Delta Airlines Pet Cargo Policy 2025 — Safe Transport Guide for Your Pets | Bestripnow

Transporting pets by air can be stressful, but Delta Airlines' Pet Cargo program ensures your furry companions travel safely in a climate-controlled, pressurized environment. Whether you're relocating, moving internationally, or sending a pet to a new home, Delta’s dedicated pet cargo service focuses on safety and professional handling from drop-off to arrival.

This Bestripnow guide (2025) explains everything you need to know: eligibility, booking steps, kennel and health requirements, weather restrictions, fees, and tips for a smooth pet cargo experience.

What Is Delta Airlines Pet Cargo?

Delta Pet Cargo is a specialized live-animal transportation service for pets that cannot travel in the cabin. Pets are transported in a pressurized, temperature-controlled cargo hold and are handled by trained staff following USDA, IATA, and airline protocols.

Eligibility Criteria for Delta Pet Cargo

Not every pet qualifies for cargo travel. Review these common eligibility points before booking:

• • Pets must be at least 12 weeks old for domestic travel.
• • International travel age requirements vary (typically 15–24 weeks depending on destination).
• • Pets must be fully weaned and able to self-feed.
• • Each animal requires its own IATA-compliant kennel — no sharing allowed.
• • Brachycephalic (snub-nosed) breeds are generally prohibited from cargo travel due to breathing risks.

How to Book Delta Airlines Pet Cargo

Delta Cargo bookings for live animals are handled by phone and at Delta Cargo facilities. Here’s a step-by-step overview:

How Much Does Delta Pet Cargo Cost?

Delta calculates cargo pricing based on total weight (pet + crate), dimensions, and route. Exact prices vary by route and season — cargo is typically billed per piece or per weight band.

What Animals Does Delta Pet Cargo Transport?

Delta Cargo supports a variety of live-animal shipments, subject to destination rules and airline approval:

• ✔ Dogs
• ✔ Cats
• ✔ Birds (subject to permits)
• ✔ Reptiles (subject to documentation)
• ✔ Amphibians (strictly regulated)

Requirements for Pets Traveling in Delta Cargo

Delta enforces strict requirements to protect animal welfare during transport:

• Crate: IATA-compliant, sturdy crate that allows the pet to stand, turn, and lie down comfortably.
• Health Certificate: USDA-accredited veterinarian certificate (often within 10 days of travel) — international travel requires additional endorsements.
• Feeding & Water: Include 24-hour feeding instructions and food in a sealed bag attached to the crate.
• Drop-off: Pets typically arrive at cargo facility 4–6 hours before flight; check-in cut-off times vary.

Bestripnow Tip: For international shipments, begin documentation 4–6 weeks in advance — some countries require lengthy import permits or quarantine steps.

Delta Pet Cargo Restrictions

To keep animals safe, Delta enforces several restrictions:

• No sedated or tranquilized pets for cargo travel.
• Snub-nosed (brachycephalic) breeds are typically prohibited from cargo.
• Sick, injured, or aggressive animals are not accepted.
• Animals requiring in-transit medication are restricted.
• Live animals cannot be transferred to another airline in transit.
• Pets without proper health certificates, permits, or compliant crates are denied carriage.

If you’re unsure whether your pet qualifies, call Bestripnow at +1-(888) 267-8939 for a pre-check and booking assistance.

Other Airlines That Offer Pet Cargo Services

If Delta isn’t available on your route or you need alternatives, several major carriers operate live-animal cargo with professional handling:

• ✅ American Airlines: Climate-controlled pet cargo for many domestic and international routes (USDA/IATA compliance required).
• ✅ United Airlines: PetSafe program with specialized facilities and seasonal restrictions for brachycephalic breeds.
• ✅ Lufthansa: Renowned Animal Lounge at Frankfurt for high-welfare animal handling.
• ✅ Air Canada: Temperature-controlled options and country-specific documentation support.
• ✅ KLM: Expert animal facilities at Schiphol, including animal hotel services.

Final Thoughts

Delta Airlines Pet Cargo is a reliable choice when shipping a pet domestically or internationally — provided you meet the documentation, kennel, and health requirements. Early planning, proper crates, and up-to-date certificates greatly reduce the risk of delays or denied boarding.

FAQs — Delta Airlines Pet Cargo