Lufthansa Pet Policy for Dogs in 2026
Planning to fly with your dog on Lufthansa? Here are the current cabin and cargo rules, fees, carrier limits, breed restrictions, and booking steps.
Lufthansa Pet Policy Overview
Lufthansa allows small dogs in the cabin and larger dogs in the air-conditioned cargo hold on eligible flights. Availability is limited, advance registration is required, and route-specific restrictions may apply.
Lufthansa accepts dogs either in the cabin or in the cargo hold depending on the combined weight of the dog and carrier, aircraft limitations, and destination rules. Each passenger may travel with up to two animals, but pets must be booked in advance because space is limited. Lufthansa also notes that pregnant animals are not accepted and that extreme weather can lead to cargo-hold pet embargoes at short notice.
Last updated: 2026-03-25
How to Book Your Dog on Lufthansa
Book your own Lufthansa-operated flight first, since pet space is limited and not all codeshare flights accept animals.
Decide whether your dog qualifies for cabin travel or must travel in the cargo hold. Dogs up to 8 kg including the carrier may travel in the cabin; heavier dogs must usually travel in the air-conditioned cargo hold.
Measure your carrier carefully before requesting approval. For cabin travel, Lufthansa lists a maximum carrier size of 55 x 40 x 23 cm with a total size of 118 cm. For cargo travel, the crate must comply with IATA Live Animal Regulations and be large enough for your dog to stand, turn around, and lie down naturally.
Register your dog with Lufthansa at least 72 hours before departure using the airline’s online registration form for cabin or cargo transport. Lufthansa checks availability and sends confirmation by email.
Review route restrictions before finalizing plans. Lufthansa says cargo-hold pet bookings are not available on itineraries with a transfer in Munich, and some countries, aircraft types, and weather conditions can affect acceptance.
Prepare all health, entry, and transit documents required for your destination. If you are flying to the United States with a dog, Lufthansa says you must also complete the CDC Dog Import Form, and U.S.-bound dog acceptance is currently limited to certain destinations.
Arrive at the airport with extra time and pay the pet fee at check-in if your pet booking has been approved. Lufthansa states that pet fees are collected at airport check-in rather than during the online request.
At check-in, be ready for staff to verify your dog, carrier dimensions, weight, and paperwork. If the carrier or documents do not meet requirements, Lufthansa may refuse transport.
Lufthansa vs Other Airlines
| Feature | Lufthansa | Air Canada | American Airlines |
|---|---|---|---|
| In-Cabin Fee | 35 EUR within Germany; 50 EUR within Europe/third countries; 70 EUR intercontinental | CA/US $50-$60 within Canada/Canada-U.S.; CA/US $100-$120 international | $150 per kennel |
| Cargo Fee | 70/100/150 EUR for cage sizes 1+2; 150/200/300 EUR for cage sizes 3+4 depending on route | CA/US $105-$126 within Canada/Canada-U.S.; CA/US $270-$324 international | Cargo varies; checked pets only for active-duty U.S. Military and State Department personnel |
| Weight Limit | 8 kg max in cabin including carrier | Cargo/baggage compartment up to 45 kg including kennel | 20 lb / 9.07 kg max in cabin including carrier; checked pet kennel up to 100 lb / 45 kg where eligible |
| Carrier Size | Cabin: 55 x 40 x 23 cm, max total 118 cm | Cabin requires soft-sided carrier; aircraft-specific exceptions apply | Soft-sided cabin carrier: 18 x 11 x 11 in; hard-sided mainline: 19 x 13 x 9 in |
| Breeds Restricted | Snub-nosed dogs not permitted in cargo hold; fighting-dog breeds have special crate rules | Short/snub-nosed breeds cannot travel in baggage compartment; strong dogs need reinforced crate | Brachycephalic/snub-nosed dogs not accepted as checked pets |
| Booking Method | Online registration at least 72 hours before departure; confirmation by email; pay at airport check-in | Book your flight, then contact Air Canada Reservations in advance | Add carry-on pet in aa.com/app after booking; some checked-pet travel requires Reservations contact |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my dog fly in the cabin on Lufthansa?
Yes, Lufthansa allows small dogs in the cabin if the combined weight of the dog and carrier does not exceed 8 kg and the carrier fits within the airline’s cabin size limits.
How much does Lufthansa charge for a dog in the cabin?
Lufthansa lists cabin pet fees by route: 35 EUR within Germany, 50 EUR within Europe and third countries, and 70 EUR on intercontinental routes for pets up to 8 kg including the carrier.
Does Lufthansa allow large dogs?
Yes, larger dogs may travel in the aircraft’s air-conditioned cargo hold as excess baggage if the route, aircraft, weather, and crate all meet Lufthansa’s requirements.
How early do I need to book my dog on Lufthansa?
Lufthansa says pets must be registered at least 72 hours before departure. The airline checks availability and confirms by email.
Are any dog breeds restricted on Lufthansa?
Yes. Lufthansa says snub-nosed (brachycephalic) dogs are not permitted in the cargo hold, and breeds classified as fighting dogs are subject to special transport-container requirements.
Can I pay my Lufthansa pet fee online?
Lufthansa states that if your pet booking is approved, the fee is paid at airport check-in rather than during the online registration request.
Can I take my dog on a Lufthansa flight to the United States?
Possibly, but Lufthansa says dogs traveling to the U.S. must be registered with the airline and require the CDC Dog Import Form. The airline also notes that new U.S.-bound dog bookings are currently limited to certain destinations.
Can I bring more than one dog on Lufthansa?
Lufthansa says each passenger may take a maximum of two animals in approved transport containers, subject to the airline’s acceptance rules.