Lufthansa Pet Travel Policy: Complete Guide & Restrictions

Published on October 15, 2025

Traveling with your pet by air can be a tedious process, and when flying with a major international carrier like Lufthansa, the rules are especially important to understand. In this guide, we break down Lufthansa’s pet policy, including in-cabin, excess baggage, and cargo options, along with restrictions, documentation, fees, and tips to make your pet’s journey a smooth one.

Lufthansa Pet Travel at a Glance

Here’s what pet owners should know up front:

In-Cabin (PETC): Smaller dogs and cats (pet + carrier must weigh no more than 8 kg) may fly in the cabin under the seat in front of you as additional carry-on baggage.

Excess Baggage / In Hold (AVIH): Larger dogs and cats not allowed in the cabin travel in the aircraft’s climate-controlled cargo hold as excess baggage.

Air Cargo / Manifest Cargo: For unaccompanied animals, oversized pets, or species not handled via excess baggage, Lufthansa Cargo transports these shipments under conditions that mimic the passenger cabin.

Advance Pet Registration Required: You must register your pet with Lufthansa ahead of time for both the cargo hold and in-cabin (usually at least 72 hours before departure).

Breed & Route Restrictions: Some snub-nosed breeds, fighting-dog breeds, and certain routes (e.g., through Munich) have stricter rules or are disallowed.

Assistance Dogs: Trained service dogs travel free of charge and are allowed in the cabin, subject to advance registration and documentation.

In-Cabin Pets: Rules & Considerations

Eligibility & Weight Limit

• To fly in the cabin, the combined weight of the pet plus carrier must not exceed 8 kg (17 lb).
• The pet must be a small dog or cat; other species generally cannot be accommodated in the cabin.
• Minimum age: usually 12 weeks; for flights to/from/via Germany, the minimum is 15 weeks. For flights involving the U.S., the minimum age for dogs is 6 months.

Carrier (Crate) Requirements

• The carrier must be soft-sided, airline-compliant, escape-proof, leak-proof, bite-resistant, and secure.
  
• Dimensions: Typically up to 55 × 40 × 23 cm (22 × 16 × 9 in).
  
• The carrier must fit fully under the seat in front of you.
  
• Ventilation must be on multiple sides; the pet must be able to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably.

Booking & Registration

• Book your pet’s transport in advance, usually 72 hours before departure.
  
• Lufthansa requires the “Information for Transportation of Animals in the Passenger Cabin” form at check-in. Bring two signed printouts.
  
• At check-in, present your pet’s health and import/export documents (vaccinations, microchip, etc.).
• Your pet’s registration must include breed, weight, and container dimensions. Missing required information may result in refusal of transport.

Route & Seat Restrictions

• Pets are not permitted in the cabin on some routes; confirm with Lufthansa for your destination.
• Exit-row and bulkhead seats cannot be reserved when traveling with a pet.

Pets as Excess Baggage / In Cargo Hold

When your pet does not meet cabin criteria (too large, different species, etc.), it must travel as excess baggage in the aircraft’s climate-controlled cargo hold.

Eligibility & Restrictions

• Dogs and cats traveling as excess baggage are accepted, provided all criteria are met.
  • Note: Pets are not accepted in the cargo hold on connecting flights via Munich; Frankfurt is possible.
• Minimum ages match in-cabin rules (12 weeks, or 15 weeks for Germany, etc.).
• Snub-nosed breeds may not be accepted in the cargo hold due to breathing risk (policy in effect since 2020).
• Containers must meet IATA Live Animal Regulations (durable, secure, well-ventilated, bolted shut, wheels removed/disabled, smooth interior, etc.).
  • Note: Your pet’s container must be secured with metal screws.
• The container must include food and water bowls and be lined with absorbent material.

Booking & Handling

• Register your pet for the cargo hold (excess baggage) at least 72 hours prior to departure.
• At check-in, present all documents (health certificate, import/export papers).
• Fees are generally paid at check-in.
• Some countries (e.g., Australia, China) and certain aircraft types have additional restrictions.

Pricing & Surcharges

• Cost depends on route and container size.
• For transfers through certain hubs (e.g., Brussels, Frankfurt, Geneva), surcharges may apply (e.g., €150 / USD $170).
• Prices are applied per flight direction.

Air Cargo / Manifest Cargo (Unaccompanied & Oversized Pets)

Some pets must travel under Lufthansa Cargo’s manifest (air-freight) service, typically for:

• Unaccompanied pets
  
• Oversized animals or very large containers
  
• Species not permitted via passenger cabin or excess baggage
  
• Routes/destinations where passenger pet transport is not allowed
  

Booking is done via Lufthansa Cargo or a specialized freight forwarder. Lufthansa also operates a dedicated Animal Lounge in Frankfurt to care for pets during layovers.

Assistance Dogs

• Trained service dogs (guide, hearing, etc.) travel free of charge in the cabin when requirements are met.
• They must be registered at least 48 hours in advance.
• Lufthansa distinguishes between assistance dogs on nonstop flights to/from the United States and assistance dogs on other routes; different forms may be required.

Destination & Import Requirements

International travel involves customs, import/export, and health regulations. Compliance is the traveler’s responsibility. Examples:

• For dog transport into the U.S., new bookings are accepted only for certain airports (e.g., JFK, Los Angeles, Atlanta, Miami, Philadelphia, Washington, D.C.), and the dog must be at least 6 months old.
• All pets require valid health certificates, vaccination records (especially rabies), microchips where required, and any country-specific permits.
• Some countries disallow dogs in the cabin entirely or impose other restrictions; verify destination rules well in advance.

Preparing Your Pet Checklist

Before Travel

• Register your pet with Lufthansa at least 72 hours in advance.
• Complete all veterinary requirements—vaccinations, microchip, health certificates.
• Acquire and test a flight-approved carrier well ahead of time.
• Fill out required Lufthansa pet forms.
• Label the carrier with contact info and feeding instructions.
• Crate-train your pet to reduce stress.
• On travel day, arrive early (typically 2–3 hours before departure) with your pet and paperwork.
• Provide a light meal a few hours before departure; hydrate, but avoid over-hydration.
• Use a well-fitted harness or leash.

Day-of-Travel Tips

• Keep your pet calm with familiar bedding or a comfort blanket that does not interfere with the carrier’s internal height.
  
• Avoid sedatives unless prescribed and explicitly approved by a veterinarian. Many airlines discourage or prohibit sedation for safety reasons.
  
• Monitor temperatures at origin, transit, and destination; extreme heat or cold may result in refusal of pets to travel.
  
• During layovers, coordinate with airline staff about how your pet will be handled (especially if switching between cabin and cargo).

Common Questions

What if my pet is slightly over the weight limit?

If the pet plus carrier exceeds 8 kg, the pet must travel in the hold as excess baggage. Lufthansa is strict about weight limits.

Can I transit through Munich with a pet in the hold?

No. Animals in the hold (excess baggage) cannot be through-checked via Munich.

Are snub-nosed breeds allowed?

Brachycephalic dogs and cats are at higher risk and are not allowed in the cargo hold. Some may be accepted in the cabin only after stricter evaluation.

What if documentation or container information is missing?

If required details (e.g., breed, container dimensions, health papers) are missing, Lufthansa may refuse transport.

WorldCare Pet’s Experience with Lufthansa

When it comes to transporting pets, WorldCare Pet Transport works only with pet-friendly airlines staffed by teams trained in animal handling. Here’s what a few pet parents shared about their experience with us when flying Lufthansa:

“Out of everything related to my relocation, the move of my dogs was the most important thing, everything else could go wrong, but the move of my dogs had to be perfect. And you did just that since day one until I got reunited with them. Thank you for your support, patience and guidance throughout the process, you were best in class all the time.” -William V., Costa Rica to Sweden

“Thank you so much for such fantastic service!!” – Ryan D., USA to UK

“The level of care and concern for our needs and Joey’s needs were top notch. We always felt that his safety and care was the top priority. We were understandably anxious about his travel but we were updated every step of the way and the door-to-door service was phenomenal. Highly recommend and special thanks to Marisa for being the best!” – Samuel A., USA to UK

Final Thoughts & Best Practices

• Register your pet as soon as you purchase tickets to secure space.
  
• Prepare the correct carrier early and ensure your pet is comfortable in it.
  
• Double- and triple-check all paperwork and regulatory requirements for your route.
  
• For complex cases, contact Lufthansa’s cargo or pet-handling teams in advance.
  
• Work with a trusted pet transport company experienced with Lufthansa.

Need help moving your pet? Fill out our free request-a-quote form today!