Lufthansa Animal Lounge
About This Facility
The Lufthansa Animal Lounge at Frankfurt Airport is widely considered the finest animal transit facility in the world. The purpose-built center in CargoCity South handles approximately 100 million animals per year (including fish and insects) and provides climate-controlled holding areas for mammals, separate bird and reptile sections, and a full veterinary station.
The facility is staffed 24/7 by trained animal handlers and veterinary professionals who specialize in live animal logistics. Frankfurt is the most popular connecting hub in Europe for international pet relocations, and the Animal Lounge is the primary reason — professional pet shipping companies route through FRA whenever possible to ensure their clients' animals receive the best possible layover care.
Physical Arrival Directions
The Lufthansa Animal Lounge is located in CargoCity South, Gate 31. From the passenger terminals, take a taxi to CargoCity South and follow signs to Gate 31 — it is a separate facility from the main terminal complex.
If your cat arrived as checked baggage (AVIH), you will typically collect them at the oversized/special baggage counter in the arrivals area, not at the Animal Lounge. The Animal Lounge is primarily used for cargo transits and layover care.
The facility has a veterinary practice on-site and dedicated parking for animal collection.
Practical Tips & What to Expect
If your cat is transiting through Frankfurt on a connecting flight, the Animal Lounge will automatically care for them during the layover. Cats are taken out of their crates, given food and water, and placed in individual holding areas.
The facility maintains species-appropriate temperatures and humidity levels year-round. For cats arriving at Frankfurt as their final destination, the collection process depends on how they traveled: AVIH (checked baggage) arrivals go to the special baggage counter in Terminal 1 or 2, while cargo arrivals are collected from CargoCity South.
Always confirm your collection point with the airline or shipping agent before arrival.
Professional Pet Transport
Need door-to-door pet transport through Frankfurt Airport?
Starwood Animal Transport handle permits, health certs, airline bookings & collection logistics.