Pet Travel to Hawaii & International Destinations
Pet Travel to Hawaii & International Destinations
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
Flights within the U.S.: 800-221-1212
International flights: 800-241-4141
Pets Traveling Unescorted
Call Delta Pet First at 888-736-3738 to book your pet's travel arrangements.
International Pet Travel
Many countries have strict regulations regarding international pet travel. Remember to make arrangements in advance.
- Contact the embassy or consulate of the destination country to determine pet travel regulations.
- Obtain all necessary paperwork, including health certificates and documentation, regarding your pet's travel and health.
- 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.
Delta International 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
Hawaii & International Destinations
If your final destination is not listed below, contact your veterinarian for requirements specific to the country in question.
Hawaii requires that all live animals shipped or brought into the state have health and rabies inoculation certificates dated no more than 10 days before travel begins. On Delta flights to Hawaii, pets will not be accepted as carry-on baggage.
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 quarantine (30 days or less). 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.
European Union, including 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 and ferrets) as cargo to the U.K. under the U.K. Pet Travel Scheme. For complete details, visit Delta Cargo.
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. 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. A microchip implant is required for your pet’s identification.
Due to lack of airport facilities, pets may not arrive into South Africa as carry-on or checked baggage. Animals may arrive into South Africa only as cargo. Violations are subject to local law, which include prosecution by the state veterinary. For complete details, visit Delta Cargo.
Both Australia and New Zealand prohibit pets as carry-on and checked baggage. The only exception is for Service Animals with correct documentation. All pets must enter or depart these countries via cargo. For complete details, visit Delta Cargo.
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.
Things you must do in order to transport a service dog or cat:
- Contact the appropriate Animal Reception Center in your destination city for more information and instruction on what will be needed to enter the United Kingdom. After booking, you must contact the Animal Reception Center directly to plan for the arrival of your 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 your destination city that proves your service dog or cat has the appropriate documentation, has met the appropriate health requirements and has the proper microchip implant. Delta will require this documentation 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 in your destination city.
Animal Reception Centers
London Gatwick (LGS)
Animal Aircare Co. Ltd.
Gatwick Airport
Horley, Surrey, RH6 0SQ
(0)129 346 2180
London Heathrow (LHR)
City of London Animal Reception Centre
City of London
Guildhall, PO Box 270
London EC2P 2EJ
(0)208 745 7894
Manchester (MAN)
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, contact the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA).
For questions regarding transporting a service dog or cat, call Delta at 800-221-1212 and ask to speak to the CRO Desk.
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 and cats — before arrival in Hong Kong. Animals must be shipped as cargo covered by an air bill. For complete details, visit Delta Cargo.
