Delta introducing enhanced requirements for travelers with service or support animals

Taking steps to "further protect its customers, employees and service and support animals, Delta Air Lines is having new requirements for those who wish to travel with trained service and support animals.

According to a statement, customers have attempted to fly with comfort turkeys, gliding possums, snakes, and even spiders. Delta has reportedly seen an 84 percent increase in animal incidents since 2016, and even an attack by a 70 pound dog last year.

Staring March 1st, any customer traveling with a service or support animal must meet these new requirements:

Traveling with a trained service animal:

Customers traveling with a trained service animal will be required to submit a signed Veterinary Health Form and/or an immunization record (current within one year of the travel date) for their animal to Delta’s Service Animal Support Desk via Delta.com at least 48 hours in advance of travel.

Traveling with an emotional support animal or psychiatric service animal:

Customers traveling with an emotional support animal or psychiatric service animal will be required to submit a signed Veterinary Health Form and/or an immunization record (current within one year of the travel date), an Emotional Support/Psychiatric Service Animal Request form which requires a letter prepared and signed by a doctor or licensed mental health professional, and a signed Confirmation of Animal Training form to Delta’s Service Animal Support Desk via Delta.com at least 48 hours in advance of travel.

This desk will verify that the documentation is received and will confirm the travel reservation prior to your arrival at the airport. Any information not completed will be made known to you via email from a representative.

The type of accepted animals, as well as related questions can be found here.