Lufthansa Airlines Pet Policy

An illustration of Lufthansa Pet Policy

Under the Lufthansa pet policy, certain pets are allowed in the cabin (cats, dogs), in the checked baggage section, and in the cargo section. Advance reservations are required.

Overview of Lufthansa Pet Policy

To avoid last-minute surprises, it pays to know what the Lufthansa pet policy states about:

• Pets In Cabin 
  • Only small dogs and cats can travel in the passenger cabin. 
  • The combined weight of the pet and carrier must not exceed 17.6lb/8kg.
  • The pet travel prices range from USD 72 within Europe to USD 120 on intercontinental routes.
  • The minimum age for cats and dogs is 12 weeks but 16 weeks if travelling to/from the United States.
  • Passengers with a disability can bring trained service animals (only dogs) to the cabin free of charge. 

• Pets in Checked Baggage
  • Larger cats, dogs, and other animals such as domesticated hares and rabbits can be transported as checked baggage.
  • Only 1 animal is allowed per crate.
  • The total number of pets allowed will depend on the aircraft and space availability.
  • Pets will not be allowed to travel as checked baggage to destinations requiring them to enter as manifest cargo, such as Hong Kong and the United Kingdom.
  • Must be checked-in at least 2–3 hours before departure. 
  • The pet fee ranges from USD 115 within Europe to USD 437 on intercontinental routes, depending on your pet’s size and route.
  • Snub-nosed breeds are not permitted as checked baggage, but can fly as manifest cargo.
  • One passenger can bring no more than 2 animals (dog or cat) in an approved carrying container. 
  • A health certificate (plus proper documentation) is mandatory.
  • Do not sedate your pet for the trip or feed or water it within 4 hours of departure.
  • Pets must be properly behaved and odorless.

• Pet Cargo 
  • Pets include larger and/or unaccompanied pets and animals, incl. domesticated dogs, cats, rabbits, hares, ornamental fish, poultry, horses, and other animals.
  • Pet crates should typically be larger than 125cm x 75cm x 85cm (49in x 29in x 33in). Depending on your route, larger crates will be accepted. Wide body aircraft can accommodate series 700 crates. 
  • Pets travelling on flights with stopovers exceeding 3 hours in Frankfurt can enjoy watering, feeding, and walking benefits.
  • Lufthansa Cargo serves airports in Asia, Africa, North America, South America (incl. the U.S., Canada and Mexico), and Europe (incl. London Heathrow and Edinburgh, Scotland.
  • The pet age for pups and kittens will depend on the destination country’s age requirements. 

Lufthansa Pet In-Cabin Policy 

Requirements for transporting pets as carry-on baggage in the cabin (small dogs and cats)

The Lufthansa pet policy for pets travelling in the cabin (pets on board) is as follows:

• Pet Reservations. You must register and confirm your pet at least 24 hours before departure (preferably 72 hours) by calling +1-844-933-2065 or a Lufthansa Service Center in your city.  The earlier you book, the better are your chances of finding a spot.
• In-Cabin Pets Allowed. Only small dogs and cats are permitted. 
• Pet Travel Prices (In-Cabin Pets)
  • Pet travel prices range from USD 72 within Europe to USD 120 on intercontinental routes.
  • Pet fees can be paid at the airport check-in counter.
• Pet Age
  • For travel to/from the United States—16 weeks. 
  • For travel to/from other countries—12 weeks. 
• Check-in Requirements. Check in at least 2 hours before your flight’s departure.
• In-Cabin Pet Carrier Requirements
  Approved Pet Carrier
  • In-cabin pet carrier dimensions (max. size) 55 x 40 x 23cm (22 x 16 x 9in). 
  • Maximum weight 17.6lb/8kg (incl. pet)
  • Must fit under the seat in front of you.
  • The pet carrier must meet IATA standards.
  • The pet carrier must be lined with absorbent material (cardboard, straw, or newspapers not allowed).

Note. Your pet must not wear any item that can cause strangulation, such as a collar, harness, lead, muzzle, etc. 

• Only 1 pet carrier is permitted per passenger.
• Each passenger can take up to 2 pets (1 in the cabin + 1 as checked baggage).
• Pet Travel Documents for In-Cabin Pets
  • Official and veterinary documents such as pet passport.
  • 2 filled out and signed printouts of the ‘Transporting an Animal in the Passenger Cabin’ form. 
  • Your booking confirmation or passenger receipt.
• Health Requirements
  • The required Pet Health Certificates for veterinary examinations and treatments, such as vaccinations, microchipping, etc.
• Other Requirements
  • You must carry your pet’s/animal’s lead and collar with you in your carry-on bag.
• Breed Restrictions
  • The following dog breeds classified as dangerous or fighting dogs must cannot be transported in the cabin (but are allowed as checked baggage in special crates):
    • Staffordshire Bull Terrier
    • Rottweilers
    • Karabash (Kangal) (Anatolian Shepherd Dog)
    • Dogo Argentino
    • Caucasian Ovcharka (Caucasian Shepherd Dog)
    • Bull Terrier
    • American Staffordshire Terrier
    • American Pit Bull Terrier
    • American Bulldog
  • The following dog breeds are not allowed into Germany but can travel out of Germany.
    • American Staffordshire Terriers
    • Bull Terriers
    • Pit Bull Terriers
    • Staffordshire Bull Terriers

Lufthansa Pet Travel—Pets in Checked Baggage (as Cargo Hold)

Requirements for transporting pets checked baggage in the cargo hold of the aircraft 

According to the Lufthansa Airlines pet policy, the following pets qualify to travel as checked baggage in the cargo hold section of the aircraft, which has the same pressure and temperature as the passenger cabin: 

• Pets that are too large to fit under the seat.
• Pets other than cats and dogs.
• Pets that weigh more than 17.6lb/8kg. 
• Pets travelling on long flights.

The major points of the Lufthansa pet policy are described below:

• Pet Reservations. You must register and confirm your pet at least 24 hours before departure by calling a Lufthansa Service Center. The spots fill fast, so book as early as you can.
• Pets Allowed. Domesticated cats, dogs, rabbits, and hares. 
• Pet Travel Prices for Checked Pets 
  • The pet travel prices range from USD 115 within Europe to USD 437 on intercontinental routes, depending on your pet’s size and route.
  • The pet fee can be paid at the airport check-in counter.
• Pet Age
  • For travel to/from the United States—16 weeks. 
  • For travel to/from other countries—12 weeks. 
• Check-in Requirements. You must check in at least 2 hours before your flight’s departure.
• Route Restrictions
  • Pets will not be allowed to travel as checked baggage to destinations requiring them to enter as manifest cargo, such as Hong Kong and the United Kingdom.
  • Pets (except service animals) cannot transit Munich as checked baggage. 
• Pet Temperature Restrictions
  • Must seek advance confirmation whether temperature conditions on the travel date for flights to/from Phoenix and Houston are safe for your pet to fly.
  • Pets will not be accepted as checked baggage on flights to/from Hong Kong from June 1 to September 1.
• Breed Restrictions
  • The following snub-nosed dog and cat breeds are no longer accepted as checked baggage (but will be accepted as manifest cargo):
    • Dog Breeds not accepted as checked baggage 
      • Lhasa Apso
      • Mastiff (all breeds)
      • Pekingese
      • Pit Bull
      • Presa Canario
      • Pug (all breeds)
      • Shar Pei
      • Shih Tzu
      • Staffordshire Bull Terrier
      • Tibetan Spaniel
      • Affenpinscher
      • American Staffordshire Terrier
      • Boston Terrier
      • Boxer (all breeds)
      • Brussels Griffon
      • Bulldog (all breeds)
      • Cane Corso
      • Chow Chow
      • Dogue De Bordeaux
      • English Toy Spaniel
      • Japanese Chin
    • Cat Breeds not accepted as checked baggage
      • Persian
      • Scottish Fold 
      • Himalayan 
      • Exotic Shorthair 
      • British Shorthair

• The following dog breeds classified as dangerous or fighting dogs must travel in special crates (pets between 3–6 months can be transported in regular carriers):
  • Staffordshire Bull Terrier
  • Rottweilers
  • Karabash (Kangal) (Anatolian Shepherd Dog)
  • Dogo Argentino
  • Caucasian Ovcharka (Caucasian Shepherd Dog)
  • Bull Terrier
  • American Staffordshire Terrier
  • American Pit Bull Terrier
  • American Bulldog
• The following dog breeds are not allowed into Germany but can travel out of Germany.
  • American Staffordshire Terriers
  • Bull Terriers
  • Pit Bull Terriers
  • Staffordshire Bull Terriers
• Pet Carrier/Crate Requirements
  • Maximum size: 125cm × 75cm × 85cm (49 x 29 x 33in).
  • The pet carrier must meet IATA standards.
  • For details, refer to the section titled Lufthansa Pet Carrier Requirements.
• Crates for rabbits and hares must be have a metal mesh over the ventilation holes (for safety reasons) without impacting the ventilation. 

Note. Your pet must not wear any item inside the pet carrier that can cause strangulation, such as a harness, lead, muzzle, etc. 

• Pets Travelling in the Same Carrier as Checked Baggage
  • Only 1 pet per carrier is allowed—with the following exceptions:
    • Up to 2 young animals of similar size are permitted in a container if they are 12 weeks to 6 months old, or 2 fully grown pets/animals of similar size if they weigh up to 30.8lb/14kg per animal, or a mother animal with a young, 0–6-month-old mother-dependent animal. 

Note. Both animals must be able to stand, turn and lie down comfortably in their natural positions and that they must be used to being together.

• Pet Travel Documents (Checked Pets)
  • Official and veterinary documents such as pet passport.
  • Other documents and permits required by the destination city/country.
  • Your booking confirmation or passenger receipt.
• Health Requirements
  • All the necessary Pet Health Certificates indicating veterinary examinations and treatments, such as vaccinations, microchipping, etc.

Lufthansa Pet Carrier Requirements

Lufthansa pet carrier requirements

Under the Lufthansa pet policy, an approved pet carrier must meet the following requirements:

• Pet Carrier/Container Size
  • Checked Baggage Pet Carrier Size (on a passenger aircraft)
    • Max. size: 125 × 75 × 85cm
    • Must be IATA-compliant
  • In-Cabin Pet Carrier Size—118cm/47in
    • Max. size: 55 x 40 x 23cm (22 x 16 x 9in)
    • The container must fit under the seat in front of you. 
    • Must be carrier-compliant.
      
• The pet carrier must be:
  • Made of sturdy, non-toxic plastic or wood. 
  • Escape-proof, injury-proof, and bite-proof. 
  • Secured with screws—not plastic locking mechanisms.
  • Large enough for the animal to stand up naturally, lie down, and turn round.
  • Adequately ventilated with holes on all sides. 
  • Free of sharp edges, corners, and protruding nails that could injure the animal. 
  • Waterproofed on the floor-side and lined with an absorbent material like an absorbent pad or a blanket.
  • Inclusive of empty food and water bowls inside that can be filled from the outside, but the food and water must not spill during the flight.
  • Without wheels or castors.
  • Fixed with centrally attached spacer bars on both the long sides.

For transport container requirements for hares and rabbits (allowed only in the air-conditioned cargo hold), refer to this page.

Lufthansa Pet Travel Prices (Pet Fees)

Lufthansa pet travel prices depend on how the pet is travelling (as cabin, checked, or cargo baggage), the pet carrier’s size, and the route.

• Lufthansa Pet Travel Prices—In-Cabin Pets (Dogs, Cats)
  The pet travel prices for in-cabin pets (i.e., pets travelling as carry-on baggage in the passenger cabin) typically range from USD 60 (within Germany) to USD 72 (within Europe), USD 120 (medium intercontinental routes) and USD 132 (long intercontinental routes).

• Lufthansa Pet Travel Prices—Pets as Checked Baggage (Cargo Hold)
  The pet travel prices for transporting animals as excess baggage in the cargo hold will depend on the per carrier size and destination, as shown below.

Lufthansa will not transport animals as excess baggage if the pet container size exceeds 125cm x 75cm x 85cm. 

Lufthansa Pet Cargo Travel

Lufthansa Cargo services larger pets and animals other than pets carried in the cabin or checked baggage. Pets flying as cargo must be booked by a licensed agent.

• Pets Allowed. Unaccompanied or larger pets and animals, incl. cats, domesticated dogs, hares, rabbits, ornamental fish, poultry, horses, and other animals.

• PetForms
  • A Pet Health Certificate issued within 10 days of departure. 
  • Proof of rabies vaccination 
  • All other forms required by the destination country
• Route Restrictions
  • Live animals will not be transported from Kuwait. 
  • Live animals are not allowed to transit through Munich.
• Temperature Restrictions. If you’re flying from/to or transiting through a high or low temperature area, you must confirm whether your pet will be accepted as cargo baggage.
• Breed Restrictions 
  • Fighting breeds must travel in IATA compliant CR82 airline pet crates. 
  • Snub-nosed (Brachycephalic) dog breeds must be transported in larger-than-normal crates on any route where the temperature does not exceed 27°C/75°F. Also, all sides of the crate (incl. top) must be 10cm/4in larger. 
• Pet Crate Requirements. Lufthansa provides air cargo services for pets that require crates that are larger than 125cm x 75cm x 85cm (49in x 29in x 33in). Larger crates will be accepted depending on the aircraft on your route. Series 700 crates can be accommodated on wide body aircraft. 
• Lufthansa Frankfurt Pet Lounge. Pets transiting Frankfurt can enjoy watering, feeding, and walking benefits for layovers exceeding 3 hours in the pet animal lounge.
• Airports Served. Airports served by Lufthansa Cargo include Asia, Africa, North America, South America (incl. the U.S., Canada and Mexico), and Europe (incl. London Heathrow and Edinburgh, Scotland.
• Pet Age. The pet age (puppies/kittens) will depend on the age requirements of your country of destination.
• For enquiries or assistance, contact Lufthansa Cargo Service Center. The Lufthansa Pet Cargo phone number in Germany is (01) 806-747-00. You can call this number for any queries about the cargo services.

How to Travel with a Service Animal on Lufthansa 

Under the latest revisions to the Lufthansa pet policy, only trained service dogs will be treated as service animals. They must be trained for assisting people with disabilities—such as visual, sensory, intellectual, mental, or psychiatric. Each passenger can bring 2 trained service dogs for free in the passenger cabin, subject to the following conditions: 

• Service dogs on direct flights to/from the United States
  • Per U.S. DOT regulations, Lufthansa will no longer accommodate emotional support animals as service animals. 
  • Animals other than dogs, comfort animals, companionship animals, and under-training service animals are not considered service animals.
  • You must register and confirm the animal for the flight by submitting the forms below a minimum of 2 full days before departure by email. However, if you registered and made a reservation before 48 hours of departure, you must submit the forms at the departure gate on the day of travel.
  • You must submit the following forms to the Lufthansa Medical Operation Center by email (nycmedicaldesk@dlh.de):
    • U.S. DOT Service Animal Transportation Form
    • US DOT Service Animal Relief Attestation Form
  • After you register your animal, you will receive a confirmation mail from the Lufthansa Medical Operation Center (specialservice@dlh.de).
    
• Service dogs on flights excluding the United States 
  • Recognized service animals (SVAN) include only dogs—such as hearing, guide dogs, seizure alert dogs, diabetic alert dogs)—are allowed in the cabin free of charge on all Lufthansa operated flights. 
  • You must register at least 24 hours before departure (if possible) in any of these 3 ways:
    • By sending an email to the specialservice@dlh.de 
    • By contacting a Lufthansa Service Center 
    • By contacting your travel advisor 
  • You must present a training certificate from a recognized training institute. 
  • The Lufthansa Medical Operation Centre will confirm your reservation after checking the certificate. 
  • You must also present 2 filled out and signed copies of the Transporting an Assistance Dog in the Cabin form at check-in stating that your service dog fulfils all the necessary requirements of a recognized service dog.
• Other conditions 
• The service dog must be fully trained and:
  • 16 weeks or older.
  • Must stay seated at the passenger’s feet.
  • Cannot occupy a passenger seat.
  • Must not obstruct anyone’s path or personal space. 
  • Must always stay with passenger.
    
• Behavior 
• Must always:

• Be under the passenger’s control. 
• Be harnessed or leashed.
• Must not: 

• Bite, bark, or growl.
• Jump on or attack others.
• Relieve itself in the aircraft or airport. 
• Be allowed to use the tray table.

Emotional Support Animals on Lufthansa

Emotional support animals will no longer be accepted free of charge, and must comply with the maximum weight and size limits laid out under American Airlines’ pet policy. This means they must travel as regular pets and for a fee.

Emotional support animals travelling on flights outside of the United States must fly in a Lufthansa- and/or IATA-compliant pet carrier within the weight and size limitations specified under Lufthansa’s existing pet policy. If your emotional support animal is too large to travel in the cabin, it must travel in the checked baggage or cargo section of the aircraft. You will also be required to: 

• Submit a medical certificate issued by a licensed physician. 
• The certificate must be issued within 48 hours of your flight’s departure.
• The certificate must state the necessity of travelling with the ESA.

After you submit the certificate:

• You will receive a notification of approval. 
• You must present 2 copies of the approval at check-in.

Traveling with Other Animal Species on Lufthansa?If you’re traveling with an animal other than a cat, dog, hare, or rabbit, contact the Lufthansa Cargo Service Center in your area

Frequently Asked Questions on Lufthansa Pet Policy