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Lufthansa Pet TravelLH

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FAQ about Lufthansa pet policy

Policy last updated: April 19, 2026

Accepted pets:🐱 Cat🐶 Dog
Min age: 12 weeks

In-Cabin Travel

Allowed
🐾Accepted pets🐱 Cat🐶 Dog
Max weight (pet + carrier)8 kg
Carrier max dimensions55 × 40 × 23 cm
Max pets per passenger2

Only cats and dogs weighing a maximum of 8 kg including the soft-sided carrier are permitted in the cabin. The carrier maximum size is 55 x 40 x 23 cm (118 cm total linear). Only one transport container per passenger is allowed in the cabin. Normally one animal per container, but exceptions apply: two young animals of comparable size (min. 12 weeks), two fully grown animals of comparable size, or a mother with one dependent young (0–6 weeks) may share a container provided all can stand, lie and turn naturally and the combined weight including container does not exceed 8 kg. The animal must be stowed under the seat in front; if not possible, it must be secured to the safety belt using the Lufthansa Animal Belt. Snub-nosed breeds are barred from cargo hold transport since 1 January 2020 but may still travel in the cabin if weight/size requirements are met. Fighting dog breeds aged 3–6 months may travel in the cabin in standard containers. Pets are allowed in Lufthansa lounges but must remain in their carrier. Cabin fee is route-dependent; check the Lufthansa baggage calculator. Passengers with animals in the cabin must collect boarding passes at the check-in counter. Routes to the UK, Ireland, and Bangalore (India) may be restricted.

Cargo / Hold

Allowed
As checked baggage Yes
As freight Yes
Temperature embargoLufthansa reserves the right to refuse cargo hold transport if there are extreme weather conditions at the destination. This can happen at short notice or seasonally.

Dogs and cats over 8 kg (including container) must travel in the cargo hold as excess baggage. Cargo hold is air-conditioned. Max 2 animals per passenger in approved containers. No animals accepted in the cargo hold on connecting flights via Munich; through-checking is still possible via Frankfurt. Snub-nosed breeds are barred from the cargo hold since 1 January 2020 (may travel as air freight via Lufthansa Cargo). Fighting dog breeds must use special IATA-compliant crates (no plastic) and travel only in the cargo hold (exception: ages 3–6 months may use standard containers). Container must have metal screws, no wire/mesh top, ventilation on all four sides, food/water dishes accessible from outside. Wheels must be removed. A surcharge of EUR 150 / CHF 170 / USD 170 / CAD 220 applies for transfers via Brussels, Geneva, Frankfurt, Vienna and Zurich. An additional CHF 200 per container is charged for overnight stays in Zurich. Cargo hold transport not available to certain destinations due to local restrictions. Transport as air freight via Lufthansa Cargo is also available for cases where excess baggage is not possible.

Service Animals

Allowed
🐾Accepted species🐶 Dog
Must fit at passenger feet Yes
Advance notice required Yes
Documentation requiredTraining certificate from ADI, ADEu, IGDF, or Messerli Research Institute-accredited institution (non-USA flights)Certificate from recognised training facility or qualified dog trainer detailing type, duration, and tasks of training (non-USA flights)Written confirmation form for carriage of assistance dog in passenger cabin (non-USA flights, two signed printouts at check-in)U.S. Department of Transportation Service Animal Air Transportation Form (USA flights)U.S. Department of Transportation Service Animal Relief Attestation Form (USA flights)Official and veterinary documents (e.g. pet passport)For Germany-recognised assistance dogs: proof of human-assistance dog partnership plus visible ID tag

Assistance dogs travel free of charge on all Lufthansa routes. Dog must fit in the footwell at the passenger's seat. Must be kept on a lead at all times on board and in airport areas controlled by Lufthansa. A muzzle is recommended (not obligatory on flights to/from the USA or Canada). Dog must be attached to the seat belt with a Lufthansa Animal Belt harness. A regular seat may not be used. Maximum 2 assistance dogs per passenger on USA flights. Emotional support animals are not recognised. Registration deadline is 48 hours before departure. Training certificate is not required for direct flights to/from the USA, but both DOT forms must be submitted. If a connecting flight outside the USA is included, a training certificate is also required. Psychiatric assistance dogs accepted on USA flights. CDC entry requirements must be fulfilled for USA-bound flights.

🐱🐶

Species Rules

Cats & dogs on same flight Permitted
Service animals exempt Yes

Cats and dogs may travel together on the same flight. Up to 2 animals of the same species may share one transport container under specific conditions. Assistance dogs are exempt from standard pet rules.

Breed Restrictions

  • Snub-nosed dogs banned from cargo hold (cabin allowed if weight/size requirements met): Affenpinschers, American Bully, all Bulldogs (except American Bulldogs), all Pugs, American Pit Bull Terriers, American Staffordshire Terriers, Boston Terriers, Boxers, Brussels Griffon, Bull Mastiffs, Bull Terriers (Miniature Bull Terriers excluded), Chow Chows, English Toy Spaniels, Japanese Chins, Japanese Spaniels, King Charles Spaniels, Lhasa Apsos, Pekinese, Pit Bulls, Shar Peis, Shih Tzus, Staffordshire Bull Terriers, Tibetan Spaniels, and their crossbreeds
  • Snub-nosed cats banned from cargo hold (cabin allowed if weight/size requirements met): British Shorthairs, Exotic Shorthairs, Himalayan Cats, Persian Cats, Scottish Fold Cats, and their crossbreeds
  • Fighting/dangerous dog breeds (cargo hold only in special IATA crates, except ages 3–6 months): American Bully (prohibited in principle due to snub-nosed characteristics), American Bulldogs, Dogo Argentino, Karabash/Kangal (Anatolian Shepherd), Caucasian Ovcharka (Caucasian Shepherd), Rottweilers
  • American Pit Bull Terriers, American Staffordshire Terriers, Staffordshire Bull Terriers, American Bully, and Bull Terriers are snub-nosed and therefore NOT accepted in the cargo hold at all
  • Import of Pit Bull Terriers, American Staffordshire Terriers, Staffordshire Bull Terriers, and Bull Terriers into Germany is forbidden (export and transit permitted)

Documentation Required

  • Completed and signed 'Form for Carriage of an Animal in the Passenger Cabin' (two printouts) for cabin transport on all flights
  • Pet passport or official veterinary documents
  • Import/export documentation as required by departure, transit, and destination countries
  • CDC Dog Import Form (for dogs travelling to the USA) — must be presented digitally or in print on departure day
  • Online registration form submitted at least 72 hours before departure (or via Service Center up to 24 hours before departure)
  • For USA flights: separate online registration form for cabin or hold transport submitted at least 72 hours before departure
What types of animals are permitted in the cabin?
Only small dogs and cats weighing a maximum of 8 kg including their transport container are permitted in the cabin. All other species, and larger dogs/cats, are not allowed in the cabin.
What is the maximum weight allowed for a pet in the cabin?
The maximum combined weight of the animal and its soft-sided carrier is 8 kg.
What are the carrier size requirements for in-cabin pet travel?
The carrier maximum size is 55 x 40 x 23 cm (118 cm total). It must be a soft-sided carrier that can be securely fastened, is escape-proof, leak-proof, and bite-proof, with no sturdy frame, wheels, or telescopic handle. The inside must be lined with absorbent material (not newspaper, cardboard, or straw).
Can pets travel in the cargo hold, and what are the requirements?
Yes. Dogs and cats over 8 kg (including container) must travel in the air-conditioned cargo hold as excess baggage. The IATA-compliant container must be hard-sided (no wire mesh top), secured with metal screws, have ventilation on all four sides, and include food/water dishes accessible from outside. Snub-nosed breeds are banned from the cargo hold. No animals are accepted in the hold on connecting flights via Munich; transit via Frankfurt is still possible.
What are the fees for traveling with a pet?
Fees are route-dependent and are charged once per flight direction (including on Lufthansa connecting flights). For return flights and stopovers (over 24 hours), the fee is charged again. A surcharge of EUR 150 / CHF 170 / USD 170 / CAD 220 applies for transfers via Brussels, Geneva, Frankfurt, Vienna, and Zurich. An additional CHF 200 per container is charged for overnight stays in Zurich. Exact fees can be found via the Lufthansa baggage calculator.
Is there a limit on the number of pets per passenger or per flight?
Each passenger may take a maximum of two animals. These can be carried in the cabin and/or cargo hold in various combinations: up to 2 in the cabin in an approved container, 1 in the cabin and 1 in the hold, or up to 2 in the hold.
Are there any breed restrictions for pets traveling in the cabin or cargo?
Yes. Snub-nosed dog and cat breeds are banned from the cargo hold since 1 January 2020 but may travel in the cabin if weight/size requirements are met. Fighting/dangerous dog breeds may only travel in the cargo hold in special IATA-compliant crates (exception: ages 3–6 months may use standard containers). American Pit Bull Terriers, American Staffordshire Terriers, Staffordshire Bull Terriers, American Bully, and Bull Terriers are snub-nosed and not accepted in the cargo hold at all.
What documents and health certificates are required to travel with a pet?
Required documents include: a completed and signed cabin carriage form (two printouts for check-in), pet passport or official veterinary documents, and import/export documentation as required by the relevant countries. For dogs travelling to the USA, the CDC Dog Import Form must also be completed and presented on departure day.
How do I book a flight for my pet, and can I do it online?
For most flights (excluding USA), you can register via 'My Bookings' online up to 72 hours before departure, or through the Lufthansa Service Center up to 24 hours before departure. For USA flights, a specific online registration form must be submitted at least 72 hours before departure; Service Center registration is not available for USA routes.
Are there special requirements for international travel with a pet?
Yes. Passengers must comply with the import/export regulations of all departure, transit, and destination countries. For dogs travelling to the USA, CDC entry requirements (effective 1 August 2024) apply, including completion of the CDC Dog Import Form and a minimum age of 6 months. Lufthansa currently only accepts dog bookings to selected US gateway airports. Routes to the UK, Ireland, and Bangalore (India) may be restricted.
Are there temperature-related restrictions for pets traveling in the cargo hold?
Yes. Lufthansa reserves the right to refuse cargo hold transport if there are extreme weather conditions at the destination. This can happen at short notice or on a seasonal basis.
What is the airline's policy on sedating pets during travel?
Lufthansa strongly discourages sedating pets, as it makes their reactions unpredictable and can cause circulatory problems during flight. Passengers should consult their vet before considering any sedation.
Is there a dedicated contact for pet travel inquiries?
For air freight and cargo enquiries, the Lufthansa Cargo Service Centre can be reached in Germany at 0180 6–747 100 (€0.20/min from landlines, max €0.60/min from mobile networks). For assistance dog-related enquiries, the Lufthansa Medical Operation Centre can be contacted at specialservice@dlh.de.

Source: Official pet policy page ↗