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Shipping Your Pet Internationally

International pet travel is never one-size-fits-all—especially when it comes to airline policies. If you're planning to ship your dog or cat internationally, understanding the differences between airlines like Delta, United, and Lufthansa is essential for a smooth journey.

Here’s a breakdown of how pet shipping works with these three major carriers—and how Starwood Pet Travel can make the process seamless.

✈️ Delta Airlines: Pet Shipping Through Delta Cargo

Delta offers international pet shipping through its Delta Cargo division under the “Delta Pet” program. They do not allow pets as checked baggage on international flights, so all pets must fly as cargo.

What to Know About Pet Travel with Delta:

• Cargo-only for international travel

• Dogs and cats must be at least 10 weeks old for domestic and 16 weeks for international flights

• Pets must travel in an IATA-approved kennel with ventilation on all sides

• Breed restrictions apply, especially for snub-nosed breeds

• Weather embargoes may affect cargo shipments during hot or cold months

Pros:

• Strong cargo network with multiple global routes

• Pet-specific holding areas at key airports (where available)

Cons:

• Complex logistics require coordination across departments

• Limited seasonal availability due to temperature restrictions

How Starwood Helps:
We handle booking through Delta Cargo, ensure your pet’s kennel meets all airline and IATA requirements, and navigate weather restrictions and international paperwork so you don’t have to.

✈️ United Airlines: PetSafe Program

United’s PetSafe® program offers one of the more structured pet cargo services in the U.S., although it’s currently limited in scope due to recent updates in operations.

What to Know About Pet Travel with United:

• Only pets that cannot fly in-cabin travel via PetSafe (cargo)

• Pets are not permitted as checked baggage on international flights

• United requires advance booking through an approved third-party pet shipper

• Offers temperature-controlled vans and pet lounges in select airports (e.g., Houston, Newark, Chicago)

• Breed restrictions apply; snub-nosed pets are prohibited

Pros:

• Well-established pet handling infrastructure

• Uses climate-controlled ground transfer at some hubs

Cons:

• Only available through professional pet shippers

• Not available for all international destinations

How Starwood Helps:
As an approved United PetSafe partner, we manage the entire process—from reservations to health certificates and customs clearance. We also ensure your pet is safely transferred between flights and ground handlers.

✈️ Lufthansa: One of the Most Pet-Friendly International Airlines

Lufthansa is widely regarded as one of the most pet-friendly global carriers. They allow pets both in-cabin and in the cargo hold, and they have a reputation for excellent live animal handling.

What to Know About Pet Travel with Lufthansa:

• Small pets under 8 kg (including carrier) may travel in-cabin

• Larger pets travel in the climate-controlled Live Animal Lounge (Frankfurt hub)

• Pet transport is available on almost all international routes

• Offers coordinated care during layovers, including feeding and watering

• Follows IATA regulations for crate sizing and pet health

Pros:

• Superior pet handling, especially in Frankfurt and Munich

• Allows more flexibility with pet sizes and in-cabin travel (compared to U.S. airlines)

Cons:

• Fewer direct routes to/from some U.S. cities

• Quicker to enforce documentation compliance—no shortcuts

How Starwood Helps:
We take care of Lufthansa-specific paperwork, advise you on the most pet-friendly routes, and ensure your pet is cleared to transit through Frankfurt’s Live Animal Lounge. You’ll receive updates during travel and delivery coordination at the destination.

🐾 Final Thoughts: Why Airline Choice Matters for Pet Travel

Each airline has its strengths—and challenges—when it comes to pet travel. Weather embargoes, routing restrictions, and inconsistent cargo policies can all create delays or even cancellations if not handled correctly.

That’s where Starwood comes in.

We work directly with airlines like Delta, United, and Lufthansa every day, and we know the fine print that makes all the difference. From choosing the best route to preparing kennels and vet documents, we make international pet shipping simple and safe.

Starwood is the most trusted and highest rated international pet transport country in the United States.

Read our reviews and learn more about the Starwood Difference.

Starwood is the first to offer real-time tracking.  You can follow your pet’s journey with a pet tracker and text messages, so you’re not left in the dark about where your dog is or when they’ll land.

 At Starwood, we understand that your dog is not just a pet, but a valued member of your family. That's why we go above and beyond to ensure their safe and comfortable journey from point A to point B. Our team of experienced and compassionate professionals are well-versed in transporting all breeds and sizes, ensuring that they receive the utmost care throughout the entire transportation process. Whether you need to transport your dog domestically or internationally, we have the expertise and network to make it happen seamlessly. Rest assured that your dog's well-being is our top priority, and we strive to provide a stress-free and enjoyable experience for both you and your furry companion. Trust in our dog transport services to deliver your beloved pet to their destination with love, care, and professionalism.