Airline Pet Travel: Lufthansa adds temperature restrictions on 10 breeds of dogs

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Effective immediately, Lufthansa will not transport 10 breeds of dogs (or mixed breeds thereof) in the cargo hold if the temperature exceeds 27?C or 80?F at the originating or destination airport. The affected breeds are: Boston Terrier, Boxer, Brussels Griffin, Bulldog (all breeds except American Bulldog), Chow Chow, English Toy Spaniel, Japanese Chin, Pekinese, Pug (all breeds), and Shih Tzu. Additionally, Lufthansa will require that the exact breed be listed on all pet transport documents. The restriction affects snub nosed dogs as their brachycephalic condition impairs breathing. Owners of these breeds should plan their pet travel during periods of cooler weather or avoid cities with higher temperatures.

UPDATE:? Issues in holding areas have been corrected in all locations (DFW still unconfirmed) so ban has been lifted.

 

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Airline Pet Travel: Lufthansa adds temperature restrictions on 10 breeds of dogs — 60 Comments

  1. I will be moving for good to new york, US and wanted to bring my shih tzu along from kuala lumpur, malaysia. Ive been googling a lot but still unsure about docs that I need, what kind of airline that allows me to bring my shih tzu in the cabin especially after the news of banning the snub nose dog to fly. I will be flying in between jan-feb 2014. Do you think korean air will be the best options? Please advise. Thank you!

  2. To properly answer your question I would need to know what airline you are flying and when you are flying. Are you flying during the summer months? Each airline has its own rules.
    Jerry

  3. I am working in Bangkok and would like to bring my pet dog (Terrier Mix – 13kg) from Kuala Lumpur. I have gotten the import permit from the Thai Authority and wonder if she can fly with me. Please advise. Thanks.

  4. Christie – your pug must fly into Heathrow, Gatwick or Manchester as manifest cargo on an approved airline, and that can be a concern with a snub nosed pet. Many airlines will not transport them, especially in the summer months due to their breathing problems. Another option may be to drive to Calais, France or Amsterdam and take the ferry over. There are also services that will transport you and your pet through the Chunnel.

    If these options are not feasible, then you could try Lufthansa. They have a route through Frankfurt to Heathrow that may work. Call their reservations desk and inquire. Do not book online.

    Let me know if you have further questions.

    Susan

  5. Hi, we have lived in South India for the past 5 years and would like to fly our dogs back to the UK before mid September. One of the dogs is a Pug and one a Labrador. We have been told that there are flying restrictions through the Middle East due to the temperature, however we are being given unclear inconsistent information. Does anyone know if a. Any airlines fly pugs before October 01 (from India to UK)? and b. That if so, the pug will be okay? Thanks so much. Christie

  6. Mike – because Australia is rabies free, your pet will need a microchip, rabies vaccination, Import Permit and Blood Titer Test in advance to enter Australia. There is still a quarantine period. You can find more details here: http://www.daff.gov.au/aqis/cat-dogs/cat4?name=Germany

    As for airlines, this is true. Snub nosed pets are a challenge to transport, especially in the summer heat. If you can travel in the fall, it will be easier to find an airline that will transport your pet.
    Susan

  7. Because India is not an AQIS approved country, it is not possible to relocate a pet from India to Australia. Your pet must reside in an approved country for at least 6 months prior to entering Australia. I am sorry..
    Susan

  8. Hi..I want to relocate my pet – pug breed from India to Melbourne, Australia.. can anyone pls suggest some airline which allows this breed or an reliable pet agent..any useful suggestion regarding my pet transfer is highly appreciated..

  9. Hi there – I adopted my french bulldog & would like to return to Australia from Germany. I know there are quite many complications with Snub Nosed dogs. Does anybody have any advice regarding taking her home? I know about all the requirements, quarantine & vaccinations. I am looking for advice on possible routes / airlines that will take her.

    Thanks in advance!

    Mike

  10. Hello Jeff – the temperature and pressure in the cargo hold is regulated as it is in the cabin. Problems happen when the temperature on the ground, prior to take off, are excessively hot or cold. The rest of your questions should really be answered by Lufthansa as they are familiar with the dynamics of their aircraft. All I can say is that they transport thousands of pets every year safely.
    Susan

  11. Need some advise? Planning for late Sept to early March on flying my Rottie to Germany with me. Lufthansa will be the airline of choice and my concern is the temp in the cargo bays where he will be during flight. What are the temps kept at? will it be dark or sub lit? Air circulation?

    Thanks
    Jeff

  12. The ban in snub nosed breeds is for pets traveling as checked baggage or manifest cargo in the hold of the airplane. If your Shih Tzu is traveling in the cabin, it should be fine. Be aware that Korean Air wants you to have a very secure carrier with a waterproof bottom and adequate ventilation. They mention that the carrier should be lockable, and you might mention that to them. You should also mention that you will be traveling with a pet in the cabin when you make your reservations.
    Susan

  13. I would like to take our Shih tzu/mix to from Dulles (IAD) to Manila (MNL) via Korean Air in July. Do you know of any rules/advisories/ban in Korea or by Korean airlines for a mix shih tzu breed? Our dog is 11 pounds and fits in medium soft side carriers so we are hoping to bring him with us in the cabin. Any idea too on dog restrooms during our layover in Incheon airport in Korea?

  14. Hi Debora – the Summer Heat Embargo is in effect from mid May to mid September. Flying at night is wise, and the general rule is that a pet is not permitted to fly in the cargo hold when the temperature exceeds 85 degrees at any city on the route. It is the time the plane spends on the tarmac that is the problem. Although live animals are usually the last things that are loaded, the temperature in the hold can climb pretty fast prior to take off. Make sure the crew knows that they have a kitty in the hold and watch to see your kitty loaded if you can. However, it is the airline’s call whether your cat will fly on that day.
    Susan

  15. I am travelling from southern India to the USA via Dubai using Emirates Airlines. Does anyone know anything about temperature restrictions for cats traveling on this route? This will be in early June and I am concerned about temperature restrictions as it will be hot here. The cats should be boarded and changing planes in the middle of the night but that does not mean much cooler temperatures. Then they will be on a straight flight to Dallas, long but better than changing planes again.

  16. Provided you meet the import requirements of Singapore there should not be a problem. Lufthansa does not prohibit the breed from traveling as checked baggage. You do need to call their reservations office in advance to make a booking for your pet. You must call them, it cannot be done online.

    You can find the complete pet policy for Lufthansa here – then click on AIRLINE PET POLICIES
    https://www.pettravelstore.com/

    You can find the pet passport package of instructions and forms for taking a pet into Singapore at the above URL and then click on PET PASSPORTS.

    Jerry

  18. Hello there,
    I need your help please.
    We are trying to get to Spain from the UK – Gatwick to Spain – Valencia but we want/need to bring our pet snakes with us.
    I have checked with train companies who advised me no, looked it to getting someone to drive us but that will cost over ?1000 so we are now looking at flying or by coach?
    I am wondering if you have had any experience with this and if you might know how we can get our babies across the border?
    I know we need to to sort out a vet visit to get a permit so I am fine with that part but I feel like the odds are against us.
    I look forward to your reply.
    Thank you
    RESPONSE
    The airlines will not accept snakes in the cabin of the aircraft or as checked baggage. However most do accept them as air cargo provided they are in the proper container. Instead of calling the airlines reservations office call their air cargo office and they will advise you of the procedure and cost. They can still be on the same plane you are flying on, the handling is just different.
    Jerry
    kind regards,
    Charlotte
    [email protected]

  20. Hi Sandra – Your puppy needs to be microchipped, then complete their rabies vaccinations at least 21 days prior to entering Norway if it is entering from a country with a low incidence of rabies like the US or Canada. There are additional requirements depending on where you are traveling from.
    Susan

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