Can You Fly with Pets on Lufthansa?

Yes. Lufthansa allows dogs and cats to travel in the cabin, checked baggage hold, and as cargo. Each option has different rules, costs, and requirements. The choice depends on your pet's size, breed, age, and your destination.

This guide covers everything you need to know based on Lufthansa's official pet travel policy, including carrier specifications, health documentation, breed restrictions, and practical tips to make your journey smooth.

Key Numbers at a Glance

  • Cabin pet fee: €75 one-way per pet
  • Maximum cabin pets per passenger: 2
  • Cabin carrier dimensions: 45.7 cm (L) × 27.9 cm (W) × 27.9 cm (H)
  • Cabin carrier + pet weight limit: 8 kg (17.6 lbs)
  • Minimum pet age: 12 weeks
  • Health certificate validity: 10 days before departure
  • Advance booking required: 72 hours before flight
  • Heat embargo (checked/cargo): 29.4°C (85°F)
  • Cold embargo (checked/cargo): -6.7°C (20°F)

Cabin Travel: Flying with Your Pet in the Cabin

If your pet is small enough, traveling in the cabin means your dog or cat stays with you throughout the flight. This is the safest and least stressful option for most pets.

Who Can Fly in the Cabin?

  • Dogs and cats only
  • Minimum age: 12 weeks
  • Maximum combined weight (pet + carrier): 8 kg
  • Not pregnant
  • Not a restricted breed (see below)

Carrier Requirements for Cabin Travel

Your carrier must be soft-sided and fit under the seat in front of you. Hard-sided carriers are not suitable for cabin travel.

  • Maximum dimensions: 45.7 cm long × 27.9 cm wide × 27.9 cm high (~18 × 11 × 11 inches)
  • Material: Soft-sided only
  • Ventilation: Mesh panels on sides for adequate airflow
  • Water bowl: Attached or collapsible bowl inside the carrier
  • Absorbent liner: Washable pad or lining to contain accidents

Tip: Measure your carrier before buying. Many "airline-approved" carriers sold online are slightly oversized. Test it under an airplane seat at the airport if possible.

Cabin Pet Fee

€75 per pet, one-way. This is a fixed fee, not based on distance. If you're traveling with two pets, expect €150 for the outbound flight and another €150 for the return.

Checked Baggage Hold: Larger Pets

If your pet exceeds 8 kg or you prefer cargo transport, Lufthansa allows dogs and cats in the checked baggage hold under similar rules to cabin travel, but with additional restrictions related to temperature.

Carrier Requirements for Checked Baggage

  • Maximum combined weight (pet + carrier): 8 kg
  • Material: Hard-sided or soft-sided (not specified which is preferred)
  • Ventilation: Openings on at least three sides per IATA standards
  • Water bowl: Attached or built-in
  • Absorbent liner: Required
  • Live Animals label: Required on all sides with orientation arrows
  • IATA compliance: Crate must meet IATA Live Animals Regulations

Temperature Restrictions for Checked Baggage

Lufthansa will not transport pets in checked baggage if temperatures at the origin or destination exceed 29.4°C (85°F) or fall below -6.7°C (20°F). This is a safety measure to prevent heat stress or hypothermia during ground handling.

Note: If your destination is colder than -6.7°C, ask your veterinarian about an acclimation certificate, which may allow travel in extreme cold.

Cargo Transport: For Larger or Multiple Pets

Lufthansa's cargo service is designed for pets that don't fit cabin or hold restrictions, or when you need dedicated pet transport. This is a separate service from passenger flights.

Cargo Carrier Requirements

  • Material: Hard-sided IATA-compliant crate only (soft-sided not accepted)
  • Ventilation: Openings on at least three sides
  • Water bowl: Attached or built-in
  • Absorbent liner: Required
  • Live Animals label: Required with orientation arrows
  • IATA compliance: Mandatory

Temperature Restrictions for Cargo

Same as checked baggage: no transport above 29.4°C (85°F) or below -6.7°C (20°F) without special documentation.

Cargo fees are not listed in Lufthansa's public policy. Contact Lufthansa Cargo directly for pricing and availability.

Breed Restrictions: Brachycephalic Dogs & Cats

Lufthansa bans certain dog breeds with flat faces (brachycephalic breeds) from all travel modes—cabin, checked baggage, and cargo. These breeds are at higher risk of respiratory distress during air travel.

Banned Dog Breeds

Affenpinscher, American Bully (all breeds), American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Boston Terrier, Boxer (all breeds), Brussels Griffon, Bulldog (all breeds including English, French, American), Bull Terrier (all breeds), Cane Corso, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Chow Chow, Dogue de Bordeaux, English Toy Spaniel, Japanese Chin, King Charles Spaniel, Lhasa Apso, Mastiff (all breeds), Pekingese, Presa Canario, Pug (all breeds), Shar Pei, Shih Tzu, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Tibetan Spaniel.

Banned Cat Breed

Persian cats are restricted from cabin and all other travel modes on Lufthansa.

If your pet is a mixed breed with brachycephalic characteristics, contact Lufthansa before booking. Some airlines make breed exceptions on a case-by-case basis.

Health Documentation & Vaccination

A veterinary health certificate is mandatory for all pets traveling on Lufthansa, regardless of travel mode.

Health Certificate Requirements

  • Issued by: Licensed veterinarian
  • Validity: Must be issued within 10 days of your departure date
  • Timing tip: Get it as close to departure as possible. Some destinations require 7-day validity, so don't wait until the last minute.
  • What it covers: General health status, vaccinations (especially rabies if traveling internationally), and fitness to fly

Do not skip this step. You will be denied boarding without a valid health certificate, even if you've booked your pet.

For international travel, check destination-specific import requirements. Some countries require additional permits or endorsements beyond the standard health certificate. Visit our documents checklist guide for more details.

Booking Your Pet on Lufthansa

Advance Booking Requirement

You must notify Lufthansa of your pet at least 72 hours (3 days) before departure. This gives the airline time to arrange proper handling and ensure space is available.

Booking method: We're still verifying the exact process—contact Lufthansa directly or check their website at lufthansa.com/travelling-with-animals.

Maximum Pets Per Passenger

You can travel with a maximum of 2 pets per passenger in the cabin or checked baggage. If you have more pets, you'll need additional passengers or may need to use cargo services.

Restrictions: What's Not Allowed

  • Sedation: Do not sedate your pet. IATA regulations prohibit sedation during air travel because a sedated animal cannot maintain balance or respond to emergencies. This applies to all airlines worldwide.
  • Pregnant animals: Pregnant dogs and cats are not allowed on Lufthansa flights.
  • Animals in heat: We're still verifying Lufthansa's specific policy—contact them directly.
  • Young puppies/kittens: Minimum age is 12 weeks.

Assistance Animals (Service Dogs & Emotional Support Animals)

Assistance animals have a separate policy from regular pets. Documentation is required. We're still verifying the specific requirements for Lufthansa—contact them directly or visit their website for details on service dog accommodations.

What You Need to Do: Pre-Flight Checklist

  • 4–6 weeks before: Confirm your pet meets Lufthansa's requirements (age, weight, breed, health status)
  • 3 weeks before: Schedule a vet appointment for a health certificate
  • 2 weeks before: Purchase or confirm your carrier meets Lufthansa's dimensions and requirements
  • 10 days before: Get your health certificate issued by your vet
  • 4 days before: Book your pet with Lufthansa (72-hour advance notice required)
  • Day before: Pack pet supplies: food, water, bowls, leash, collar, ID tag, comfort items
  • Day of flight: Arrive early, have all documents ready, keep your pet calm and hydrated

Practical Tips for Flying with Your Pet

  • Acclimate your pet to the carrier: Spend 2–3 weeks letting your pet get comfortable inside the carrier at home before the flight.
  • Exercise before the flight: A tired pet is a calmer pet. Take your dog for a long walk or play session before heading to the airport.
  • Avoid feeding right before: Feed your pet 3–4 hours before departure to reduce nausea and accidents.
  • Bring familiar items: A favorite toy or blanket with familiar scents can reduce anxiety.
  • Microchip your pet: In case of escape or loss, a microchip is your best safety net.
  • Check destination rules: Some countries have strict import requirements beyond Lufthansa's policy. Research your destination early.
  • Travel insurance: Consider pet travel insurance to cover unexpected vet costs or flight cancellations.

Cost Summary

Cabin travel: €75 per pet, one-way. For a round trip with one pet, budget €150.

Checked baggage: No separate fee listed in Lufthansa's public policy. Confirm with the airline.

Cargo: Pricing not available. Contact Lufthansa Cargo for a quote.

For a detailed breakdown of pet travel costs across airlines, see our pet travel costs guide.

Need More Help?

For questions not covered here, visit Lufthansa's official pet travel page or contact their customer service directly.

If you're flying with a brachycephalic breed, read our guide to flying with flat-faced dogs for alternative airlines and strategies.

For a comprehensive overview of pet travel across multiple airlines, check out our dog travel guide and cat travel guide.

Get your free personalized travel plan from Pawgo — we'll help you navigate Lufthansa's rules and prepare all required documents.

Data auto-verified from official Lufthansa sources as of April 11, 2026. Pet travel policies change seasonally and by route. Always confirm current requirements directly with Lufthansa before booking.

Auto-generated from verified data · Last updated: April 11, 2026