Flying With Dogs or Cats: What Owners Need to Know

Dr. rer. nat. Saskia Schneider Managing Editor

October 12, 2025, 2:04 pm | Read time: 4 minutes

If you don’t want to leave for vacation without your beloved pet, plan ahead—a flight with a dog or cat requires more than just booking a ticket. From transport boxes to entry requirements and costs, pet owners need to consider several factors for a safe and stress-free journey.

Not Every Airline Allows Pets

Before booking a ticket, it’s crucial to check whether the airline allows animals on board. The ADAC notes that not all airlines do, and regulations can vary significantly.

For example, Lufthansa allows small dogs and cats to travel in the cabin if they weigh no more than eight kilograms, including the transport box. Heavier animals are transported in the climate-controlled cargo hold. The minimum age of the animal also matters and can vary depending on the destination country.

Since only a limited number of pets are allowed per flight, early registration is recommended. Costs also vary and, for Lufthansa, depend on the flight route. Special regulations apply to certain breeds, such as fighting dogs.

The following major airlines allow dogs (and cats, sometimes other small animals) in the cabin:

The Right Transport Box Is Essential

A suitable transport container is required for taking animals on a plane, and must be provided by the owners themselves. The airline association IATA recommends that the animal has enough space to “turn around normally while standing, stand up fully, sit down, and lie in a natural position.”

The size of the box can also vary by airline. According to ADAC, the name, address—both home and vacation—and phone number must be clearly visible on the outside.

To help dogs or cats get used to the flight box, the animal welfare organization PETA advises practicing “relaxed stays in the transport box weeks before departure.” A familiar blanket or favorite toy can also have a calming effect.

Attention! Often, the specifications for dog boxes listed on airline websites are not sufficient. What matters at check-in is that the dog can turn and stand in the box and that it does not exceed the maximum weight with the animal. Measurements are rarely taken.

Veterinarian Visit and EU Pet Passport

A visit to the veterinarian should be part of the travel preparation. Here, necessary vaccinations can be checked, the chip number verified, and the EU pet passport issued. You can also get information on the entry requirements of the destination country.

Shortly before departure, the animal should not eat much. The IATA recommends: “Feed only a light meal about two hours before departure.” Water, however, should be available until departure. And before entering the transport box, a final round of exercise is advisable.

Which Dogs and Cats Can Fly in the Cabin

Generally, many airlines allow small dogs or cats in the cabin—provided they fit in a suitable transport container and do not exceed a certain weight. Specific requirements vary by airline. The following guidelines offer initial orientation.

Many airlines do not allow short-nosed breeds. For dogs, this includes breeds like Pugs or French Bulldogs. For cats, Persians and now some British Shorthairs are included.

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Behavior: Calm, Clean, Unobtrusive

In the cabin, dogs and cats must not disturb other passengers during the flight through barking, whining, or odors. Owners of particularly noise-sensitive or anxious dogs may face complaints. In the worst case, the animal may be moved to the cargo hold at the owner’s expense or banned from future flights.

Flying can also be physically taxing: Dogs can suffer from ear pain during flights due to pressure. If you know your pet is sensitive to air pressure or prone to ear infections, consult a veterinarian beforehand.

Tip: To help with ear pressure, give your dog or cat something to lick during takeoff and landing. Swallowing helps reduce ear pressure.

Direct Flights Are Better for Animals

The organization PETA recommends, “if possible, choose a direct flight.” If a transfer is necessary, the ADAC advises clarifying in advance how the onward transport will be handled on the connecting flight.

Flights in the cargo hold can be stressful for many animals—and unlike in the cabin, there is no familiar person to provide comfort. Therefore, it’s important to carefully consider whether flying is truly beneficial for the pet before booking.

With material from dpa

This article is a machine translation of the original German version of PETBOOK and has been reviewed for accuracy and quality by a native speaker. For feedback, please contact us at info@petbook.de.