Lufthansa Pet Cargo Prices – Compare Costs to Ship Your Pet on Lufthansa Flights

Everything You Need to Know About Transporting Your Pet with Lufthansa Cargo

If you’re planning international travel and need to book pet transport with Lufthansa, you’ve come to the right place. In this guide, I’ll explain everything from pricing and regulations to preparing your furry friend for the big trip. Let’s get started!

Pricing for Pet Cargo

Price is usually one of the main concerns for pet owners, so let me break down the basics of how much you can expect to pay with Lufthansa Cargo.

1. Pricing varies based on the animal’s size, weight, and destination. For flies within Europe, you’re looking at around $200-400 per pet in the cargo hold.
2. Long-haul international flights like to the US or Asia will typically be $500-800 per animal. The exact cost depends on routing and fuel surcharges, which can change the price up or down.g
3. You’ll need to purchase a special animal travel crate that meets airline standards. Plan to spend $150-300 on a high-quality crate designed for air travel.
4. Additional fees of $50-100 apply for things like health/vaccination paperwork, which we’ll discuss more below.

So in total, budget 0-1000 to fly a medium-sized dog across the Atlantic when using Lufthansa Cargo. Not cheap, but much less than the cost of an extra plane ticket! Let me know if you need any price quotes.

Booking and Required Paperwork

As with any international pet transport, you’ll need to take care of certain documents and regulations. Proper preparation is key to avoiding delays or denied boarding.

When booking with Lufthansa Cargo, request an “AWB” (air waybill) for your pet. This acts as the travel ticket. You’ll also need:

1. A veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of travel by a licensed vet. It must certify vaccinations and a clean bill of health.
2. Proof of microchipping or other permanent ID embedded in the pet. Radio frequency identification (RFID) chips are commonly used.
3. Import permits for the destination country if required. These can take weeks to obtain, so plan ahead!

I’d strongly advise confirming paperwork requirements well in advance with Lufthansa and the destination’s import rules. Missing a single form can risk major delays or denied entry with your pet. Don’t cut it close!

Preparing Your Pet for Travel

Even with the best-behaved pet, travel can be a stressful experience for both of you. Doing proper prep work helps ensure a smooth flight.

First, introduce your pet to a crate they’ll stay in for short periods at home. Give treats to build positive crate associations. Then practice longer durations over weeks before the big flight.

A few days before, avoid big changes to their routine, diet, or treats which could upset their system. Stick to simple, bland food that won’t cause digestive issues at altitude. You don’t want any “surprises” in the crate!

Sedation may be advised by your vet for very anxious pets, but it’s not always necessary. Some animals do fine without, so discuss pros and cons. Make sure to follow dosage instructions strictly if using sedatives during travel.

On the day of, do not feed within a few hours of dropping off. This reduces chances of motion sickness. Provide favorite toys or blankets with your scent for comfort.

Double check the crate meets dimensions listed on the Lufthansa website. Oversized containers risk being rejected at check-in. With patience and preparation, you’ll have a stress-free trip together.

Transport Procedures at the Airport

Once at the airport on travel day, there are a few final steps to get Fido, Fluffy, or whichever pet safely aboard their flight.

First, check in at the Lufthansa Cargo counter well before your departure time. They may need time to process paperwork and do an health check of the animal.

Present the air waybill and all required documents listed earlier. Agents will review everything is in order before accepting the crate.

You can typically buy an extra service letting you drop the pet cargo at the plane instead of the main warehouse if connecting flights are short. It provides closer monitoring by staff.

With timing right, some airports allow owners to wait with the crate until the tarmac. This calms nerves for separation-anxious pets. Otherwise, it’s time for a sad goodbye! Trust the pros know how to handle animals best.

Reach out if you need any other airport experience tips or transport dos/don’ts. Safe travels to you and your four-legged family member!

Alternatives If Flying Seems Scary

Air cargo isn’t the only option for international pet transport. A few possibilities you may want to consider:

Pet relocation services professionally transport animals by ground in specialized vans, avoiding planes. It takes much longer but provides comforts like food/potty breaks.

For shorter hops around Europe, the Eurotunnel “Le Shuttle” car/pet train under the English Channel is a popular stress-free alternative to flying across.

If emigrating abroad, look for boat pet transport. Cruise lines or cargo ferries take pets as they slowly sail between destinations over days.

As a last resort, some owners make the very long drive themselves for complete control. But car travel has big downsides like fatigue and border hassles.

Weigh the pros and cons of each based on your situation. Air travel with Lufthansa Cargo remains the quickest global option when done right. Let me know if you need help comparing methods!

In summary, I hope this guide has answered your questions about Lufthansa pet cargo prices and options. Proper planning is key to giving your furry family member a safe trip. Please let me know if you need any other advice or assistance. I’d be happy to help further!

Lufthansa Pet Cargo Rates and Requirements

Pet Type	Weight Limit	Cage Size	Vaccination Requirements	Cost
Cats	8kg	Minimum of 1/3 of the animal’s length	Rabies, inactivated FIV (feline immunodeficiency virus)	$150 – $200
Dogs	32kg	Minimum of 1/3 of the animal’s length	Rabies, inactivated distemper	$250 – $350
Rodents	200g each	Minimum of 20 x 12 x 12 cm per animal	No vaccinations required	$75 per cage
Birds	Varies by breed	Minimum of 20 x 12 x 12 cm per animal	No vaccinations required	$50 – $100 per cage

FAQ

1. How much does Lufthansa charge for pet cargo?

   Lufthansa basic rates for pet cargo start from around $200 each way for cats and dogs flying in the cargo hold. However, prices can increase significantly depending on the animal size, weight, travel season and other factors. At the same time, you may get a cheaper quote if booking well in advance.

2. Do I need to purchase a pet ticket for my animal?

   Yes, kinda – any animal flying in the cargo needs its own ticket basically. The pet sits in a different cabin than people so it’s treated like extra luggage in a sense. You’ll have to contact Lufthansa to set up a pet cargo reservation and pay the applicable fees.

3. What size carrier is required?

   Lufthansa requires pets to travel in an IATA-compliant pet carrier. For cats and small dogs, the carrier shouldn’t exceed 14 x 8 x 9 inches. Larger dogs can travel in bigger carriers sort of up to 150 x 80 x 80 cm max. Make sure the carrier is sturdy, clean, allows your pet to sit and turn comfortably, and is properly labeled per IATA rules.

4. Are there age restrictions?

   Animals must be at least 8 weeks old to fly according to IATA. On the other hand, Lufthansa has a weight limit – pets shouldn’t weigh over 100 pounds. There is no upper age limit though. You’ll need to provide vet records showing the pet is healthy and vaccinated to fly.

5. What documents are required?

   As well as a ticket, you need a valid health certificate and vaccination records. strong> The vet paperwork must be issued within 10 days of travel and show the pet received vaccines against rabies and other diseases. Some countries also require a parasites treatment. It’s best to check Lufthansa rules and your destination country’s pet import rules to avoid problems.

6. Is it safe for pets to fly in cargo?

   While most pets fly cargo without major issues, there are potential risks to consider. Animals can get injured if the carriers are mishandled, fly in extreme temperatures, or endure long delays on the tarmac. Perhaps you could ask your vet if your pet has any health conditions or stresses easily. If so, it may not be worth flying them cargo unless there’s no other option. On the other hand, thousands of pets make the journey every day and arrive just fine.

7. What if my pet is too large for the cargo hold?

   If your pet exceeds the size limits for cargo, Lufthansa suggests contacting them for optional pet services. For example, you could book your large dog or cat in the cabin as “excess baggage” for an extra fee. But space is limited and regulations differ by route. Another alternative is to check if your animal qualifies as a service animal – but you’d need official documentation for that. Honestly your best bet is making reservations ASAP if requiring exceptions.