Lufthansa

Service Animals (In-Cabin & Support)

An assistance dog is a dog, regardless of breed or type, individually trained to perform work or tasks for a person with a disability, including visual, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual, or other mental disabilities.

You may take an assistance dog on any route free of charge, subject to the following requirements:

• The dog must obey your commands and behave appropriately in public (no barking, growling, or jumping on people or animals).
• The dog must not relieve itself in the cabin or boarding gate, or only do so without causing health or hygiene issues.
• If the dog misbehaves, Lufthansa may transfer it to cargo for a surcharge or refuse carriage. You are liable for any damage or additional costs.
• On board, the dog must fit in the footwell of your seat and be attached to your seat belt with a Lufthansa-provided pet harness.
• The dog must not sit on a passenger seat.
• Securing the dog with a harness is recommended over a collar.
• Bringing a muzzle is strongly recommended for safety and consideration; you may be asked to muzzle your dog if it poses a risk to others.

Assistance dogs on non-stop flights to/from the United States:

• Passengers may travel with up to two assistance dogs trained to perform tasks for persons with disabilities as defined by U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations.
• Assistance dogs must be at least six months old.

Definition of an assistance animal and person with a disability (14 CFR 382 compliance):

• An assistance animal is a dog individually trained to support a person with a disability (visual, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual, or other mental disability).
• Other animal species, emotional support animals, comfort animals, companionship animals, and assistance animals in training are not considered assistance animals.

Forms required:

• You must submit required forms to Lufthansa on or after ticket purchase.
• If reservation is made more than 48 hours before departure, forms must be submitted electronically or in hard copy at least 48 hours before travel.
• If reservation is made less than 48 hours before departure, forms must be presented at the departure gate on the day of travel.
• For connecting flights outside the USA, a training certificate is also required and must be sent by email with the forms.

Travel permission and checks:

• Lufthansa may verify if the animal is an assistance dog by observing behavior or checking physical indicators.

Size and restraint:

• Assistance dogs must fit in the footwell of the passenger’s seat unless restricted by FAA or other laws or if it restricts another passenger’s space.
• Dogs must be kept on a lead by their owners or handlers at all times on Lufthansa aircraft and in Lufthansa-controlled airport areas.

Refusal to carry an assistance dog:

• If the dog poses a direct threat to health or safety of others.
• If the dog causes significant disturbance or behaves inappropriately in the cabin or gate area.
• If carriage violates safety or health regulations of US federal agencies, US territories, or foreign governments.
• If the passenger does not present completed required forms.

Damage liability: Lufthansa may take legal action against passengers for any damage caused by their assistance dog.

Approved assistance dogs (service animals): Guide dogs, hearing dogs, diabetic alert dogs, seizure alert dogs, and similar are accepted free of charge on all Lufthansa flights.

Required documentation:

• Training certificate from an accredited institution (e.g., Messerli Research Institute, Assistance Dogs International, Assistance Dogs Europe, International Guide Dog Federation) or a qualified dog trainer.
• Certificate must include trainer’s name and address, training details, and tasks the dog is trained to perform.
• Certificates of obedience training or DOT forms alone are insufficient for travel outside the USA.
• If documentation is missing, the dog will travel under normal pet conditions (cabin or cargo depending on size/weight).
• For flights outside the USA, written confirmation that the dog meets approved assistance dog requirements is also required, with two printed copies presented at check-in.

Preparation for travel:

• Ensure compliance with entry and exit regulations of all countries on your itinerary.
• Complete any necessary veterinary exams or treatments (vaccinations, microchipping) in advance.
• Have all official and veterinary documents (e.g., pet passport) ready.
• Confirm that other airlines on your itinerary allow your dog in the cabin.
• Book your flight and register your dog with Lufthansa or your travel agency; keep your passenger receipt.
• Bring two completed and signed copies of Lufthansa’s form for carriage of an animal in the passenger cabin (not required for assistance dogs on direct flights to/from the USA).

On the day of departure:

• Bring your dog in a suitable transport container (if applicable) to check-in at least two hours before departure.
• Present the following at check-in:
  • Official and veterinary documents (e.g., pet passport)
  • Proof of assistance dog training (not required for flights to/from the USA)
  • Two completed and signed copies of the form for carriage of an animal in the passenger cabin (not required for assistance dogs on direct flights to/from the USA)

Emotional Support Animals

In accordance with 14 CFR Part 382, emotional support animals are no longer classified as assistance animals under U.S. Department of Transportation regulations.

In-Cabin Carrier Details

Only smaller dogs and cats weighing no more than 8 kg including their transport container may be transported as additional carry-on baggage in the passenger cabin. Larger dogs, cats, and all other animal species are not allowed in the cabin.

Booking and Registration

• All flights (excluding USA): Register your pet under My bookings at least 72 hours before departure. Alternatively, contact the Service Center up to 24 hours before departure.
• Lufthansa may apply stricter regulations and refuse bookings on certain routes (e.g., UK or Ireland).
• USA flights: Registration must be done at least 72 hours before departure via the required form. Registration via the Service Center is not possible.
• Present two printouts of the completed and signed form at check-in to confirm compliance with requirements.

Transport Container Requirements

• Maximum size: 118 cm (55 x 40 x 23 cm) or 47 in (22 x 16 x 9 in).
• Total weight (animal + container) must not exceed 8 kg.
• Animal must be able to stand naturally, lie down, and turn around inside the closed container.
• Container must be escape-proof, leak-proof, and bite-proof.
• No sturdy frame, wheels, or telescopic handle allowed; container must fit under the seat in front.
• Inside must be lined with absorbent material (blanket or old clothing recommended). Newspaper, cardboard, and straw are not permitted.

Onboard Stowage

• Animal stays in its transport container under the seat in front of you.
• If under-seat stowage is not possible, the animal must be secured with the "Lufthansa Animal Belt" provided by the crew.
• Only one transport container per passenger is allowed.
• Only one animal per transport container is permitted.

In Cargo Carrier Details

Dogs and cats weighing more than 8 kg including their transport container may be carried as excess baggage in the aircraft’s air-conditioned cargo hold under certain conditions.

• Registration must be done via online form no later than 72 hours before departure, or contact the Service Center up to 24 hours before departure.
• Dogs and cats over 8 kg including container are not permitted to travel in the cabin.
• No animals are accepted in the cargo hold on connecting flights via Munich; through-checking is not possible there.
• Transit and connecting flights with checked-in animals are possible via Frankfurt.
• Assistance dogs (e.g., guide or hearing dogs) have exceptions to these rules.
• Each passenger may take a maximum of two animals in approved carrying containers, either in cabin and/or cargo hold:
  • Up to two animals in the cabin or up to two animals in the cargo hold.
  • Or one animal in the cabin and one in the cargo hold.
• Minimum age for transport:
  • 12 weeks for dogs and cats generally.
  • 15 weeks for carriage from, to, or via Germany.

Carrying Container Requirements

To transport an animal in the cargo hold, a carrying container compliant with current IATA regulations is required. Lufthansa may refuse carriage if requirements are not met.

• The container must be secured with metal screws; plastic locking mechanisms are not accepted.
• Different containers are required depending on the animal species.
• Passengers must bring their own container; containers are generally not available for purchase at the airport.
• It is recommended to obtain the container in advance so the pet can get used to it before the flight.

Container Specifications for Dogs and Cats

• Must allow the animal to stand, move, and lie down naturally.
• Interior must be smooth with no projections that the animal can bite or scrape off.
• Top must be waterproof to protect against rain, snow, or hail.
• Containers with upper and lower parts must be securely bolted together.
• Container must be sturdy, lockable, clean, and have a waterproof bottom lined with absorbent material.
• Doors must be securely fastened; cable ties are recommended.
• Wheels are not permitted; if present, they must be removed or disabled.
• Ventilation must be on all four sides:
  • Maximum opening size: 25 mm x 25 mm for dogs, 19 mm x 19 mm for cats.
  • Openings must be nose and paw proof or covered with a grille to prevent injury.
  • Vents must be located in the top two-thirds of the container on sides and back.
• Spacers must be included lengthwise and at the back to act as handles and prevent vents from being blocked.
• Water and food dishes must be attached to the container:
  • Water containers must not be filled during the flight but accessible from outside.
  • Food and water should be provided in non-spill containers.
  • Feeding and watering instructions must be indicated on the information sticker.
• Container must be easy for staff to handle and protect against scratches and bites.

Additional Notes on Containers

• Wire or wire mesh containers are not permitted for air carriage.
• The top of the container must be solid material; air holes are allowed if they do not reduce stability.
• Door hinges and latches must protrude at least 1.6 cm above and below door openings.