Can You Fly with Pets on Ryanair?

Yes, Ryanair allows dogs and cats to travel in the cabin with you. However, this is not a casual policy — there are specific rules, fees, and requirements you must follow to avoid being denied boarding at the airport.

The key point: your pet must remain in a carrier throughout the entire flight. Ryanair does not accept pets on certain routes or during specific periods, so advance booking and verification are essential.

Key Numbers at a Glance

  • Cabin pet fee: €55 one-way per pet
  • Carrier dimensions: 40cm (L) × 20cm (W) × 25cm (H) maximum
  • Carrier weight limit: 10kg (pet + carrier combined)
  • Minimum pet age: 16 weeks for cabin travel
  • Health certificate validity: 10 days before departure
  • Advance booking required: 48 hours minimum before flight
  • Pets per passenger: 1 pet maximum
  • Rabies vaccination: Required (minimum 21 days old, valid up to 3 years)

Cabin Travel: Dogs and Cats

Both dogs and cats can fly in Ryanair's cabin if they meet the airline's requirements. Your pet travels with you in the main cabin, not in cargo.

Carrier Requirements

Your carrier must be soft-sided and fit under the seat in front of you. Hard-sided carriers are not suitable for cabin travel on Ryanair.

Maximum dimensions:

  • Length: 40cm
  • Width: 20cm
  • Height: 25cm
  • Combined weight (pet + carrier): 10kg

The carrier must have adequate ventilation — mesh sides are standard. You must also line the carrier with an absorbent mat or liner to manage accidents during the flight.

Breed Restrictions

Ryanair bans brachycephalic (snub-nosed) breeds from cabin travel due to respiratory risks during flight. Specifically prohibited breeds include:

  • Bulldogs
  • Pugs
  • Pekingese
  • Persian cats

If your dog or cat is a brachycephalic breed, cabin travel is not an option. Check the brachycephalic breed guide for more details on why these restrictions exist and what alternatives may be available.

Age Requirements

Your pet must be at least 16 weeks old to fly in the cabin. Younger puppies and kittens are not permitted.

Health & Vaccination Requirements

You must provide a health certificate issued by a veterinarian dated within 10 days of your departure. This certificate confirms your pet is fit to fly.

Rabies vaccination is mandatory. Your pet must be vaccinated at least 21 days before travel, and the vaccination must be valid for up to 3 years. Bring proof of vaccination with you to the airport.

Do not travel with a visibly pregnant pet — Ryanair does not accept pregnant animals due to health risks during flight.

Cabin Fee

Cabin pet travel costs €55 one-way per pet. This is a fixed fee and must be paid when you book your flight.

Checked Baggage & Cargo Travel

Ryanair does not allow pets in checked baggage. Your only options are cabin travel or cargo.

Cargo travel is available but involves different rules, carrier requirements, and temperature restrictions. If you're considering cargo, contact Ryanair directly for specific pricing, booking procedures, and carrier specifications — these details are not published on the standard pet policy page.

Temperature Embargoes for Cargo

If you do arrange cargo travel, be aware of temperature restrictions:

  • Heat embargo: 29.4°C (85°F) — pets cannot be transported if tarmac temperatures exceed this at origin or destination
  • Cold embargo: -6.7°C (20°F) — pets cannot be transported in extreme cold without a vet-issued acclimation certificate

These embargoes mean summer and winter travel may be restricted depending on your route.

Booking Your Pet on Ryanair

Advance Booking Required

You must book your pet at least 48 hours before your flight. You cannot show up at the airport with a pet and expect to bring it on board — Ryanair limits the number of pets per flight, and advance booking ensures your pet has a reserved spot.

Only one pet per passenger is allowed.

How to Book

We're still verifying the exact booking method — contact Ryanair directly through their website or customer service to add your pet to your reservation. Have your pet's health certificate and vaccination records ready when you call or book online.

What You Need to Do: Pre-Flight Checklist

  • Check breed eligibility: Confirm your pet is not a brachycephalic breed banned by Ryanair
  • Verify pet age: Ensure your pet is at least 16 weeks old
  • Schedule vet appointment: Get a health certificate issued within 10 days of departure
  • Confirm rabies vaccination: Verify your pet's rabies vaccination is current and valid
  • Purchase a soft-sided carrier: Ensure it fits Ryanair's dimensions (40×20×25cm max, 10kg combined weight)
  • Add absorbent liner: Line the carrier with an absorbent mat
  • Book your pet at least 48 hours ahead: Contact Ryanair to reserve your pet's spot and pay the €55 fee
  • Bring all documents to the airport: Health certificate, vaccination proof, and booking confirmation
  • Arrive early: Allow extra time for pet check-in procedures

Assistance Animals

Assistance animals (service dogs) are subject to a separate policy from regular pets. Documentation is required. Contact Ryanair directly for specific requirements and any fees that may apply to assistance animals.

Important Reminders

  • Your pet must stay in the carrier the entire flight. Do not remove it during boarding, flight, or landing.
  • Sedation is prohibited. IATA regulations forbid sedating pets during air travel — a sedated animal cannot maintain equilibrium or respond to emergencies. Do not sedate your pet unless explicitly instructed by both your vet and Ryanair.
  • Ryanair may refuse pets on certain routes or dates. Always confirm your specific flight is pet-eligible when booking.
  • Destination country rules apply. Some countries have additional import requirements for pets. Research your destination's pet import rules before booking.

Need More Help?

For detailed guidance on preparing your pet for air travel, see our pet travel documents checklist and flying with a dog guide. If you're traveling internationally, check your destination country's specific pet import rules.

For questions specific to your flight, route, or pet, contact Ryanair directly at their customer service line or visit www.ryanair.com.

Get your free personalized travel plan from Pawgo — we'll help you organize all the documents, timelines, and logistics for a smooth journey with your pet.

Data last verified: April 10, 2026. This guide is based on information automatically extracted from official Ryanair sources. Policies change — always confirm current requirements directly with Ryanair before booking.

Auto-generated from verified data · Last updated: April 10, 2026