Lufthansa Pet Policy​

Lufthansa pet allows small dogs and cats (up to 8 kg with carrier) to travel in the cabin, while larger pets can be transported in the cargo hold. According to Lufthansa pet policy, pets must be registered at least 72 hours before departure, and carriers must meet airline standards. Assistance dogs are allowed in the cabin free of charge. Lufthansa pet policy also restricts in-cabin travel to certain countries and requires health certificates for international flights to ensure safety and compliance.

Lufthansa Airlines Pet Policy

The following succinct table provides an overview of Lufthansa’s pet policy:

Category	In-Cabin	Checked Baggage	Cargo
Allowed Pets	Cats, dogs, small birds (≤8kg)	Cats, dogs (8-50kg)	All eligible pets
Carrier Size	55×40×23 cm (under seat)	IATA-approved kennel	IATA-approved crate
Fees	€50-€200 (varies by route)	€50-€250 (varies by route)	Quote required
Requirements	Health docs, advance booking	Health docs, advance booking	Cargo booking, export permits
Restrictions	1 pet/pax (Economy), 2 (Business)	No flights >12 hours	Banned breeds may apply

Lufthansa Pet Policy in Cabin

Key Rules & Requirements:

• Allowed Pets:
  • Small dogs, cats, and household birds (other pets upon request).
  • Combined pet + carrier weight ≤ 8 kg (17.6 lbs).
• Carrier Restrictions:
  • Max dimensions: 55 × 40 × 23 cm (21.6 × 15.7 × 9 in).
  • Must fit under the seat and remain closed during the flight.
• Fees (One-Way):
  • Within Europe: ~€50–€110
  • Intercontinental: ~125–125–200 (varies by destination)
• Booking & Limitations:
  • Advance reservation required (limited spots).
  • Max 1 pet per passenger (Economy), 2 pets (Business/First if same species).
  • Not allowed in exit rows or premium cabins on certain aircraft.
• Required Documents:
  • EU Pet Passport (for EU flights).
  • Rabies vaccination (at least 21 days old).
  • Additional permits may apply for non-EU destinations.
• Restrictions:
  • Banned breeds (varies by country).
  • No emotional support animals (only service dogs exempt from fees).
  •  Official Policy: Lufthansa

Lufthansa Pet Policy Business Class

The following table provides a concise overview of Lufthansa’s pet policy for business class:

Category	In-Cabin Policy (Business Class)	Checked Baggage/Cargo Policy
Allowed Pets	Cats, dogs, small birds (≤8kg)	Cats, dogs (8-50kg)
Number Allowed	Up to 2 pets (same species/size)	1 pet per passenger (if eligible)
Carrier Size	55×40×23 cm (must fit under seat)	IATA-approved kennel required
Fees	€50–€200 (varies by route)	€50–€250 (varies by route)
Booking	Mandatory advance reservation	Must be booked in advance
Seat Rules	Pets cannot occupy a seat (must stay in carrier under seat)	N/A
Documents	• EU Pet Passport • Rabies vaccine (≥21 days old) • Import permits (if required)	Same as in-cabin
Restrictions	• No snub-nosed breeds (e.g., Bulldogs, Pugs) in cargo • No pets on flights >12 hours in baggage hold	• Some countries ban certain breeds

Lufthansa Pet Policy Cargo

Lufthansa Pet Policy Cargo for shipping animals is summarized in the following comprehensive table:

Category	Requirements & Details
Eligible Animals	Dogs, cats, birds, and other pets (subject to breed/import restrictions)
Weight Limits	No strict limit (varies by aircraft), typically up to 100kg with crate
Crate Requirements	IATA-approved, escape-proof, ventilated, with food/water containers (size varies by animal)
Booking	Must be arranged separately via Lufthansa Cargo (not through passenger booking)
Documents Needed	• Health certificate • Rabies vaccination (valid) • Import/export permits • CITES certs (for exotic pets)
Restrictions	• No snub-nosed breeds (e.g., Bulldogs, Pugs) on certain routes • Banned breeds in some countries (e.g., Pit Bulls)
Transit Rules	Live animals cannot transit through some airports (check in advance)
Cost	Varies by size/route (contact Lufthansa Cargo for a quote)
Special Notes	• Pets are transported in temperature-controlled holds • Advance booking (3+ days recommended) • Unaccompanied pets accepted

Lufthansa Pet Policy Health Certificate

The following table provides a comprehensive overview of Lufthansa’s cargo pet policy on animal shipping:

Requirement	Details	Applicable For	Additional Notes
Rabies Vaccination	Valid rabies vaccine (administered ≥21 days before travel) 15.	All pets (cabin/checked/cargo)	USA requires dogs to be ≥6 months old 19.
EU Pet Passport	Required for flights within/to EU 112.	EU destinations	Includes microchip ID and vaccination records.
CDC Dog Import Form	Mandatory for dogs entering the USA (submitted online pre-flight) 19.	USA flights only	Confirmation must be presented digitally/printed at check-in 911.
Veterinary Health Cert.	Issued by an accredited vet (usually within 10 days of travel) 513.	International flights	Must specify pet’s age, breed, and health status.
Import/Export Permits	Required by some countries (e.g., UK, UAE, Australia) 513.	Destination-specific	Check consulate/embassy rules 1.
Breed Restrictions	Snub-nosed breeds (e.g., Bulldogs, Pugs) may face limitations 111.	Cargo/checked baggage	Higher risk of respiratory issues during flights.
Minimum Age	12 weeks (15 weeks for Germany) 15.	All pets	USA: Dogs must be ≥6 months 19.
Additional Vaccines	e.g., Distemper, Parvovirus (varies by country) 13.	Destination-specific	Consult local embassy 5.

Lufthansa Pet Policy Requirements

General Requirements for All Pets

• Allowed Pets: Cats, dogs, and small household birds (other pets may require approval).
• Advance Booking: Mandatory for in-cabin, checked baggage, or cargo pets (limited spots).
• Age Restrictions: Minimum 12 weeks (15 weeks for Germany; 6 months for USA-bound dogs)

Health & Documentation

• Rabies Vaccination: Required for all pets (must be administered ≥21 days before travel).
• EU Pet Passport: Mandatory for travel within/to the EU (includes microchip ID and vaccine records).
• Veterinary Health Certificate: Issued by an accredited vet (within 10 days of travel for most countries)
• CDC Dog Import Form (USA): Required for dogs entering the U.S. (submit online before departure).
• Import/Export Permits: Needed for certain destinations (e.g., UK, Australia, UAE)..

Container/Carrier Rules

• In-Cabin:
  • Max weight: 8 kg (17.6 lbs) including carrier.
  • Carrier dimensions: 55 × 40 × 23 cm (must fit under seat).
• Checked Baggage/Cargo:
  • IATA-approved kennel required (escape-proof, ventilated, with food/water trays).
  • Max weight: 50 kg (110 lbs) for checked baggage; higher limits for cargo.

Restrictions

• Banned Breeds: Snub-nosed dogs (e.g., Bulldogs, Pugs) may be restricted in cargo.
• Flight Limits: No pets in checked baggage on flights >12 hours (must use cargo).
• Emotional Support Animals: Not recognized; only service dogs exempt from fees.

Lufthansa Pet Policy International Travel Emotional Support​

Based on the most recent rules, the following structured table summarizes Lufthansa Pet Policy International Travel Emotional Support​ with emotional support animals (ESAs):

Category	Policy Details	Requirements	Restrictions
ESA Acceptance	Not recognized for international flights (except pre-2021 U.S. routes) 29.	Only psychiatric service dogs (PSDs) with task-training qualify as assistance animals.	ESAs are treated as pets and subject to standard pet fees/regulations.
Allowed Animals	Only dogs (no cats or other species) for service animals 2.	Must be trained to perform tasks for a disability (e.g., PTSD, anxiety alerts).	Emotional support animals without task-training are not permitted 9.
Documentation	For PSDs:	– U.S. DOT forms (for flights to/from USA) 2.	ESA letters from therapists are not valid for cabin access 9.
Registration	Must notify Lufthansa 48+ hours before departure 2.	Submit forms to Lufthansa Medical Operation Center (specialservice@dlh.de) 2.	Late submissions may result in denial of boarding.
In-Cabin Rules	– Must fit at passenger’s feet (no seat occupancy) 2.	– Leash/muzzle recommended 8.	Aggressive/disruptive behavior may lead to cargo hold transfer 2.
Banned Breeds	Snub-nosed breeds (e.g., Bulldogs, Pugs) restricted in cargo 1.	Fighting breeds require ATA-compliant crates 8.	Temperature restrictions apply (e.g., ≤75°F) 8.
U.S. Entry Rules	Dogs entering USA must:	– Be ≥6 months old 1.	Only 6 approved airports (e.g., JFK, LAX) 110.

Lufthansa Pet Travel Fee International

Travel Type	In-Cabin Fee (One Way)	Checked Baggage Fee (One Way)	Cargo Fee (One Way)
Europe (Intra-EU)	€50-€110	€70-€150	Quote Required
Transatlantic (USA/Canada)	125−125−200	200−200−300	300−300−800+
Middle East (UAE/Qatar)	€100-€150	€150-€250	€400-€1000+
Asia (Japan/China)	€120-€180	€200-€350	€500-€1200+
Africa (South Africa)	€80-€130	€150-€300	€400-€900+
South America (Brazil)	€90-€140	€180-€320	€450-€1100+

Visit us: Lufthansa Wheelchair Assistance​

Tips for Stress-Free Pet Travel with Lufthansa

• Book Early: Reserve your pet’s spot at least 72 hours before departure to ensure availability.
• Choose the Right Carrier: Use an IATA-approved pet carrier that meets Lufthansa’s size and ventilation requirements.
• Familiarize Your Pet: Let your pet get used to the carrier before the flight to reduce anxiety.
• Visit the Vet: Ensure your pet is healthy and up-to-date on vaccinations required for international travel.
• Pack Essentials: Bring food, water, comfort items, and necessary documents for your pet.
• Stay Calm: Pets can sense stress keep a calm demeanor to reassure them.
• Follow Airline Rules: Check Lufthansa’s latest pet policy here for any updates.

Conclusion

Traveling with a pet on Lufthansa requires preparation and adherence to airline policies. Small pets can travel in the cabin, while larger ones must go in the cargo hold. Emotional support animals are no longer recognized, but service dogs are accommodated. Booking early, choosing the right carrier, and ensuring proper documentation help ensure a stress-free journey. For smooth travel, always check Lufthansa’s latest pet policy before departure

FAQs on Lufthansa Pet Policy