Take a Closer Look at Lufthansa’s Animal Cargo Program

Flying Pets with Lufthansa Cargo: 

Lufthansa is one of the more established airlines for international pet transport, with dedicated handling infrastructure and a long track record of moving animals safely. If you are considering Lufthansa for an upcoming move, here is how their program works and what sets them apart.

Cabin and Cargo Options

Lufthansa transports pets either in the cabin or in the cargo hold depending on the animal's size and weight. Small pets that meet cabin requirements can travel with their owner on board. Larger pets, or those on routes where cabin travel is not permitted, travel in the climate-controlled cargo hold in an airline-approved crate.

Lufthansa's cargo subsidiary also operates its own dedicated animal transport service, which handles accompanied and unaccompanied animal shipments separately from standard passenger cargo. This is the channel most commonly used for international pet relocations on Lufthansa flights.

All crates must comply with IATA Live Animals Regulations, which set minimum standards for crate size, ventilation, and handling. Owners may use their own crate provided it meets those standards.

The Animal Lounge at Frankfurt Airport

One of the things that distinguishes Lufthansa for international pet moves is the Animal Lounge at Frankfurt Airport. The facility spans approximately 43,000 square feet and includes individually climate-controlled areas, separate zones for import, export, transit, and health inspections, and handling procedures that meet EU veterinary regulations.

For pets transiting through Frankfurt, this facility means they are not sitting in a general cargo warehouse between flights. It is a purpose-built animal handling environment, which matters on long international moves where layover conditions can affect how well a pet comes through the journey.

For a closer look at how the facility operates, watch this behind-the-scenes video of the Lufthansa Animal Lounge.

What to Confirm Before Booking

Airline pet policies change. Before booking Lufthansa for your pet, confirm the following directly with the airline or through your relocation team:

• whether your route allows cabin or cargo pet travel
• breed restrictions, particularly for snub-nosed dogs and cats
• current crate size and weight requirements
• seasonal embargoes for cargo during hot or cold weather periods
• documentation requirements for your specific origin and destination

For international moves, documentation requirements go beyond the airline. Depending on your destination, you will need a health certificate, USDA endorsement for US-origin moves, import permits, and in some cases parasite treatments or titer tests. These need to be in order before your pet can be accepted for travel.

Planning a Move on Lufthansa?

Lufthansa is a strong option for many international pet moves, particularly those routing through Frankfurt. Getting the most out of their program means having the right crate, the right paperwork, and the right routing lined up well in advance. Talk to our team and we can help you work out whether Lufthansa is the right fit for your pet's move and what needs to be in place before travel day.