U.S. Domestic & International Pet Travel

Whether your pet is traveling within the United States or to an international destination, we want to ensure a smooth travel experience. Shipping rates depend largely on the distance your pet will travel. See Pet Travel Shipping Rates, or for additional information, you may call the numbers listed below.

Pets traveling with passengers:

  • 800-221-1212 for flights within the United States
  • 800-241-4141 for international flights

Pets traveling unescorted:

  • 888-736-3738 (Delta Pet First) to book your pet's travel arrangements

Pets To Hawaii

Hawaii requires that all live animals shipped or brought into the state have health and rabies inoculation certificates dated no more than ten days before travel begins. On Delta flights to Hawaii, pets will not be accepted as carry-on baggage.

Hawaiian quarantine facilities are located in Honolulu only; therefore, Delta cannot accept pets on nonstop flights to any other Hawaiian city. Delta does not participate in the Neighbor Island Dog and Cat Entry Program.

Quarantines

All cats and dogs are subject to a 120-day quarantine in Hawaii. If specific pre- and post-arrival requirements are met, your pet may qualify for a shorter (30-days or less) quarantine. Costs are charged to the pet owner and must be paid in full upon arrival. Payment methods include cashier's check, traveler's check, money order, personal check, or cash.

Seeing-eye dogs are accepted with certain provisions, including making advanced arrangements and verifying availability and cost. For further information, visit the Hawaii Department of Agriculture or call 808-483-7151.

International Pet Travel

Many countries have strict regulations regarding international pet travel. Remember to make arrangements in advance and:

  • Contact the embassy or consulate of the destination country to determine pet travel regulations.
  • Obtain all necessary paperwork (such as health certificates and documentation) regarding your pet's travel.
  • Contact your local veterinarian to ensure your pet is in compliance with foreign health regulations.
  • Check with the CDC about the importation of pets into the United States.
  • Check with APHIS about international animal export regulations.
  • Additional fees and charges may apply. Terminal handling charges, customs clearance fees, veterinarian service, and/or kennel storage fees are in addition to shipping rates and will be charged to the shipper or pet owner upon arrival at destination airport. All fees and charges must be paid in full prior to the release of animal.

European Union

Pets Traveling to the United Kingdom, the Republic of Ireland, and Other European Union Countries

Delta will not accept any live animals as checked or carry-on baggage to/from the United Kingdom. However Delta will accept pets (dogs, cats & ferrets) as cargo to the U.K. under the U.K. Pet Travel Scheme. Read more for more information on U.K. Pets.

For pets traveling to other countries in the European Union, a Veterinary Certificate for domestic dogs, cats, and ferrets entering the European Community for Non-Commercial Movement (Regulation (EC) No. 998/2003) is required. There is also another restriction concerning your pet. Only a microchip implant, and no longer tattoos, will be accepted as a means of identification. If your travel originates in Aruba, Bermuda, Canada, Japan, Cayman Islands, or the USA, parts 1 through 4 must be completed for movement into the European Union and requires 30 days of preparation for your pet. If your travel originates in any other country, parts 1 through 5 must be completed. These regulations require a minimum of four months preparation for your pet.

South Africa

Pets Traveling to South Africa

Pets may not arrive into South Africa in-cabin or as checked baggage, due to lack of airport facilities. Animals may only arrive into South Africa as manifested cargo. Violations are subject to local law, which include prosecution by the state veterinary.

Australia

Pets Traveling to Australia

Australian law does not allow pets as carry on or checked baggage. The only exception is for Service Animals with correct documentation. All pets must enter or depart via cargo.

New Zealand

Pets Traveling to New Zealand

New Zealand law does not allow pets as carry on or checked baggage. The only exception is Service Animals with correct documentation. All pets must enter or depart via cargo.

London-Manchester

Service Dogs and Cats Traveling to London (Heathrow & Gatwick) and Manchester

Effective June 1, 2008, Delta will transport service dogs and cats to London (Heathrow & Gatwick) and Manchester with the proper documentation and compliance to the UK regulations for transporting animals.  In order for a customer to transport their service dog or cat, they must:

  • Contact the appropriate Animal Reception Center in the city they are traveling to for more information and instruction on what will be needed to enter the United Kingdom.  After booking, customers must contact the Animal Reception Center directly to plan for the arrival of their pet and to ensure that all necessary paperwork is completed in advance for the UK Customs clearance of your service dog or cat.
  • Provide a pre-approval letter from the Animal Reception Center in the city you are traveling to,  indicating that your service dog or cat has the appropriate documentation, has met the appropriate health requirements and has the proper micro-chip implant.  Delta will ask for this documentation in order to process your request for transport of your service dog or cat.  Failure to present this pre-approval letter will result in denial of the service dog or cat until the letter is provided.
  • Pay all appropriate fees and charges related to UK acceptance of service dogs and cats.  A current list of charges can be provided by the Animal Reception Center for the city you are traveling to.  For more information please contact one of the appropriate Animal Reception Centers listed below.
LGW—London Gatwick
Animal Aircare Co. Ltd.
Gatwick Airport
Horley, Surrey, RH6 0SQ
(0)129 346 2180		 LHR—London Heathrow
City of London Animal Reception Centre
City of London
Guildhall, PO Box 270
London EC2P 2EJ
(0)208 745 7894		 MAN—Manchester
Pets on Jets
Building 300
World Freight Terminal
Manchester Airport M90 5BA
(0)161 489 8220


For any questions related to the UK Pet Travel Scheme please contact DEFRA (Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs) http://www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/quarantine/index.htm. For questions regarding transporting a service dog or cat, please contact Delta at 1-800-221-1212 and ask to speak to the CRO Desk.

Hong Kong

Pets Traveling to Hong Kong

Pets are not allowed in the cabin or as accompanied or excess baggage to/from Hong Kong. Special permit/import permit or quarantine permit is required for all animals and birds (including dogs & cats) applied before arrival in Hong Kong and they must be shipped as cargo covered by an air bill.

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Delta Restrictions

All international cargo shipments:

  • Must be brought to the Delta Cargo facility at least four hours prior to departure.
  • Require four hours transfer time from a domestic flight to an international flight. (Note: Live animal shipments for international transfers to other carriers are not accepted.)
  • Require kennels that have ventilation openings on three sides, in addition to the door opening.
  • Must be documented on a typed international air waybill available from Delta Cargo. If the air waybill must be typed at the Air Cargo facility, there will be an additional $10 fee.

Note: If your final destination is other than those listed above, contact your veterinarian for requirements specific to that country.