Lufthansa – Pet Policy
| Pet Type | Cabin | Checked Baggage / Hold | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dog | Yes (≤8kg incl. carrier, 12–15 wks old, 2 same-species per carrier/litter ok) | Yes (in IATA crate, up to 125x75x85 cm; subject to breed & route limits) | Snub-nosed breeds not permitted as checked/cargo; aggressive/fighter breeds only as special cargo; booking/documentation mandatory |
| Cat | Yes (same as dog) | Yes (same as dog; snub-nosed/fighting breeds cargo only) | Same as above; vet/import certificates as needed, EU pet passport for EU |
| Rabbit/Hare | No | Yes (checked baggage/cargo with documentation) | Not allowed in cabin; permitted as hold/cargo animal subject to all rules, no birds/reptiles/fish as pet |
| Bird/Reptile/Fish | No | No (specialized cargo/freight only) | Subject to CITES/import/export laws; arrange via animal transport specialists |
Important Guidelines
- Only small dogs/cats up to 8 kg (carrier included) allowed in cabin (12 weeks+ or 15 weeks if flying from/to/via Germany); maximum two animals of same species allowed in one carrier if compatible (typically same litter, ≤6 months old).
- Cabin carrier must be max 55 x 40 x 23 cm, soft-sided, leak-proof, ventilated, fit below seat; pet must be able to stand, turn, and lie down comfortably.
- Checked/cargo: hard-sided, IATA-compliant crate up to 125x75x85 cm; only one animal per crate unless ≤2 compatible pups/kittens from same litter, each ≤14kg.
- Snub-nosed/flat-faced breeds (Bulldogs, Pugs, Boxers, Frenchies, King Charles, Shih Tzu, Persian, Exotic, Himalayan, etc.) cannot travel as checked baggage/cargo—cargo booking/freight only, with restrictions.
- Fighting/aggressive breeds (e.g. Cane Corso, Dogo Argentino, Staffordshire Terrier) only accepted as air cargo in special containers.
- No pregnant, visibly sick, or post-surgical animals; no birds, rabbits, reptiles, fish as pets in cabin/checked.
- Advance registration and booking required at least 72 hours prior to departure. U.S.-bound pets require CDC Import Permit for Dogs with verified health & vaccination.
- All pets require vet health certificate, rabies vaccination proof, import/export permits, CITES (where needed), and confirmation of booking.
Woofly Tips
- Book pet travel early—spaces are limited and approval/document checks may take time especially on long-haul/intercontinental routes.
- Review Lufthansa’s full list of restricted breeds and seasonal cargo limits—rules are enforced rigorously for animal wellbeing.
- Acclimate your pet to its carrier weeks prior to travel; ensure all paperwork is printed and backed up digitally.
- If moving to the USA, complete the CDC Dog Import Form and check for the latest U.S. entry bans/suspensions or microchip mandates.
- Always confirm the details for connecting airlines—code-share partners may have additional/stricter policies or outright bans (especially for pets in cabin).
Last updated: July 25, 2025