Lufthansa Pet Policy: Everything You Need to Know

Introduction

Planning to travel with your pet on Lufthansa? Whether you’re bringing a small pet in the cabin or need to check your pet as cargo, it’s essential to understand Lufthansa’s pet policy for a smooth and stress-free journey. This guide covers carry-on pets, checked pet travel, cargo transport, breed restrictions, and international pet travel regulations to help you prepare.

Lufthansa Pet Policy

1. Carry-On Pet Policy (In-Cabin Travel)

Lufthansa allows small pets to travel in the cabin, provided they meet the airline’s size and weight restrictions.

In-Cabin Pet Travel Rules

✔ Allowed Pets: Cats and dogs are permitted in the cabin on most Lufthansa flights.
✔ Pet Carrier Size: The pet carrier must fit under the seat in front of you and cannot exceed 21.6″ x 15.7″ x 8.6″ (L x W x H) (55 x 40 x 22 cm).
✔ Pet Weight Limit: The total weight of the pet and carrier must not exceed 8 kg (17.6 lbs).
✔ Pet Fee: Fees vary by route—€55 to €110 for short- and medium-haul flights and €150 to €190 for long-haul flights.
✔ Flight Restrictions: Pets are not allowed in Business Class on long-haul flights due to seat design limitations.

How to Book a Carry-On Pet Reservation

✔ Advance Booking: Reservations must be made in advance by contacting Lufthansa customer service.
✔ Pet Limit: One pet per passenger is allowed in the cabin.
✔ Approved Routes: In-cabin pets are allowed on most international and domestic flights, but some destination-specific regulations may apply.

📌 Tip: Lufthansa requires a health certificate for pets traveling in the cabin, issued within 10 days of departure.

2. Checked Pet Travel (Lufthansa Cargo or Excess Baggage)

For pets that do not qualify for in-cabin travel, Lufthansa offers both checked pet travel as excess baggage and Lufthansa Cargo for larger animals.

Checked Pet Travel Rules

✔ Eligible Pets: Dogs and cats can be checked as excess baggage if they exceed in-cabin weight limits.
✔ Kennel Requirements: Pets must travel in an IATA-approved, hard-sided kennel with proper ventilation.
✔ Temperature Restrictions: Checked pets may not fly in extreme temperatures for safety reasons.
✔ Booking Requirements: Checked pet travel must be booked at least 72 hours before departure.

Checked Pet Fees

✔ Flights Within Europe: €100 to €200 per pet.
✔ Intercontinental Flights: €200 to €400 per pet.
✔ Lufthansa Cargo Fees: Vary by pet size, weight, and destination—contact Lufthansa Cargo for a quote.

📌 Tip: If your pet is flying as checked baggage, ensure they stay hydrated and are comfortable in their crate before travel.

3. Breed Restrictions & Special Considerations

Certain breeds may be restricted due to safety concerns, particularly brachycephalic (short-nosed) breeds that are prone to breathing issues.

Banned & Restricted Breeds

Lufthansa does not accept short-nosed breeds as checked baggage, including:
✔ Bulldogs (English, French, and American)
✔ Pugs (all types)
✔ Boxers, Boston Terriers
✔ Persian & Himalayan Cats

✔ Dangerous Breeds: Some large dog breeds, such as Pit Bulls, Rottweilers, and Mastiffs, may require special handling and must travel via Lufthansa Cargo instead of checked baggage.

Service Animals & Emotional Support Animals (ESA)

✔ Service Animals: Recognized service dogs can fly for free in the cabin.
✔ Emotional Support Animals: As of 2021, Lufthansa no longer accepts ESAs—they must travel as carry-on pets or as checked baggage.

📌 Tip: If traveling with a service dog, ensure you submit all required documentation at least 48 hours before departure.

4. International Pet Travel Guidelines

Lufthansa operates worldwide, so strict international pet travel regulations may apply, including vaccinations, microchip identification, and quarantine requirements.

Country-Specific Pet Policies

✔ European Union: Pets must have an EU Pet Passport, valid microchip identification, and a rabies vaccination certificate.
✔ United States & Canada: Pets must have a health certificate issued within 10 days of travel and proof of rabies vaccination.
✔ United Kingdom & Ireland: Pets cannot fly in the cabin or as checked baggage—they must enter as cargo due to local import laws.
✔ Australia & New Zealand: Strict quarantine rules apply—pets must meet import regulations and may be subject to mandatory quarantine.

📌 Tip: Always research the pet import laws of your destination country well in advance to avoid travel delays or denied entry.

5. How to Prepare Your Pet for Air Travel

Before Your Flight

✔ Confirm Airline Requirements: Ensure your pet meets all size and carrier regulations.
✔ Visit the Veterinarian: Obtain a health certificate and ensure your pet’s vaccinations are up to date.
✔ Book Early: Lufthansa limits the number of pets per flight, so book as soon as possible.

Day of Travel

✔ Arrive Early: Lufthansa recommends checking in at least 2 hours before departure for carry-on pets and 3 hours for checked pets.
✔ Exercise Your Pet: Allow your pet to walk and relieve itself before check-in.
✔ Use an Absorbent Liner in the Carrier: Helps keep your pet comfortable during travel.

📌 Tip: Place a familiar blanket or toy in your pet’s crate to reduce travel anxiety.

Final Thoughts on Lufthansa’s Pet Policy

Lufthansa offers multiple pet travel options, including in-cabin travel, checked baggage, and cargo services, making it a pet-friendly choice for international travel. However, strict breed restrictions, weight limits, and country regulations may affect your travel plans, so always plan ahead.

Key Takeaways

✔ Small pets (up to 8 kg) can travel in-cabin in an under-seat carrier.
✔ Larger pets must travel as checked baggage or Lufthansa Cargo.
✔ Short-nosed breeds are restricted from cargo travel due to health concerns.
✔ Service dogs fly for free with proper documentation.
✔ International travel requires specific documents and may involve quarantine.

📌 Plan ahead, book early, and ensure your pet meets all airline requirements for a smooth and stress-free journey!