Lufthansa’s Furry Flyers: A Guide to Pet Travel Policies!

When shipping a pet via a commercial airline, it is extremely crucial to be aware of their pet policies. These regulations differ from one airline to another. Some permit small pets to travel in the cabin while others do not. It’s vital to have answers to all your inquiries before deciding to fly your pet with any commercial airline. Is it possible for my pet to travel in the cabin on Lufthansa? What is the expense for flying a dog or cat on Lufthansa? Which documents will I require? What are the specifications for carriers or crates on Lufthansa? All your questions concerning Lufthansa’s pet policies are addressed below.

Note: It is essential to understand that the pet policy of the airline that operates the route of your pet will take precedence over the policy of the airline that owns the route. This is significant because if the operating airline changes during your journey, you will likely need to check in and claim your pet with the following airline. This will necessitate clearing customs and entering the layover country. You will require time and additional paperwork to manage this procedure during the layover unless flying domestically.

Service classes provided to pets by commercial airlines

• In-Cabin: Pets traveling in the cabin must be accompanied by an adult passenger and must be transported in an airline-approved
  carrier stowed beneath the seat.
• Checked Baggage: Pets traveling with a passenger who are not allowed in the cabin due to size or breed may be transported as checked baggage in the cargo area.
• Air Cargo: Unaccompanied, large pets or pets flying to countries that necessitate their entry via air cargo will travel as manifest cargo in the hold.

Can my pet accompany me in the cabin? Yes (Certain Flights)
Can my pet travel with me as checked baggage? Yes
Can my pet travel as manifest cargo? Yes

Where is Lufthansa located?

Lufthansa [IATA:LH] operates from Frankfurt Airport in Germany. Most layovers within Lufthansa’s network will take place at this airport.

Which countries does Lufthansa service?

Lufthansa provides pet services to the following countries: Albania, Algeria, Angola, Argentina, Armenia, Austria, Bahrain, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, India, Iran, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kuwait, Latvia, Lebanon, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Mexico, Moldova, Montenegro, Morocco, Netherlands, Nigeria, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, Singapore, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, Tunisia, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, and United States*.

*Regulations for dogs flying to the United States have changed. Locate new regulations for importing a dog into the United States here. New reservations for dogs to the USA will only be taken for the airports in Washington DC, New York-JFK, Atlanta, Miami, Los Angeles, and Philadelphia.

Lufthansa Pet Policy – In Cabin

If your dog or cat satisfies the criteria in Lufthansa’s pet policy for cabin travel, it will require an airline-approved pet carrier unless you are accompanied by a service dog trained to help you with a task for addressing a physical or medical disability.

Pets permitted to fly in the cabin with Lufthansa

Small dogs and cats are welcome to travel in the cabin on Lufthansa. Pets must be clean, healthy, well-behaved, and friendly.

Reservations

You must book a flight with Lufthansa for your dog or cat in the cabin at least 72 hours prior to departure. If this is not feasible, please reach out to the Lufthansa Service Center more than 24 hours before your flight’s departure.

Age/Weight restrictions

The minimum age for transport in the cabin is 12 weeks (15 weeks for destinations in Germany); however, the minimum age will be determined by the requirements of the destination country. For example, the United States mandates a minimum age of 6 months for dogs entering from any nation.

The maximum weight of your pet, including its carrier, is 17 lbs. (8 kg).

Pet carrier specifications

Your pet’s carrier must:

• Provide sufficient ventilation on at least three sides (domestic) or four sides (international)
• Be spacious enough for your pet to stand and turn around comfortably
• Accommodate your entire pet. No part of your pet may extend beyond the carrier
• Fit beneath the seat in front of you
• Have a waterproof base and an absorbent pet pad
• Possess secure fasteners (heavy-duty zippers are recommended)

The maximum total dimensions for a pet carrier that Lufthansa will accept in the cabin is 47 in (118 cm), with suggested dimensions of 22″L x 16″W x 9″H (55 x 40 x 23 cm). One carrier per passenger is allowed. One pet per carrier is permitted, with the following exceptions. Ample space must be available in the carrier for the pets, and the weight limit must not be exceeded.

• Up to two pets of the same species, under 6 months of age and compatible
• Up to two adult pets of similar size and compatible
• A mother with one dependent puppy or kitten aged between 0-6 weeks

Exit row or bulkhead seats may not be reserved while traveling with a pet. Pets must remain in carriers throughout the flight.

Related: Choosing a pet carrier that complies with airline standards

Required forms

Lufthansa will ask for two copies of the Transporting an Animal in the Passenger Cabin Form during check-in. All pets traveling internationally must possess the appropriate documentation as per the pet import regulations of the destination country.

The passenger is fully responsible for ensuring adherence to applicable laws, customs, and/or other governmental regulations, requirements, or restrictions of the country, state, or territory to which and from which your pet is being transported. Upon arrival, health certificates,

Import permits and additional documentation might be necessary as per local regulations depending on the journey your pet is undertaking.

Related: Rules and paperwork needed to import a pet to more than 220 nations

Route limitations

Pets are not allowed to fly in the cabin on flights to the United Kingdom or the United Arab Emirates.

Check-in

Your pet must be presented at the ticket counter of the departure airport in its carrier between 2 to 3 hours before the flight. The transportation fee for your pet will be paid during the check-in process.

Related: How to navigate airport security with a pet

Pet charge

The fee to transport your pet in the cabin with Lufthansa is determined by the route. Check Lufthansa’s convenient price calculator here.

Service dog policy

All service dogs may travel in the cabin free of charge. They must be trained by an individual or organization that specializes in training service dogs for specific tasks aiding individuals with disabilities. The airline must be notified at least 48 hours prior to departure.

Service dogs must be properly identified, harnessed, leashed, and attached to your seatbelt with a pet harness. Muzzles are not mandatory but are advisable to have available. They should fit in the space allocated at their owner’s feet without disrupting cabin operations or bothering fellow passengers. They are not allowed in exit rows. They must display cleanliness, good behavior, and refrain from exhibiting any aggression towards other passengers or the flight crew.

If flights do not involve the United States, a service dog is classified as a dog that assists a passenger with disabilities, such as guide dogs, hearing dogs, diabetic alert dogs, and seizure alert dogs. Only one service dog is permitted per passenger. Documentation of training must be provided. A Transport of an Assistance Dog in the Cabin form needs to be filled out and submitted at check-in, 2 hours prior to departure.

Passengers may register their assistance dogs through various methods:

If flights include the United States, passengers with disabilities—including visual, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual, or other mental conditions—can bring a psychotherapeutic assistance dog. A maximum of 2 service dogs may accompany a passenger.

Department of Transportation forms are required to be completed and sent to Lufthansa after ticket purchase, but no later than 48 hours before departure to [email protected] and the Lufthansa Medical Operation Center; otherwise, they must be presented at the ticket counter during check-in.

All necessary documentation for the destination country must be available at check-in.

All service dogs are subject to the same regulations as standard dogs when traveling abroad.

Emotional support animals, animals under training, or therapy animals are not acknowledged by Lufthansa.

Lufthansa Pet Policy – Checked Baggage

If your pet’s size exceeds the limits for an airline-compliant pet carrier, or if it is not a cat or dog, it will be transported as checked baggage with Lufthansa if traveling with an adult passenger. This section of the cargo area maintains the same temperature and pressure as the passenger cabin.

Live animals are checked in by reservation staff at the airport terminal. The airline will transfer your pet between aircraft in their fleet during layovers if the layover is no longer than about three hours.

Pets transported by Lufthansa as checked baggage

Domesticated dogs, cats, hares, and rabbits. One animal is allowed per pet crate. A limit of 2 pets per passenger applies, including those in the cabin. The number of pets allowed on each flight will depend on cargo capacity.

Bookings

You must make a reservation with Lufthansa for your dog or cat to travel as checked baggage at least 72 hours before the flight. If this cannot be arranged, please contact the Lufthansa Service Center more than 24 hours prior to departure.

Age restrictions

The minimum age for cabin transport is 12 weeks (15 weeks for destinations in Germany); however, it will vary based on the requirements of the destination country. For instance, the United States mandates a minimum age of 6 months for dogs arriving from any country.

Pet crate specifications

All crates must adhere to the regulations set by the International Air Transport Association (IATA). For further details, refer to PET CRATE REQUIREMENTS.

Route or aircraft limitations

Pets will not be permitted to travel as checked baggage on flights headed to the United Kingdom, Hong Kong, or the United Arab Emirates. Live animals cannot transit through Munich’s cargo hold, except for assistance animals.

Required Documents

Lufthansa requires 2 copies of the Transporting an Animal in the Cargo Hold Form to be submitted during check-in. All pets flying internationally must have the necessary documentation in accordance with the pet import regulations of the destination country.

The passenger assumes full liability and costs for adherence to applicable laws, customs, or other governmental regulations, requirements, or restrictions of the country, state, or territory to and from which your pet is being transported. Upon arrival, local authorities may require health certificates, import permits, and other documentation based on your pet’s travel route.

Related: Rules and paperwork needed to import a pet to over 220 nations

Check-in

Your pet must be taken to the departure airport ticket counter in its crate between 2 to 3 hours before the flight. You will pay your pet’s fee during check-in. You can check in within 23 hours of departure; however, your pet must be brought to the ticket counter for check-in.

Pet charge

The fee for transporting your pet as checked baggage on Lufthansa is determined by the route. For pets flying as checked baggage, a surcharge of EUR 150 / CHF 170 / USD 170 / CAD 220 applies for transfers via Brussels, Geneva, Frankfurt, Vienna, and Zurich.

Lufthansa Pet Guidelines – Air Cargo

All living animals transported as air cargo fly under an airline manifest or air waybill and are monitored throughout the entire journey. The airlines also hold responsibility for the wellbeing of your pet during layovers. In contrast to checked luggage, pets are typically checked in and retrieved at the airline’s cargo center. This facility is located on airport premises, but not within the terminal. Many airlines necessitate that an authorized agent arrange the transport. If you require a licensed agent to coordinate your pet’s transport, please reach out via email at [email protected].

Pets transported by Lufthansa as air cargo

Lufthansa Cargo caters to larger animals as well as those not allowed in the cabin or checked baggage. Pets, horses, and exotic creatures to ornamental fish, insects, and livestock can be shipped as air cargo. Animals can avail of comfort breaks at the Frankfurt Animal Lounge. Pet owners receive images of their pets upon arrival, and medications can be administered through Lufthansa’s Pet Premium initiative.

Bookings

All reservations must be processed through registered agents. For further details, you may contact the Lufthansa Service Center.

Pet crate specifications

If your pet needs to be transported in a crate exceeding 125 × 75 × 85 cm (49 x 29 x 33 inches), it will need to travel as air cargo. All crates must adhere to the standards set by the International Air Transport Association (IATA). For additional information, please refer to PET CRATE REQUIREMENTS.

Required Documentation

A health certificate issued within 10 days prior to travel, proof of rabies vaccination (for dogs, cats, and ferrets), and all necessary documents required for your destination country. For pets covered by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), those permits must also be accessible.

The passenger or their agent takes full responsibility and incurs all costs for adhering to applicable laws, customs, and/or other governmental regulations related to the country, state, or territory to which your pet is being transported. Upon arrival, health certificates, import permits, and other documents may be requested by local authorities based on the route taken by your pet.

Related: Regulations and documentation needed to import a pet to over 220 countries.

Check-in Process

Your pet will be checked in at the Lufthansa cargo facility situated on airport grounds; however, with few exceptions, this is not at the airport terminal.

Pet Transport Fees

Your agent can provide you with the quotation for transporting your pet as air cargo.

Lufthansa Pet Crate Specifications

All pet crates must comply with the regulations established by the International Air Transport Association (IATA). The container should be spacious enough for your pet(s) to stand, turn around, and recline. The crate must be constructed of fiberglass, metal, sturdy plastics, welded metal mesh, solid wood, or plywood. There must be ventilation on all four sides of the crate with openings on the upper two-thirds of the structure.

The crate door must be equipped with a secure, spring-loaded, all-around locking mechanism with the pins extending beyond the horizontal extrusions above and below the door. The base must be waterproof. The crate should not have wheels attached at the time of checking in your pet. Metal hardware must be used to secure the top and bottom portions of your pet crate together. Lufthansa mandates the use of either metal or plastic threaded nuts and bolts to secure both halves of the crate.

All crates must be marked with LIVE ANIMAL stickers and a Shipping Declaration that provides feeding and watering instructions. Crates designated for hares and rabbits must feature metal mesh over the ventilation openings to prevent gnawing without obstructing airflow.

Related: Is your pet’s crate IATA-compliant?

All pets should be acclimatized to their crates prior to travel. This process may require weeks or even months; however, it is the most beneficial action you can take for your pet before flying.

Related: Acclimating your pet to its crate or carrier

Temperature Limitations – Checked Baggage and Air Cargo

When temperatures exceed or diminish beyond certain limits, commercial airlines will prohibit the transportation of live animals in the cargo compartment. These guidelines are enforced for the safety of your pet. It is crucial to understand that the risk from extreme temperatures is not during the flight. The risks arise during preflight hold, loading on the tarmac, and taxiing to the runway for take-off.

Lufthansa acknowledges the heightened risk to live animals transported during the increased temperatures of summer and decreased temperatures of winter. If you are traveling from, transiting through, or heading to a region known for extremely high or low temperatures, you should verify that Lufthansa will accept your pet in the cargo hold.

Pets will not be permitted as checked baggage or air cargo when actual or anticipated temperatures exceed 85°F (29.4°C) or fall below 45°F (7.2°C) at any airport along the route. Pets may be accepted at temperatures below 45°F with an acclimation certificate; however, no pet will be allowed to travel at temperatures lower than 20°F (-6.6°C).

Be aware that the temperature restrictions for summer travel are more stringent for brachycephalic (snub-nosed) breeds.

Cold-blooded animals are exempt from these regulations.

Related: Why temperatures matter for pets traveling in the cargo hold

Prohibited Breeds by Lufthansa

The following breeds are identified as aggressive and must be transported in heavily reinforced crates meeting IATA Container Requirement 82: American Bully, American bulldogs, Dogo Argentino, Karabash (Kangal) (Anatolian Shepherd dog), Caucasian Ovcharka (Caucasian Shepherd dog), and Rottweiler.

The following breeds are banned from import into Germany. They are allowable on transit or outbound flights: Pit bull terrier, American Staffordshire terrier, Staffordshire.

bull terrier, and Bull terrier.

The subsequent breeds are designated as brachycephalic (flat- or snub-nosed) and must travel as air cargo:

DOGS: Affenpinscher, American Bully (refer also to breeds and crossbreeds identified as aggressive or perilous dogs), Bulldog (all breeds except American bulldogs), Pug (all varieties), American pit bull terriers, American Staffordshire Terrier, Boston terriers, Boxer, Brussels Griffon, Bull Mastiff, Bull terrier (Miniature Bull Terriers are not recognized as snub-nosed or as aggressive breeds), Chow Chow, English toy spaniel, Japanese chin, Japanese spaniel, Lhasa apso, Pekingese, Pit, Shar Pei, Shih Tzus, Staffordshire bull terriers, and Tibetan Spaniel.

CATS: British short-haired cats, Exotic shorthairs, Himalayan cats, Persian cats, Scottish fold cats.

Private Jet Charter

Another choice for pet owners wishing to prevent their pets from flying in the cargo section is a pet-friendly private jet charter. Your pet can sit on your lap, at your feet, or next to you in comfort, without any constraints. We can organize flights from any location worldwide to any destination you desire, on your desired schedule, without the hustle or bustle of a commercial airport.

Additional Information

The details provided here serve as a guideline for Lufthansa’s pet policy. For further pet-friendly airline regulations, click the banner below.

Further Reading

How to ensure your pet’s safety when traveling in the cargo hold
Guidelines for airline pet travel
Pet transit requirements for air travel across countries
When is a pet transporter necessary?
Planning your pet’s flight route
Traveling with a snub-nosed breed
Additional insights on airline pet travel

To the best of our knowledge, we strive to ensure that the suggestions provided on PetTravel.com align with current regulations. We cannot forecast how a specific airline may implement these rules. Noncompliance could lead to the refusal of your pet’s boarding at the time of check-in. We recommend that you mitigate potential inconveniences by adhering to Lufthansa’s pet policy.