Recently, a Delta Airlines flight made an unexpected landing at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) involving a pet on board. The incident took place on May 26, 2025, and the flight was scheduled to go from Detroit (DTW) to Los Angeles (LAX). Unfortunately, an onboard dog fell ill, causing the flight to take a turn and land at MSP. As soon as the incident took place, the situation worsened even more, causing stress and tension among the passengers.
Curious to know what exactly happened in the Delta flight’s unexpected landing and whether the pet is safe? This blog will help you understand the reason for the Delta Air Lines Flight 694 landing and its timelines.
About the Delta Flight Dog Diversion MSP Incident
According to the sources, Delta Air Lines Flight 694 was scheduled to run from Detroit (DTW) to Los Angeles (LAX) on May 26, 2025. However, an onboard dog became ill in the flight approximately one hour after take-off. To this, the flight members asked if the veterinarian was present in the aircraft.
Fortunately, the flight had a pet veterinarian who treated the pet immediately. The pilot then decided to divert the plane to Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP), as it had Delta’s medical assistance. Finally, the Delta Airlines emergency landing took place at MSP at 9:51 PM local time. The flight eventually landed in its scheduled destination in Los Angeles at about 12:55 AM.
Isn’t the topic unique in itself? Well, pretty understandable as the topic underscores a critical principle. Airlines may deviate from the scheduled routes when the lives of a living being is compromised, even if it is a pet.
Understanding Delta’s Pet Policy
Surprised to know that Delta has a special policy for the pets, including dogs? Well, that’s exactly true. Here is a more detailed and simple explanation of the airlines’ policies for the pet that will help you to plan your air trip with your pet in the future.
1. Pets in the Cabin
Small cats, dogs, and household birds are permitted, but they must be in a ventilated space that fits inside the seat. Additionally, the pet must stay inside the carrier throughout the trip. The fee will be one-way and collected at the check-in point; however, the exact amounts may vary, approximately $95 for domestic and international travel.
2. Emotional Support Animals (ESAs)
ESAs have been treated as normal pets since March 2021, after the updated DOT regulations. They require a standard fee and carrier and follow all PETC norms.
3. Service Animals (SVAN)
As the name implies, trained service pets, typically dogs, are allowed in the cabin for free. Moreover, these pets must perform specific tasks for individuals with disabilities, not to support them emotionally.
Wait, there’s more! You need to submit a DOT Service Animal Air Travel Form to permit your pets’ admission. Additionally, if the trip is more than 8 hours, you should submit the DOT Relief Attestation Form.
All forms and requests must be submitted at least 48 hours before departure. Full vaccinations are necessary and at least 4 months old; however, if your pet is found in aggressive behaviour, then it will not be allowed.
A Reddit user shared their experience while travelling with a pet:
“The pet must remain in the carrier at all times … except when using pet relief areas.”
“Carrier counts as a personal item … you won’t be able to bring a roller bag aboard.”
How did Delta Airlines respond to the Incident?
Bre’onna Richardson, the Delta representative, said that the crew responded to the pet’s illness quickly, and an onboard veterinarian assisted throughout. Afterwards, the pilot made the emergency landing, saying such scenarios are rare, but the staff were trained to handle the situation.
She noted, “It’s the crew that makes that determination, and the captain has the final say-so.”
After the Delta Airlines emergency landing at MSP, medical assistants were ready to take care of both the pet and the owner. The airline didn’t provide details of the pet’s condition at that time, but ensured that the pet was getting medical assistance while other passengers continued their journey.
In response to this incident, the airline officially commented:
“The safety of our customers and people comes before everything else at Delta. That’s why Delta Flight 694 diverted to MSP to ensure a cabin pet that became ill received proper care.”
Delta’s Past Incidents Involving Pets
Well, this is not the very first time a pet incident involving Delta has occurred. Besides this latest Delta Airlines pet incident, many mishaps happened even in the beginning of this year, including:
Pet Policy Miscommunication Incident (February 19, 2025)
According to the reports, a passenger was traveling with her pet on Delta and reported that a flight attendant told her to stop the cat from meowing or asked her to deplane. However, the airline further clarified that the pets should remain passive in their carriers, not silent. In that case, Delta provided the travel compensation to the passenger.
Suggestion: 2025 Buick Envista Sport Touring With Top Performance And Style
Misdirected Puppy (2018)
A puppy bound for Boise was accidentally rerouted through Detroit, Las Vegas, and Salt Lake City before the final handling to the owner. Ultimately, the airline issued a refund, apologized, and reviewed their procedures for the pet handling.
Do you know what PetFlight is? It is a platform to find pet incidents, from deaths to injuries, involving Delta.
Some popular cases are:
- Dog’s Death: September 3, 2019
- Death of a guinea pig: August 2024
- Injury to a Dog: May 30, 2024
- Death of a Cat: March 25, 2024
What Does This Diversion Reveal About the Future of Pet Travel?
The latest Delta flight unexpected landing due to a pet dog indicates that a pet is no longer seen as just a cargo, but a passenger. In such cases, airlines like Delta need to revise the emergency protocols to include animal health with human safety. These events addressed the increasing demand for in-cabin pet care, trained professionals, and medical preparedness.
Most importantly, it raises questions about the costs and logistics for the diverted flight due to the dog. Usually, passengers share mixed reactions, with some approving of the on-time actions for the pet’s safety while others are concerned about the delays.
Still, the incident highlights that pet travel has become more emotional and personal. Keeping this in mind, it can be noticed that Delta airlines might face pressure to create stronger pet-friendly policies and support sources.
The Final Verdict
The Delta Flight diversion MSP is rare, but the latest incident shared an emerging necessity to revise pet safety alongside human health. The flight was scheduled to land at Los Angeles (LAX), but the pet incident delayed everything for hours.
While it is true that Delta’s working style, flexibility, and commitment to safety are not limited only to humans, but to furry passengers too. Incidents where the airline was found guilty involving a pet customer, it did whatever was appropriate to satisfy its passengers.
FAQs
Do Airlines usually Divert Flights for Pets?
According to official resources, airlines don’t usually divert flights for pets. Flight diversions are mainly for serious human medical emergencies, technical issues, or security risks. In most scenarios, sick pets, including dogs, cats, or other animals, are pampered on board until the flight has landed at its final destination.
Why did Delta Divert a Flight for a Dog?
The Delta Airlines pet incident on May 26, 2025, was rare as the airline focused on pets’ health as much as passengers’ safety. This disaster reflects an emerging recognition of pets as family members in the aviation industry. However, incidents like the Delta Airlines emergency landing due to the pet dog remain exceptional.
Who Pays for the Costs of a Pet-Related Diversion?
In most scenarios, the airline pays for the operational costs for a diversion, whether it is for passengers or pets. These costs mainly include extra fuel, ground handling, diversion landing, and schedule disruptions. Airlines like Delta don’t pass these expenses on to travelers, as these diversions are considered part of the carrier’s duty.
How Do Delta’s Pet Policies Work?
Delta allows small cats, dogs and household birds to travel in the cabin if tjey fit in under the passenger seat. While it is clear that large pets must travel in cargo, the space will be limited and restrictions might apply for certain breeds. Owners should apply early to book their pet’s seat as most airlines work on a first come, first serve basis.
