International Transport for Large Dogs and Restricted Breeds

Weight is only one part of the assessment

Start with your dog’s breed or mix, age, weight in lb or kg, departure and destination cities, preferred dates, and whether you will travel together. Add standing height and body length if known, and tell us if cabin travel is your priority. We will ask for any further measurements and records needed for the proposed format.

Aircraft capacity, container dimensions, breed restrictions, weather conditions and destination rules can all affect the options. A passenger seat purchase alone does not establish that a large dog can travel there.

Assess the actual breed and operating airline

Airlines can apply different restrictions to snub-nosed dogs, certain breed types and their mixes. Passenger baggage and cargo services can have different conditions. We check the operating carrier’s policy for the proposed service.

Lufthansa’s breed and snub-nosed-animal guidance illustrates why a blanket promise is unsuitable. Its policy is not a worldwide rule. Discuss fitness to travel with your veterinarian.

Is traveling together in the cabin your priority?

Tell us at the start if you want your dog to travel in the cabin. We assess the actual dog, route and operating carrier before proposing a travel format. Weight, dimensions, breed restrictions and the itinerary all matter; buying an extra passenger seat does not establish pet acceptance.

Where an ordinary-pet cabin arrangement is available and accepted for the journey, we include that format in the transport proposal. If it is unavailable, we can assess another accepted itinerary, cargo or a charter option and explain the scope and cost before you decide.

Assistance-dog travel is a separate category with its own eligibility requirements. It is not an upgrade that can be purchased for an ordinary pet to avoid size or breed restrictions.

Prepare before committing

• Confirm the breed description and size accurately.
• Check the container requirements for the specific service.
• Review the full itinerary, including every connection.
• Arrange a veterinary assessment when needed.
• Agree the departure and arrival handovers and contingency contacts.

If the proposed format is unavailable, we will discuss whether another compliant itinerary can be assessed rather than promise an exception.

Photographs show individual journeys

Our photo archive includes large dogs in aircraft cabins. Those images document individual trips; they do not establish the same eligibility for another dog, route or date.

For a proposal, send your dog’s details and intended journey.

Official references

• Lufthansa: breed restrictions

Policy references checked October 10, 2026. This page describes the service and planning questions; use the linked destination guide and official instructions for the complete entry requirements.