The most often asked Questions on traveling with animals are answered here
The basic rule is that cats and dogs weighing up to six kilograms may ride in the aircraft cabin inside a suitable container. However, many airlines exclude certain kinds of animals such as birds or rodents; these have to be transported in the plane's cargo hold.
Please note that the dimensions of the travel container may not exceed certain limits, which can vary depending on the airline.
If your animal will ride in the plane's cargo hold, it must be inside a sturdy wooden or plastic container, which often has to include food and water troughs and absorbent bedding. It must be large enough for the animal to stand, sit and lie naturally and easily turn around.
FGS Flughafen-Service GmbH, which provides baggage services at Frankfurt Airport, usually has pet cargo containers in stock that you can order and pick up one or two hours before flying. You'll find FGS in Terminal 1, Concourse B (arrivals level, near baggage claim 11). Make sure to call well in advance: +49 69 690 51211.
Monday - Sunday from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Reduced business hours between December 24 and 26 and on December 31 and January 1. The hours on these days can vary, please call and ask.
To make it easier for you to travel with pets, like when going on vacation, in October 2004 the European Union introduced mandatory pet passports. This standardized document can be issued by any veterinarian who has been appropriately licensed by the local veterinary office. It contains information on the animal's health and confirmation that it has been vaccinated against rabies.
You can find more detailed information on the pet passport and the applicable EU directives on the website of the German Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture at their homepage.
Every animal that travels as bulky luggage (checked at your airline's counter) receive a luggage tag. Animals arriving in Frankfurt can be collected in the same baggage claim hall as your suitcases. Go to the bulky luggage counter.
Animals that must be transported as cargo (possibly in cooperation with a forwarder and with air waybill with an 11-digit number, e.g. 123-1234 5670) must be picked up in the Animal Lounge (Building 463, access via Gate 26).
Depending on the airline, you may have to get the documents from the airline's cargo office first. Please keep in mind that your animal has to clear the veterinary and customs inspections before you can pick it up in the Animal Lounge. Fees are charged for these.
If you have any questions, please write to avi-services@fraport.de and we'll be happy to answer them.
Hessian Veterinary Border Inspection Office at Frankfurt Airport
Phone: +49 69 696 46041
Fax: +49 69 696 46050
Email: poststelle.tgsh@lhl.hessen.de
Our animal protection officer will be happy to give you detailed information on the animal health regulations. Simply call or send and email.
Phone: +49 69 690 21366
Fax: +49 69 690 74332
Email: avi-services@fraport.de