Trained Service Animals
Service animals are accepted in cabin for qualified individuals with a disability. Delta accepts only trained service animals that are dogs. Customers traveling with a trained service dog(s) must complete the required DOT form(s) available on this page. Delta no longer recognizes emotional support animals as service animals.
We know how important it is to travel smoothly with your trained service dog. For questions, call 404-209-3434.
The CDC Issued a Temporary Suspension for Dogs from High Risk Countries Into the U.S.
There is a temporary suspension, opens in a new window for dogs arriving into the United States from countries that CDC considers high risk for dog rabies, opens in a new window. This includes dogs arriving from countries NOT at high risk if the dogs have been in any high-risk country during the previous 6 months. Dogs from high-risk countries may be brought into the U.S. only with CDC’s advance written approval (CDC Dog Import Permit) – this applies to service animals, pets in the cabin and dogs shipped via Cargo. Dogs vaccinated in the U.S. by a U.S.-licensed veterinarian may re-enter the U.S. from a high-risk country without a CDC Dog Import Permit if the dog:
- Has a valid U.S.-issued rabies vaccination certificate, opens in a new window;
- Has proof of a microchip;
- Is at least 6 months old;
- Is healthy upon arrival; and
- Arrives at a CDC-approved airport, opens in a new window
Traveling with your Trained Service Animal Guidelines
On Delta flights, trained service animals are expected to be seated in the floor space below a customer’s seat or seated in a customer’s lap - they are not permitted to occupy seats. Trained service animals and their associated items travel for free. The size of the animal must not exceed the “footprint” of the passenger’s seat.
- Items include a kennel, blanket, food or similar item
NOTE: If you encounter any issues with your trained service animal while at the airport or on board, please ask to speak to a Complaint Resolution Official (CRO). These trained Delta representatives are ready to assist passengers with accessibility needs and protect your rights when you travel by air.
Trained Service Animals
Trained service animals are defined as only dogs specifically trained to assist a person with a disability. Customers may travel with up to two trained service animals. Trained service animals must be properly cleaned and must not have a foul odor.
Customers must submit the U.S. DOT Service Animal Air Travel Form for validation prior to their flight attesting to the animal’s health, training and behavior.
- To protect public health, Delta Air Lines requires all dogs including service animals to be current on all vaccinations. Dogs can be vaccinated against rabies at a minimum of 12 weeks (three months) of age and must wait an additional 30 days for the vaccine to become effective.
- For travel booked 48 hours or more prior to departure, customers must submit this documentation in advance for validation through the Accessibility Service Request Form located in My Trips.
- For travel booked less than 48 hours prior to departure, customers may present the U.S. DOT Service Animal Air Travel Form at the check-in counter or departure gate.
- For flights scheduled for 8 hours or more, customers must also submit a DOT Relief Attestation Form, attesting that the dog will not relieve itself in the aircraft or can do so in a sanitary manner.
DOWNLOAD RELIEF ATTESTATION FORM, opens in a new window OPEN SERVICE ANIMAL AIR TRAVEL FORM
Adobe Acrobat Reader, which is available for download free of charge at https://get.adobe.com/reader, opens in a new window, is needed to open the PDF version of the DOT Relief Attestation Form.
Inappropriate Animal Behavior
We understand how important your animal is to you. We will only refuse transportation of a trained service animal if it engages in disruptive or aggressive behavior such as:
- Growling
- Biting
- Jumping on customers, flight attendants or staff
- Relieving themselves in the gate area or cabin
- Barking excessively, not in response to a handler’s need or distress
- Eating off seatback tray tables
- All customers traveling with a trained service dog must submit the U.S. DOT Service Animal Air Travel Form for validation 48 hours prior to your flight attesting to the dog’s health, training and behavior. If you booked a flight less than 48 hours prior to departure, you may present the Service Animal Air Travel Form at the check-in counter or departure gate. If your flight is scheduled for 8 hours or more, you must also submit a DOT Relief Attestation Form.
- If you’re traveling with a trained service, you should select a seat that offers space for your animal. Trained service animals must be seated in the floor space below a seat, or in a customer’s lap. No animals may occupy seats that are designed for customers or to eat off tray tables.
- Please understand that with larger trained service animals or customers with multiple trained service animals, we may need to re-accommodate you if the animal encroaches on other customers or extends into aisles, which would be a violation of FAA regulations.
- If you would like additional time to board the aircraft, pre-boarding is available to accommodate you during the boarding process. Please be sure to arrive at the gate with enough time to make arrangements with the gate agents prior to departure.
- It is important to remember that some locations such as Hawaii, U.K. and other island nations have additional requirements, quarantine laws may not permit the entry or transit of animals. Contact us at 404-209-3434 or visit the local government’s consulate to learn the requirements for any transit points as well as for your final destination.
- Customers traveling with a trained service animal may not also bring a pet in the cabin.