Ryanair does not carry pets, in the cabin or in the hold: it only accepts recognised guide and assistance dogs, on flights within the EU/EEA and on domestic flights. They are not accepted on flights to or from Morocco and Israel. The dog travels free in the cabin at the passenger's feet, but you must tell Ryanair in advance. Here is who can fly, which documents you need and what to do if you have a dog or cat.
Which animals Ryanair accepts
| Animal | On Ryanair |
|---|---|
| Dogs, cats and other pets | Not accepted, in the cabin or the hold |
| Certified guide and assistance dogs | Accepted free in the cabin on EU/EEA and domestic flights |
| Emotional support or therapy dogs not recognised as assistance dogs | Not accepted |
| Assistance dogs on flights to or from Morocco and Israel | Not accepted |
In practice, if you want to take your dog or cat on holiday, Ryanair is not an option: you will need another airline or another way to travel.
Conditions for guide and assistance dogs
- Training and certification: the dog must be trained to perform tasks for a person with a disability (physical, sensory or psychiatric) and certified by a full member of Assistance Dogs International (ADI), Assistance Dogs UK or the International Guide Dog Federation (IGDF).
- Identification: it wears a standard identifying jacket or harness throughout the journey.
- On board: it sits on the floor at your feet, with a harness you provide attached to your seat belt for take-off, landing and turbulence.
- How many: up to 4 assistance dogs per flight.
- Cost: the dog, its containers and food are carried free of charge.
How to book with an assistance dog, step by step
- Book your flight on an accepted route (within the EU/EEA or domestic, not Morocco or Israel).
- Tell Ryanair, preferably on the day you book, online or through the Assisted Travel Team.
- Get the documents ready: a valid pet passport (or an official veterinary health certificate in countries that do not issue pet passports) and proof that the dog is affiliated to a recognised organisation.
- Check the destination's rules on vaccinations and treatments: correct documentation is the passenger's responsibility.
- Bring the harness to secure your dog to the seat.
If you do not tell Ryanair in advance, the service may not be available at the airport and you may not be able to fly. Passengers who are blind or visually impaired and do not need airport assistance should still tell Ryanair beforehand, so the crew can give a suitable safety briefing. For all other kinds of help, see our guide to flying with reduced mobility on Ryanair.
Ireland, the UK and Northern Ireland
To enter Ireland or the UK with an assistance dog you need a valid EU pet passport or third-country official veterinary health certificate, plus proof of affiliation to IGDF, Assistance Dogs UK or ADI. Travelling between Great Britain and Northern Ireland, you need a Northern Ireland pet travel document (PTD): the dog must be microchipped, and you must notify DAERA at least 10 working days before you travel. With a PTD, rabies vaccination and tapeworm treatment are not needed for that journey. Officials scan the microchip on arrival.
If you are travelling with a dog or cat
If your animal is not an assistance dog, check other airlines' rules before booking. Vueling, for example, accepts dogs and cats in the cabin within weight and size limits, but not on flights to or from the UK: see our guide to Vueling's pet policy. Either way, check the health documents your destination requires with your vet.
If your Ryanair flight is delayed or cancelled
If your flight arrives 3 hours or more late, is cancelled less than 14 days before departure or you are bumped because of overbooking, you may be entitled to €250, €400 or €600 per passenger, unless there were extraordinary circumstances. Everything is on our page on Ryanair delays and compensation. With DelayFlight24 you can check for free in 2 minutes whether you are owed money: you pay nothing upfront and you pay 25% + VAT only if you get the compensation.
Frequently asked questions about animals on Ryanair
Does Ryanair allow dogs in the cabin?
Only certified guide and assistance dogs. Pet dogs are not allowed.
Can I bring my cat on Ryanair?
No, Ryanair does not carry pets, in the cabin or in the hold.
Does an assistance dog need a ticket?
No, the dog, its containers and its food travel free.
Are emotional support dogs allowed?
No, unless they are recognised as assistance dogs by ADI, Assistance Dogs UK or IGDF.
On which routes are assistance dogs not accepted?
On flights to or from Morocco and Israel.
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Article updated on 22/10/2026 by the DelayFlight24 editorial team.