Travelling with animals
You can take your dog or cat with you on Austrian flights. Please read the following information carefully before booking a flight with your pet.
New entry regulations for dogs entering the USA
The entry regulations for dogs entering the USA have changed from 1 August 2024.
Based on the new requirements of the US health authorities the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), new bookings for dogs entering the USA can only be accepted to Atlanta, Los Angeles, Miami, New York-JFK, Philadelphia and Washington DC at present.
Update: with immediate effect, dogs can be transported to Newark (EWR) again, provided that your dog did not spend any time in a high-risk area (rabies) in the last six months before entering the USA.
It is still possible to carry animals as air freight to other destinations. Please contact an animal carrier for this.
We ask that you familiarise yourself with the new requirements in good time.
To prepare for your dog’s trip, you must complete the appropriate online forms, including the “CDC Dog Import Form” provided by the US authorities. Once you have submitted the form, we will send a confirmation email to the address provided. You must present this confirmation in digital or printed form on the day of departure and upon entry to the USA.
We regret to inform you that you will be denied carriage if you do not comply with the CDC requirements.
Thank you for your understanding.
Existing bookings will still be recognised after 1 August 2024, providing all CDC requirements can be met. You will find complete information about these requirements on the CDC website.
Responsibility for complying with all requirements lies with the passengers themselves. Carriage will be refused if you cannot present the documents required by the CDC at check-in.
We continue to offer the following options if the booking for a dog was confirmed before 3 July 2024.
- Rebooking without carriage of the dog
- Refund of the flight ticket
Please contact our Service Centre if you have any further concerns.
The carriage of assistance dogs will also continue to be possible subject to compliance with the new CDC rules, providing all CDC requirements are met. You will find complete information about these requirements on the CDC website. Responsibility for complying with all requirements lies with the passengers themselves. Import/carriage will be refused if the documents required by the CDC are not presented at check-in.
We request that passengers contact our Service Centre if they already have a confirmed booking for themselves and their assistance dog.
Please note
- You can carry up to two healthy pets in an approved carrying container.
- Your pet must be at last twelve weeks old. Young animals must be weaned from their mother.
- We do not accept animals that are pregnant.
- Your pet may be carried in the cabin and/or the cargo hold depending on its size, weight (including carrying container) and the relevant regulations of the country concerned. You will find all the details further down on this page.
- Special conditions apply to travelling with assistance dogs (for example guide dogs or hearing dogs).
It is not possible to carry large animals in the cargo hold to certain destinations due to local conditions and restrictions.
Please note that dogs and cats that belong to snub-nosed (brachycephalic) breeds are not permitted in the hold as they are particularly sensitive to temperature and stress.
Please notify us in good time if you wish to bring your pet with you. You may make bookings for carriage in the cabin yourself online via My bookings (except for USA flights), or, as is the case for larger animals, via the Service Centre. We will check the conditions of carriage and the space available.
Did you book a holiday flight with flight numbers OS 2000-2999, 4000-4999 or 9000-9999?
Compliance with animal welfare provisions and import and export regulations for the animal
Please make sure to find out about the import and export regulations applicable to your pet in your departure, transit and destination countries in plenty of time and before booking your flight, for example from the relevant embassy.
We also reserve the right to impose stricter regulations and refuse the reservation on certain routes where necessary (for example to the United Kingdom) and exclude the animal from travel.
Please also consult your vet about the relevant animal welfare provisions. Obtain all the travel documentation required for your pet so that nothing will stand in the way of your trip.
Importing dogs into the USA
There are restrictions on importing dogs into the United States due to the risk of rabies. You can find more detailed information about these CDC restrictions and the possibility of obtaining an exemption on the United States Centers for Disease Control website.
Only dogs that are at least 6 months old are accepted on trips to the USA.
Importing dogs into Canada
Separate paperwork is required for importing a dog as a pet or trained service animal into Canada, including re-entry, to comply with Canadian entry requirements. If you cannot produce this, there is a risk of delays at the border and your pet may not be permitted to enter Canada. Please find out in good time exactly which documents you need before travelling to Canada with your animal or importing an animal into Canada.
Small pets in the cabin
The travel carrier must be:
- soft, bite-proof and leak-proof;
- insulated against odours;
- adequately ventilated even when closed; and
- large enough for the pet to stand, turn around and lie down normally.
The total weight of the animal and the travel carrier must not exceed 8 kg. The travel carrier must not exceed dimensions of 118 cm (55 x 40 x 23 cm) so it can be stowed under the seat in front. It should therefore not have a solid frame. Please note: in some countries, such as the United Kingdom and South Africa, animals must be carried as freight irrespective of their size.
We require your confirmation that the animal meets the stated requirements to enable you to take your pet with you into the cabin as hand luggage. Please present two printouts of the completed and signed forms at the check-in desk. Please note that the form is not required for assistance dogs on direct flights from/to the USA.
1 = including pet
2 = length + width + height
Please note: a ticket service fee is also charged in addition to the fare specified and will vary depending on the place of departure. Other rules and fares may apply on flights operated by partner airlines (codeshare) and on charter flights.
Large animals in the cargo hold
Dogs and cats for which there is no space in the passenger cabin may be carried in the cargo hold if necessary, subject to compliance with the relevant conditions of carriage. Please inform us of the size and weight of the pet-friendly carrying container you are providing at the time of booking. The container must comply with IATA (International Air Transport Association) regulations. We will check the availability of space and the loading options in the aircraft.
Austrian Airlines reserves the right to check the condition of the carrying container and the pet’s behaviour at check-in to ensure it is carried safely and securely throughout the journey.
A maximum of two pets, who must be accustomed to one another, each with a maximum individual weight of 14 kg may be accommodated in a single carrying container.
Please note: a ticket service fee is also charged in addition to the fare specified and will vary depending on the place of departure. Other rules and fares may apply on flights operated by partner airlines (Codeshare) and charter flights.
Please note that an additional fee of EUR 150 (or CHF 175 or USD 175) will be charged if you travel via Frankfurt (FRA), Munich (MUC), Vienna (VIE), Zurich (ZRH), Geneva (GVA) or Brussels (BRU). This applies to tickets issued after 1 April 2021.
- The carrying container must be suitable for the cat or dog to be carried.
- The dimensions must be such that the animal can stand, move about and lie down in a natural position.
- The inside of the container must be smooth and have no protrusions that the animal can bite or scrape off to ensure the container remains intact.
- The top must be waterproof to prevent rain, snow or hail from getting in.
- Containers consisting of an upper and lower part must be securely screwed together.
- The container must be stable, lockable and clean, and must have a waterproof bottom lined with absorbent material.
- It must be possible to fasten the door openings securely.
- Wheels on the carrying container are not permitted. If it has wheels, they must be removed or locked in place before the container can be accepted.
- There must be ventilation on all four sides of the container. The ventilation holes must be small enough or covered with a grille to prevent any part of the animal’s body from protruding or sticking out to prevent any risk of injury.
- The ventilation holes on the sides and back must be on the top two-thirds of the container.
- Spacers must be integrated into the construction (both on the back and down the length). They are used as the container’s handles and ensure the ventilation holes are not blocked by other freight or bags.
- Separate bowls for both water and food must be provided and attached securely to the carrying container. Water containers must not be filled for the flight, but must be accessible from outside the container. Food and water for the flight can be provided in leak-proof containers.
Special conditions apply to dogs classified as fighting dogs and snub-nosed (brachycephalic) dog breeds.
Illustration of a carrying container for dogs and cats
Containers made of wire or wire mesh are not permitted for carriage by air.
- Door hinges and latches must protrude above and below the door openings on the horizontal projections by at least 1.60 centimetres.
- Ventilation holes
- Rear view
- Attached food and water containers
- Door latch
- Spacers
Please note that in some countries animals must be carried as freight irrespective of their size.
You will find more information about the carriage of unaccompanied animals on the Lufthansa Cargo website.
You will find more information about the carriage of animals that are too big or too heavy on the Lufthansa Cargo website.
Dogs classified as fighting dogs and snub-nosed/brachycephalic breeds
Special conditions apply to the carriage of dogs classified as fighting dogs and snub-nosed/brachycephalic dog breeds.
Snub-nosed/brachycephalic breeds
Dogs and cats that belong to snub-nosed breeds have constricted airways due to their anatomy and may suffer from shortness of breath. The stress caused by carriage or high temperatures at the departure, transfer or destination airport may lead to circulatory problems and increased shortness of breath as a result. Your pet may therefore suffer serious injury to its health or even die during the journey. These breeds are therefore not permitted to be carried in the cargo hold.
- Affenpinschers
- American Bully (see dogs classified as fighting dogs)
- Bulldogs (all breeds except American Bulldogs)
- Pugs (all breeds)
- American Pit Bull Terriers
- American Staffordshire Terriers
- Boston Terriers
- Boxers
- Brussels Griffons
- Bull Mastiffs
- Bull Terriers
- Chow Chows
- English Toy Spaniels
- Japanese Chins
- Japanese Spaniels
- Lhasa Apso
- Pekinese
- Pit Bulls
- Shar Pei
- Shih Tzus
- Staffordshire Bull Terriers
The restrictions also apply to mongrels of the breeds specified.
- British Shorthairs
- Exotic Shorthairs
- Himalayan cats
- Persian cats
- Scottish Fold cats
The restrictions also apply to mongrels of the breeds specified.
Dogs classified as fighting dogs
Animals classified as fighting dogs may only be carried in special crates and exclusively in the cargo hold.
An exception is made for dogs classified as fighting dogs between the ages of three and six months. These dogs can be carried in standard transport crates. Whether the dog may be carried in the cabin or cargo hold depends on the basic criteria that apply to the carriage of dogs.
Please also note the additional information about the carriage of animals in the cargo hold for the carriage of fighting dog breeds.
Please also note the additional information about the carriage of animals in the cabin for dogs classified as fighting dogs aged from three to six months.
- American Bully (prohibited in principle due to potential snub-nosed characteristics)
- American Bulldogs
- Dogo Argentino
- Karabash (Kangal) (Anatolian Shepherd dog)
- Caucasian Ovcharka (Caucasian Shepherd dog)
- Rottweilers
The restrictions also apply to mongrels of the breeds specified.
Please note: American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier and Bull Terrier are snub-nosed breeds and as such are not accepted for transportation in the cargo hold.
Special pet carriers are required for carriage that must meet the IATA requirements.
- The carrying container must be constructed of wood, metal, synthetic materials (not including plastic), welded wire mesh or wire mesh.
- No part of the carrying container must be made of plastic.
- Additional design principles regarding the frame, sides, floor, top and opening also apply.
- The opening flap must be made of heavy-duty wire mesh, metal or reinforced wood and must have a secure lock that cannot be opened accidentally.
- The container openings must be small enough to ensure that no part of the animal’s body fits through, and the container must ensure protection against bites or scratches from the animal.
- Sliding panel with two ventilation holes each with a diameter of 10 cm
- Entry/exit door
- Meshed ventilation holes
- Spacers with handles
- Obligatory declarations: “This way up: IATA Live Animals”
- Forklift bars
- Food and water containers with access from outside
- Drainage tray
- Welded grille
Assistance dogs
General requirements for taking assistance dogs into the cabin
To ensure the safe and undisturbed operation of the flight, your dog must be trained to be obedient to your commands and must behave appropriately in a public space (in other words no barking, growling or jumping up at people).
If your dog does not behave in an appropriate manner, Austrian Airlines may transfer the dog to the cargo hold at an additional cost or refuse to carry the animal. You are liable for any damage and additional costs arising from the carriage of your dog.
Certain requirements must be met for you to take your dog into the cabin. We have summarised the most important information for you:
Registering recognised assistance dogs on flights outside the USA
We will carry one (1) assistance dog free of charge.
- It is a dog, regardless of breed or type.
- It must be specifically trained to perform jobs or tasks for a disabled person,
- which includes people with a visual, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual or other mental disability.
It is your responsibility to comply with all the relevant import and export regulations, as well as the animal welfare provisions for your animal for the entire journey.
Please send us the training certificate for your assistance dog:
a training certificate from a training institution that holds accreditation from the following organisations:
- Messerli Research Institute;
- Assistance Dogs International (ADI);
- Assistance Dogs Europe (ADEu);
- International Guide Dog Federation (IGDF);
or
a certificate issued by a training institution and/or a dog trainer
- stating the name and address;
- details of the nature and duration of the training; and
- the task for which the dog has been trained and has successfully completed.
Please note that a certificate of completed obedience training or the completed DOT Form is not sufficient for travel outside the USA. Teach-yourself and online training sites are also not recognised.
If you are unable to present this, your dog will travel under the usual conditions of carriage for pets, either in the passenger cabin or in the cargo hold depending on its size and weight and for an additional charge.
You will find further information in the sections ”Small pets in the cabin” and ”Large animals in the cargo hold”.
Please also submit the breed, weight and age of the animal.
Your assistance dog
- must fit in the footwell in front of your seat and be attached to your safety belt with a lead provided by Austrian Airlines;
- must remain under your direct control for the duration of the flight;
- must not sit on a passenger seat; and
- must be at least four months old.
You must bring a muzzle for the dog with you. You will be asked to muzzle your dog if a situation arises where your dog poses a risk to other passengers. Otherwise you will be refused permission to take your dog on Austrian Airlines flights. You are not obliged to carry a muzzle on flights to and from Canada. However, we strongly recommend that you bring one with you.
Registering recognised assistance dogs on non-stop flights to/from the USA
We will carry two (2) assistance dogs free of charge.
- It is a dog, regardless of breed or type.
- It must be specifically trained to perform jobs or tasks for a disabled person,
- which includes people with a visual, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual or other mental disability.
- Emotional support dogs and assistance dogs in training do not qualify as assistance dogs.
Important note: from 1 March 2021, Austrian Airlines will only accept trained assistance dogs in the cabin.
Emotional support dogs and assistance dogs in training do not qualify as assistance dogs. These dogs travel under the usual conditions of carriage for pets either in the passenger cabin or in the cargo hold, depending on its size and weight and for an additional charge. You will find further information in the sections ”Small pets in the cabin” and ”Large animals in the cargo hold”.
It is your responsibility to comply with all the relevant import and export regulations, as well as the animal welfare provisions for your animal for the entire journey.
Important note: Only dogs that are at least 6 months old are accepted on trips to the USA.
If you are travelling with an assistance dog, you must complete the following forms and submit them to our Special Cases Desk as a condition of carriage. You must do so on or after the date you purchase your ticket.
Note:
- If you are travelling with an assistance dog and have made a reservation more than 48 hours before the first scheduled departure time of your itinerary, you must submit these forms electronically or in paper format at least 48 hours before your departure.
- If you are travelling with an assistance dog and have made a reservation less than 48 hours before the first scheduled departure time of your itinerary, you must submit these forms at the departure gate on the day of your journey.
With this form you are confirming the health, training and behaviour of the animal.
This form is required for flights of eight hours or more.
Here you state that your animal does not need to relieve itself or does so in a way that is not a health hazard or a hygiene problem.
Keep this form ready to hand also during your flight.
If you have booked a connecting flight for yourself and your assistance dog, please note that you must provide proof of training for the dog.
It is a federal crime to make materially false, fictitious or fraudulent statements, entries, or representations knowingly and wilfully on the Service Animal Air Transportation Form or Service Animal Relief Attestation Form to secure disability accommodations provided under the U.S. Department of Transportation regulations.
Your assistance dog
- must fit in the footwell in front of your seat and be attached to your safety belt with a lead provided by Austrian Airlines;
- must remain under your direct control for the duration of the flight;
- must not sit on a passenger seat; and
- must be at least six months old
We strongly recommend that you also bring a muzzle for added safety and out of consideration for other passengers. You will be asked to muzzle your dog if a situation arises where your dog poses a risk to the safety of other passengers. Otherwise you will be refused permission to take your dog on Austrian Airlines flights.
Austrian Airlines may verify that an animal is approved as an assistance dog in accordance with the U.S. Department of Transportation regulations. To determine if an animal is an assistance dog, our staff may (1) observe the animal to determine if it exhibits any disturbed or aggressive behaviour that suggests it has not been successfully trained to behave appropriately in a public environment or (2) check certain physical indicators.
Assistance dog size
All assistance dogs must fit in the footwell at the passenger’s seat unless this would conflict with U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) safety requirements or German/European law, or would restrict the space of another passenger.
Using a lead
Austrian Airlines requires that all assistance dogs on board and in airport areas owned, leased or controlled by Austrian Airlines must be kept on a lead by the assistance dog’s owner or handler (if applicable) at all times.
In accordance with the U.S. Department of Transportation regulations, Austrian Airlines may refuse to carry an assistance dog in the following circumstances:
- The assistance dog poses a direct threat to the health or safety of other persons.
- The assistance dog is causing a significant disturbance in the cabin or gate area of the airport, or its behaviour in the aircraft or gate area of the airport indicates that it has not been adequately trained to behave appropriately in public areas.
- Carriage of the assistance dog would violate applicable safety or health requirements of a U.S. federal agency or territory, or a foreign government.
- The passenger with a disability who wishes to travel with an assistance dog in the cabin does not submit the completed, up-to-date forms required by Austrian Airlines.
Damage
In accordance with the U.S. Department of Transportation regulations, Austrian Airlines reserves the right to hold the passenger travelling with an assistance dog liable for any damage caused by the assistance dog.
Emotional support animals
From 1 March 2021, Austrian Airlines will only accept trained assistance dogs in the cabin.
Emotional support dogs will no longer be classified as assistance dogs and new bookings will no longer be accepted after this date. These dogs travel under the usual conditions of carriage for pets either in the passenger cabin or in the cargo hold depending on their size and weight and for an additional charge. More information can be found below:
This is how you can take your pet with you when you travel
Registering a pet
Please state that you wish to bring your pet with you at the time of booking. We will check the conditions of carriage and the availability of space and contact you.
Preparing for the flight
Be well prepared for your flight by checking the conditions for pet carriers before departure. Consult your vet about your pet’s general condition and obtain the necessary documents depending on entry requirements at your destination.
Check-in
Guests with pets can use online and mobile check-in 23 hours before departure. You must collect your boarding pass from the check-in desk at the airport. Bring your pet to the check-in desk in a suitable carrying container no later than two hours, but no earlier than three hours before departure.
Tips for the wellbeing of your four-legged friend
Flying is not only stressful for us humans. We have put together a few tips for you to prepare your pet for the journey and make it as comfortable as possible:
- Get your pet used to the carrying container at home as much as possible by placing the pet in the closed container for a few hours several times and then rewarding it afterwards.
- Many pets are very nervous before and during the flight. Please consult your vet if you are considering whether you want to calm your pet with medication. The pet’s reactions are often not predictable and may lead to circulatory problems.
- Place a blanket with a familiar smell and your pet’s favourite toy in the carrying container to calm the animal.
Ask your vet how to adjust your pet’s food during the flight.
FAQs
Please refer to the official Brexit information.
All the regulations given here apply solely to flights operated by Austrian. Please make sure that you check the regulations of the airline operating the flight for codeshare flights. Check that your pet will also be accepted by all the airlines involved if you are travelling with more than one airline.
You are also welcome to take your four-legged friends with you into our lounges. However, please understand that your dogs or cats should not be allowed to wander freely around Austrian Airlines lounges out of consideration for our other guests and should await their onward journey in their carrying container or pet carrier. Assistance dogs are exempt from this rule.
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