has an unweaned litter over 10 weeks old.

    Many seats are not suitable for stowing a pet. These seats include exit rows and areas designated “no stowage”. Check with Delta to make sure your booked seat is suitable for traveling with a dog.

    Dogs flying on Delta need to be at least 10 weeks old. While your dog should be happy and healthy before boarding a plane, its unclear if Delta requires a health certificate. Youll need to contact Delta before your flight regardless to book your dog’s flight, so its worth double-checking whether a health certificate is required.

    Most health certificates need to be dated by your vet within 10 days of departure. If you’re unsure or worried about how your dog will handle flying, play it safe and take them to the vet for a check-up. If you want to check something quickly but dont think its worth seeing your normal vet, contact a veterinarian through Wag!.

    You may be unable to fly if you have sedated your dog before departure. Sedation at high altitudes can cause serious illness in dogs and is prohibited without veterinary approval.

    Delta is relatively transparent about the fees youll need to pay to fly with your dog. If you’re traveling with a pet to anywhere in the U.S. or Puerto Rico, itll cost $125 per flight. Flights to the U.S. Virgin Islands are more expensive at $200 per flight. If youre looking to book your dog onto a flight, call Delta reservations.

    While in the airport lounge, boarding area, and on the plane, your canine must remain securely inside their crate at all times. To get through security and board the flight without any issues, arrive at the airport a few hours early.

    Each flight is limited to a maximum of 4 kennels in the main cabin and 2 in first-class. Delta operates on a first-come, first-served basis, so contact the airline well in advance to book your dog onto your flight so you dont miss out. Its unclear if there are temperature restrictions on in-cabin domestic travel, so check this with Delta.

    Despite being a part of the U.S., Hawaii has different regulations for traveling with a pet. Before flying, your dog must have a valid health certificate and proof of up-to-date rabies vaccinations. Also, you can only fly into Honolulu as its the only Hawaiian city with quarantine facilities.

    Upon arrival, your dog may be quarantined for either 30 or 120 days, depending on whether certain criteria are met. Passengers flying with their dog on Delta to Hawaii should contact the Hawaiian Department of Agriculture.

    If your pooch is too large to travel in-cabin, they may be required to travel in the hold as cargo. Delta Cargo operates a shipping service similar to many airlines, which tends to be slightly more complicated and involved than transporting a dog as hand luggage.

    When transporting your dog with Delta Cargo, the kennel must meet United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and International Air Transport Association (IATA) regulations. The IATA publishes minimum standards, which can be found on their website. You can buy an approved kennel from most pet retailers. The door to the crate should be made of sturdy metal with a nut-and-bolt locking system.

    Your chosen kennel should be in good condition and be ventilated on three sides. There should be enough space in the kennel for your dog to:

    While standing or sitting, no part of your dog (including their ears) should be touching the roof of the crate.

    Inside the kennel, youll need to secure separate bowls for food and water. The containers must also be accessible from outside the kennel without having to open the door. You shouldnt place any toys or bones loose within the kennel, as they may shift during transit. If feeding is required during the flight, leave food and instructions attached to the kennel.

    Delta Cargo also has a list of other criteria to ship a dog successfully. Please check the full list of requirements on the Delta Cargo website.

    When flying with a dog on Delta Cargo, you’ll need to provide several documents and follow a long list of rules. Your dog must have a health certificate from their vet within 10 days of departure. The certificate must include:

    There are no age restrictions for dogs flying with Delta, but you should discuss with your vet whether its safe to travel with an elderly canine. Delta Cargo prohibits certain breeds, mainly brachycephalic dogs such as Bulldogs and Shih Tzus. A full list of prohibited breeds is available on Delta Cargos website.

    Youll also need to confirm with Delta Cargo that youve given your dog food and water within the last 4 hours. If your dog has been sedated, they will be unable to fly without written consent from your veterinarian.

    To ship your dog, youll need to contact Delta Cargo and book a separate flight. Your dogs booking cannot be made until 14 days before departure. Delta Cargo may ship your dog on the same flight or a separate one.

    At least 3 hours before your dogs flight, youll need to drop them off at a Delta Cargo facility. Youll also need to pick your dog up the same way. Delta will notify you of the pick-up location.

    The price of shipping your dog with Delta Cargo varies depending on the size of the kennel, as well as your final destination. Contact Delta Cargos customer service department for more details.

    Before you leave for the airport, check the weather forecast across your itinerary. As is the case with most airlines, Delta will not permit your dog to fly if the temperature falls below 20 degrees Fahrenheit or exceeds 80 degrees Fahrenheit during your trip. If you’re traveling to a destination with temperatures between 20 and 45 degrees Fahrenheit, youll need a statement from your vet confirming your dog is acclimated to extreme temperatures.

    If you are military personnel and a U.S. State Department foreign service officer, you may be able to check your dog as baggage rather than as cargo. You will still have to bring the correct documentation, follow the rules and regulations for international and domestic travel, and pay the standard fees.

    Service dogs can travel for free and are exempt from crate restrictions. They must stay by the passengers feet or on their lap during the flight. Service dogs are limited to one per person. Unfortunately, Pit Bulls are not allowed on flights, even as service dogs.

    As service dogs arent confined to a kennel, youre required to bring along a vets health certificate from the late 10 days, as well as proof of vaccinations, including against rabies.

    If you have a psychiatric service dog or an emotional support animal, youre required to fill out several forms. These forms include information from your mental health professional and your dogs veterinarian. Youll need to complete these forms and return them to Delta at least 48 hours before flying.

    Shipping a dog internationally is the most confusing and expensive method of flying with a dog through Delta, as each country has different laws. Delta no longer ships dogs on flights, international or domestic, that are longer than 12 hours.

    Delta provides pricing guidelines for traveling with a dog internationally as a carry-on. For flights to Europe and Canada, the cost is around $200, while its $75 to Brazil. However, there are restrictions on flying internationally in-cabin to a number of popular destinations, including the U.K., Australia, and the U.A.E.

    When shipping a pet abroad, Delta Cargo requires you to find an approved shipping company for transit. A list of shipping companies can be found through the International Pet and Animal Transportation Association (IPATA).

    Before booking, Delta recommends you contact the embassy of your destination and your vet to ensure you adhere to all regulations regarding international pet travel. You should also contact the USDAs Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) for information on exportation. For information on importing pets into the U.S., check the Centers for Disease Controls (CDC) website.