PNR and Other Documentation Requirements

Customers traveling with a trained service or emotional support or psychiatric service animal must contact Global Sales Support or Delta Reservations prior to departure, to advise that they are traveling so that the customer’s PNR is properly documented. 

Seat Assignment and Seating Restrictions

A customer traveling with a service animal must have a seat assigned prior to departure. If a customer is traveling with a service animal they should:

• Select a seat that offers space for their animal.
  • Service and support animals must be seated in the floor space below a seat, or in a passenger’s lap. 
  • The size of the animal must not exceed the “footprint” of the passenger’s seat.

With larger service or support animals or for passengers with multiple service animals, we may need to re-accommodate a customer if the animal encroaches on other passengers or extends into aisles, which would be a violation of FAA regulations. 

No animals are allowed to occupy seats that are designed for passengers.

If a customer needs additional time to board the aircraft, pre-boarding is available.  Please advise the customer to arrive at the gate with enough time to make arrangements with the gate agents prior to departure.  

NOTE: If a customer encounters any issues with their service animal while at the airport or on board, please advise them to speak to a Complaint Resolution Official (CRO). These trained Delta representatives are ready to assist passengers with accessibility rights and needs.

Unacceptable Service/Support Animals

Delta does not accept the following as trained service animals. These animals pose safety and/or public health concerns.  If you have additional questions, please contact the accessibility assistance line at 404-209-3434 or Delta Reservations. 

• Hedgehogs
  
• Ferrets
• Insects
• Rodents
• Snakes
• Spiders
• Sugar gliders
• Reptiles
• Amphibians (frogs, etc.)
• Goats
• Non-household birds (farm poultry, waterfowl, game bird, & birds of prey)
• Animals improperly cleaned and/or with a foul odor
• Animals with tusk or hooves

Inappropriate Service Animal Behavior

Delta understands how important trained service animals are to customers. We will only refuse transportation of a trained service animal if it engages in disruptive or aggressive behavior such as: 

• Growling 
• Jumping on passengers 
• 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

Location Restrictions and International Travel Requirements

It is important to remember that some locations such as Hawaii, the U.K. and other island nations have additional requirements and quarantine laws that may not permit the entry or transit of animals. See Pet Travel Health Requirements for more information. Contact Delta at 404-209-3434 or visit the local government’s consulate website to learn the requirements for any transit points as well as for your final destination. 

In addition, acceptance policies for trained service animals may vary by country. Prior to purchasing a ticket, contact Global Sales Support or Delta Reservations for assistance with appropriate information concerning transportation of any service or support animals outside of the U.S.

Service and Support Animal FAQs

Some helpful Service and Support Animal FAQs are available on delta.com.

Additional Resources

Additional information is available for transporting non-service animals as Pets in Cabin (PETC) or Pets in Hold (AVIH) or transporting pets via Delta Cargo.

CDC Requirements for Dogs Entering the U.S.

The CDC has specific documentation requirements and recently provided updated requirements that apply to all dogs, including trained service animals (SVAN), that are traveling to the United States starting August 1, 2024.

For complete information regarding this CDC policy as it pertains to SVANs, visit the Pet Policies page.

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