Europe
Flying with a dog on Lufthansa LH
Europe
Flying with a dog on Lufthansa
Fair
Here is the Lufthansa pet policy for dogs, checked against the airline's own pages in October 2026. Below: what applies in the cabin and in the hold, the breed rules for your dog, and what to sort out before you fly.
Lufthansa dog policy at a glance
In the cabin
Up to 8 kg
In the hold
Available
Lufthansa pet carrier size: dog carriers that fit
We checked every carrier in our comparison against the limits of Lufthansa, size by size. Shown are the ones that fit by their dimensions, most mentioned first. At the gate, Lufthansa decides.
In the cabin
4 carriers fit by their dimensions
Illustration Sherpa Original Deluxe Fits Small 
Illustration Mr. Peanut's Gold Series Fits Mini Expandable · 6.2 kg for the dog 
Illustration Petsfit Two-Way Flight Bag Fits S, M, L · 6.6 kg for the dog (L) In the hold
Lufthansa states no fixed size for this, so we can't check carriers against it.
Breed rules
Restrictions| Breed group | Cabin with you | Hold on your flight | Cargo booked separately |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snub-nosed | Allowed | Conditional | Conditional |
| Strong breeds | Not allowed | Conditional | Conditional |
Snub-nosed
- Cabin, with you
- Allowed
- Hold, on your flight
- Conditional
- Cargo, booked separately
- Conditional
Strong breeds
- Cabin, with you
- Not allowed
- Hold, on your flight
- Conditional
- Cargo, booked separately
- Conditional
Brachycephalic/snub-nosed breeds not accepted in cargo hold; may travel in cabin if within weight limit.
Assistance dogs
AllowedGuide and assistance dogs accepted free of charge in cabin. EU regulations apply. Documentation required.
Summary
Dogs up to 8 kg including a soft carrier travel in the cabin; heavier dogs fly as excess baggage in the air-conditioned hold. Snub-nosed breeds are barred from the hold, and dogs classed as fighting breeds generally travel only in the hold in special crates. No animals are accepted in the hold on connections via Munich, and Lufthansa may refuse pet bookings on routes such as the UK or Ireland. Dogs must be at least 12 weeks old (15 weeks to, from or via Germany).
The carrier must be soft-sided and securely closable, and it generally cannot be bought at the airport. The animal must be able to stand, lie down and turn around inside it. Up to 2 adult animals of comparable size that are used to each other and weigh up to 14 kg each, or up to 2 weaned puppies or kittens from the same litter, not older than 6 months and each weighing no more than 14 kg.
Dogs and cats over 8 kg including container travel as excess baggage in the air-conditioned hold; other species and some routes require air freight via Lufthansa Cargo. Transport in the hold may be refused in extreme weather conditions.
Before you fly
- Check which vaccinations and health documents your route requires, and keep them with you.
- Reserve your dog's spot early, as places per flight are limited.
- Check the entry rules of your destination country.
- Get your dog used to the carrier or kennel well before the trip.
- Larger dogs travel in the climate-controlled hold, so book that early too.
Always double-check
Airline pet policies change often and vary by route, aircraft and season. Confirm the current rules directly with Lufthansa before booking.
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Flying with a dog on Lufthansa: FAQ
What is the Lufthansa pet policy for dogs? ▾
Lufthansa allows small dogs up to 8 kg in the cabin, and larger dogs travel in the hold. Some breeds are restricted, and the Dog-Friendly Score is 77/100. Checked against the official policy in October 2026.
Can I bring my dog in the cabin on Lufthansa? ▾
Yes. Lufthansa allows small dogs up to 8 kg (including the carrier) in the cabin, as long as the carrier fits under the seat in front of you.
Can my dog travel in cargo on Lufthansa? ▾
Yes. Lufthansa transports dogs in the temperature-controlled hold. Advance booking and an IATA-compliant travel crate are usually required.
How much does it cost to fly a dog on Lufthansa? ▾
On Lufthansa, the in-cabin fee is €65–115. Fees change, so confirm the exact amount when you book.
Are there breed restrictions on Lufthansa? ▾
Yes. Lufthansa restricts certain breeds: Brachycephalic/snub-nosed breeds not accepted in cargo hold; may travel in cabin if within weight limit. Check the breed rules for your dog before booking.
Does Lufthansa accept assistance dogs? ▾
Yes. Trained assistance dogs are accepted in the cabin, usually free of charge, with the required documentation. Contact Lufthansa in advance.
