Lufthansa pet policy 2026: dogs, cats and breed restrictions
Last updated: May 2026 · 8 min read
Before you book: check these in order
- 1Is your pet's breed snub-nosed? (Excluded from hold, cabin-only if under 8 kg)
- 2Is your route eligible for cabin travel? (UK, Ireland, UAE, Bangalore excluded)
- 3Does your itinerary connect through Munich? (Hold pets not accepted via Munich, Frankfurt only)
- 4Is your pet traveling to the US? (Dogs must be at least 6 months old, CDC form required)
Key facts at a glance
Cabin travel
Small dogs and cats can travel in the cabin if the combined weight of pet and carrier does not exceed 8 kg. The carrier must be soft-sided and fit under the seat (maximum dimensions: 55 x 40 x 23 cm). The pet must remain inside the carrier for the entire flight.
Up to two pets per passenger are allowed. Two animals of the same species can share one carrier, or you can have one in the cabin and one in the hold.
Registration must be completed at least 72 hours before departure, through the Lufthansa Service Center or via My Bookings online. Spots for cabin pets are limited per flight.
UK, Ireland, UAE, and Bangalore (India). If your destination is on this list, the hold or cargo is your only option.
Fees: approximately €100 to €150 for European routes, and €150 to €300 for intercontinental routes. Confirm the current fee for your specific route when registering.
Hold travel as checked baggage
Dogs and cats that exceed the 8 kg cabin limit travel in the aircraft's climate-controlled cargo hold as checked baggage. The hold maintains the same pressure and temperature as the passenger cabin. Registration is required at least 72 hours in advance.
The container must be rigid and IATA-compliant, secured with metal screws (not clips). Two crate sizes are supported: small (up to 60 x 45 x 40 cm) and large (up to 125 x 75 x 85 cm). The animal must be able to stand, turn around, and lie down naturally.
Hold travel is not available for connecting flights via Munich. If your itinerary connects through Munich, re-route through Frankfurt or use Lufthansa Cargo.
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Breed restrictions
Snub-nosed (brachycephalic) breeds are not allowed in the hold. This includes Pugs, Boxers, Bulldogs, French Bulldogs, Shih Tzus, Persian cats, and similar. If your pet is snub-nosed and under 8 kg, cabin travel may be possible. If over 8 kg, Lufthansa Cargo is the only option.
These breeds must travel via Lufthansa Cargo using reinforced containers. As of March 1, 2026, kennels must comply with LH05 IATA requirements: wooden or steel frame, solid or plywood walls. Metal-only kennels are no longer accepted.
Lufthansa Cargo and the Frankfurt Animal Lounge
For pets that cannot travel as checked baggage (due to size, breed, or unaccompanied travel), Lufthansa Cargo handles booking separately from your own ticket. This requires a licensed freight forwarder or direct coordination with Lufthansa Cargo.
Frankfurt Airport has a dedicated Animal Lounge where pets are monitored and cared for during layovers. Animals transiting Frankfurt benefit from this facility. It is one of the few airports in Europe with this level of infrastructure for transit animals.
Traveling to the United States
All dogs must be at least 6 months old for flights into the US. A CDC import form is required in addition to standard health documentation. New bookings for dog transport to the US are currently accepted only at: JFK, Los Angeles, Atlanta, Miami, Philadelphia, and Washington D.C.
Booking sequence
Then contact Lufthansa to register your pet separately.
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Via the Lufthansa Service Center or My Bookings online. Provide species, breed, weight, and crate dimensions.
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Health certificate (within 10 days), vaccination records, microchip proof, and any country-specific permits.
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This form is required at check-in for cabin pets. It is separate from your boarding pass.
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Get My Plan · $24Frequently asked questions
Not sure if your situation is covered?
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Yes, if the combined weight of dog and carrier is under 8 kg and the route is eligible. Snub-nosed breeds are excluded from the hold but the cabin restriction is based on weight, not breed.
Yes. Frankfurt is the recommended transit hub for hold pets, and the Animal Lounge there provides care during layovers. Munich connections are not available for hold pets.
Cabin travel: roughly €100 to €300 depending on route. Hold travel: calculated by weight and route, generally higher than cabin fees. Cargo: priced through Lufthansa Cargo and varies by size, route, and service level.
No. Cabin and hold pet travel is not available on Lufthansa flights to the UK. The UK requires all pets to arrive as manifest cargo through approved routes.
Lufthansa is a solid choice for international pet travel when your route and your pet's profile align with the policy. The three-tier system (cabin, hold, cargo) means most situations have a workable solution. The key is knowing in advance which option applies.
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Your pet, your route, your dates. Every requirement, in order.
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