Lufthansa is a German flag carrier which allows the transportation of pets on its flights. Depending on the kind of pet, its size and weight, the company imposes the rules for the transportation.

General requirements for the transportation of pets

· A pet must be checked in for the flight no longer than 24 hours before the departure. For emotional support dogs the time of check-in must not exceed 48 hours;

· You should book a place for your pet in advance, as there is a limit of dog transported on each flight. To book a flight, please contact the reservation department at +44 371 945 9747 (+1800 - 645 38 80 for the USA).

Transportation of pets in the cabin

It is allowed to transport small pets up to 8 kg in the cabin on the Lufthansa flights. The maximum weight includes the pet’s bag or container. Each passenger may take up to 2 pets in the cabin or in the cargo hold. Dogs and cats are allowed to be transported only when they are 12 weeks old. For the flights to / from Germany, pets must be 15 weeks old.

Requirements for the transport container in the cabin

· The maximum size: 55 x 40 x 23 cm;

· The maximum weight (including a pet): 8 kg;

· A pet must be able to stand in a natural position in the closed transport container, as well as to lie down and turn without any difficulties;

· The container must be hermetic, bite-proof and odour-proof;

· There must be absorbent material inside the container which prevents leaking. It is prohibited to place newspapers, cardboard, or straw inside the container;

· The container with a pet must be placed under the seat in front of its owner during the flight. If it is not possible, it must be attached to the seat belt with a cord. An owner must not take a pet out of the container in the cabin;

· It is allowed to have only one transport container per passenger in the cabin;

· The payment for the transportation of pets is carried out at check-in or at the Lufthansa service desk. In addition to the container with your pet, you can use the free luggage allowance indicated on your ticket.

Transportation of pets in the cargo hold

If your pet weights more than 8 kg, it is not allowed to be transported in the cabin. In that case, dogs and cats are transported in the cargo hold on the Lufthansa flights. A pet must travel in the approved transport container that complies with current IATA regulations.

Requirements for the transport container in the cargo hold

· The maximum size: 125 x 75 x 85 cm;

· The size of the container must give the pet an opportunity to stand in a natural position, as well as to lie down and turn without any difficulties;

· The container must be escape-proof. It is recommended to use a strong plastic container or a wooden cage made of harmless and non-toxic material;

· Containers must have sufficient ventilation on all 4 sides of it. The ventilation holes must be small enough so that the pet’s nose or paws cannot pass through them;

· Containers on rollers or wheels are not allowed for carriage;

· The inside of the container must be smooth so that the pet cannot bite or scratch it. There also must not be any sharp edges or nails inside for the safety of the pet;

· There must be absorbent material inside the container which prevents leaking. It is prohibited to place newspapers, cardboard, or straw inside the container;

· Empty food and water bowls must be attached to the cage and accessible from the outside. On the cage there must be an information sticker with the feeding instructions. If you wish, you can take some food and water for the flight in a non-spill container;

· Spacers should be attached centrally on both long sides.

· The container must be secured with screws. A plastic locking mechanism is not accepted as it is not considered to be secure enough;

· Only one animal is allowed per container.

If your transport container exceeds the maximum size for the cargo hold, you can use the service of the company Lufthansa cargo.

Information on the transportation of dangerous breeds of dogs

Fighting and dangerous breeds of dogs are allowed to be transported only in special transport containers and only in the cargo hold. The exception is dogs between three and six months old which can be transported in standard transport containers.

Fighting and dangerous breeds of dogs

· American Bulldog;

· Dogo Argentino;

· Karabash;

· Caucasian Ovcharka;

· Rottweiler.

Requirements for the transport container for fighting dogs

· The container must be made of wood, metal, synthetic materials, weld mesh or wire mesh. It is prohibited to use containers which have any parts made of plastic;

· There must be applied some additional principles regarding the frame, sides, floor, top, and door. You may find the details here;

· The door of the container must be made of strong wire mesh, metal or reinforced wood and have secure fastening. It must be small enough so that any part of the pet’s body cannot pass through it;

· The inside of the container must be smooth so that the pet cannot bite or scratch it.

Information on the transportation of snub-nosed pets

Snub-nosed dogs and cats have some difficulties in breathing. The air transportation of these breeds of animals can cause stress, which may lead to serious health problems or even death. That is why Lufthansa does not carry snub-nosed pets in the cargo hold. However, you can take your pet into the cabin of the aircraft or use the service of Lufthansa Cargo.