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Flying with Pets on Ryanair: What You Need to Know
I've flown with Cooper, my 28kg Golden Retriever, across three continents, and I learned early on that Ryanair's pet policy is straightforward once you understand it. Here's the reality: Ryanair allows cats in the cabin, but does not accept regular pet dogs. If you're traveling with a dog, you'll need to explore cargo or checked baggage options, or your dog must be a certified assistance animal.
Let me walk you through exactly what's allowed, what it costs, and what you need to prepare.
Cats in the Cabin: Your Best Option
If you're traveling with a cat, Ryanair welcomes them in the cabin. This is the safest and least stressful option for your pet.
Cabin Carrier Requirements for Cats
Your cat's carrier must meet these exact dimensions:
- Maximum length: 40 cm
- Maximum width: 20 cm
- Maximum height: 25 cm
- Maximum combined weight (cat + carrier): 10 kg
The carrier must be soft-sided so it fits under the seat in front of you. Hard-sided carriers won't work for cabin travel. It also needs mesh ventilation on the sides so your cat can breathe properly throughout the flight.
Inside the carrier, place an absorbent mat or liner to manage any accidents during the flight. This is essential—airlines require it, and it protects both your cat and the aircraft.
Cabin Fees and Booking
Ryanair charges €55 per cat, one way. If you're flying round-trip, budget €110 total.
Critical: You must book your cat at least 48 hours before departure. You cannot show up at the airport with a cat and expect to bring it on board. Contact Ryanair during booking or call them at least two days ahead to arrange your cat's travel.
Age and Health Requirements
Your cat must be at least 16 weeks old to fly in the cabin.
You'll need a health certificate issued by a veterinarian within 10 days of your flight. This certificate must confirm your cat is fit to travel. Get it as close to your departure date as possible—don't wait until day 1.
Your cat also needs rabies vaccination (minimum 21 days old, valid for up to 3 years) and an EU Pet Passport or official health certificate. If you're traveling internationally, check destination-specific import requirements as well.
Restrictions on Certain Cats
Brachycephalic (flat-faced) cat breeds are banned from cabin travel. This includes Persians, Himalayans, and similar breeds with shortened muzzles. These breeds have respiratory challenges that make air travel risky. If your cat is a brachycephalic breed, you'll need to explore cargo options (see below), though this carries additional risks.
Pregnant cats and cats in heat are not accepted. If your cat is visibly pregnant, contact Ryanair directly before booking.
During the Flight
Your cat must remain in the carrier for the entire flight. No exceptions. The cabin is pressurized and unfamiliar—letting your cat out creates safety risks for everyone.
Do not sedate your cat. IATA regulations prohibit sedation during air travel. A sedated animal cannot maintain balance or respond to emergencies. Even if your vet suggests it, only proceed if both your vet and Ryanair explicitly approve it in writing.
Dogs: Limited Options on Ryanair
Here's where I need to be direct: Ryanair does not accept pet dogs in the cabin. This was a hard lesson when I first tried to book Cooper on a Ryanair flight.
Your only options with Ryanair are:
- Certified assistance dogs (service dogs for disabilities) – contact Ryanair at booking or 48 hours before departure
- Cargo transport – available but not recommended for most pet owners
- Checked baggage – available but comes with significant risks
If you're traveling with a regular pet dog, consider Air France, British Airways, or other carriers with more pet-friendly cabin policies.
Cargo and Checked Baggage for Dogs (and Cats)
If cabin travel isn't an option, Ryanair does allow dogs and cats via cargo or checked baggage, though I strongly recommend consulting with a professional pet shipper first. These options involve:
- Hard-sided, IATA-compliant crates only (soft-sided carriers are not accepted)
- Attached water bowl that can be filled from outside the crate
- Ventilation openings on at least three sides
- Absorbent mat or liner inside the crate
- "Live Animals" labels with orientation arrows on all sides
- Minimum age: 10 weeks (fully weaned)
- Health certificate within 10 days of travel
- Rabies vaccination required
Temperature restrictions apply: Pets cannot travel if temperatures at origin or destination exceed 29.4°C (85°F) or drop below -6.7°C (20°F). During summer or winter, your flight may be refused. A vet's acclimation certificate may allow travel in colder conditions, but heat embargoes are strict.
Brachycephalic breeds are banned from cargo and checked baggage as well.
Advance booking is required. You cannot show up with a pet in cargo—it must be pre-arranged.
Key Numbers at a Glance
- Cabin fee (cats only): €55 per cat, one way
- Carrier dimensions (cabin): 40cm L × 20cm W × 25cm H
- Max weight (cat + carrier): 10 kg
- Minimum age: 16 weeks (cabin); 10 weeks (cargo/checked baggage)
- Health certificate validity: 10 days before departure
- Advance booking required: 48 hours minimum
- Temperature embargo (cargo/checked): -6.7°C to 29.4°C
- Pets per passenger (cabin): 1 cat maximum
What You Need to Do: Your Pre-Flight Checklist
8-10 weeks before departure:
- Check if your pet is eligible (age, breed, health status)
- Confirm your destination's import requirements (rabies vaccination, quarantine, permits)
- Book your flight and contact Ryanair to arrange pet travel
4-6 weeks before:
- Schedule a vet appointment for health certificate and vaccination checks
- If traveling internationally, apply for EU Pet Passport or import permits
- Order or purchase a compliant soft-sided carrier (for cabin) or IATA crate (for cargo)
2 weeks before:
- Confirm all bookings with Ryanair in writing
- Practice your pet in the carrier at home
- Order absorbent liners and any other supplies
10 days before:
- Visit your vet for the health certificate (must be within 10 days of departure)
- Confirm rabies vaccination is current and documented
48 hours before:
- Final confirmation with Ryanair (especially for assistance dogs or cargo)
- Pack pet supplies: food, water, medications, comfort items
- Ensure carrier is properly labeled and prepared
Day of flight:
- Arrive early and inform check-in staff you're traveling with a pet
- Have all documents ready: health certificate, passport, booking confirmation
- Keep your pet calm and hydrated before boarding
Important Reminders
Sedation is prohibited. Don't do it, even if you're nervous. Your pet needs to stay alert during flight.
Your pet stays in the carrier. No exceptions during the flight. The cabin environment is stressful enough without your pet roaming.
Contact Ryanair directly for clarification. Pet policies can change, and specific routes may have restrictions. Call them or use their website to confirm before you book.
Consider professional pet shipping. If you're traveling with a large dog or multiple pets, or if you're nervous about cargo travel, professional pet shippers handle all logistics and reduce stress significantly. I've used them for Cooper on longer international moves, and it's worth the investment.
For comprehensive guidance on pet travel documents, costs, and brachycephalic breed restrictions, check our detailed guides.
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Data verified from official Ryanair sources as of April 2026. Pet policies can change—always confirm directly with Ryanair before booking. This guide covers cats and dogs; other pets may have different rules.
Auto-generated from verified data · Last updated: April 23, 2026