Ryanair prioritizes safety and legal compliance by upholding a stringent pet policy. As per the Ryanair pet policy 2026, only certified assistance or guide dogs are allowed in the airline’s cabin. This can make sure that passengers with impairments can access it. In keeping with Ryanair’s emphasis on passenger safety and operational simplicity, other pets, such as dogs and cats, are not permitted in the cabin or as cargo. Assistance dog owners must contact the airline at the time of booking or at least 48 hours before departure and present proper paperwork, such as a pet passport or veterinarian certificate. This policy accommodates necessary service animals while maintaining passenger safety and efficient airport operations.

What is Pet Policy on Ryanair?
Pets are not allowed on Ryanair flights, except for certified guide and assistance dogs on select routes.

| Policy Area | Details |
|---|---|
| Pets in Cabin | Not allowed. Ryanair does not permit pets in the cabin. |
| Pets in Cargo Hold | Not allowed. Ryanair does not offer pet transport in the hold. |
| Emotional Support Animals | Not accepted. Only certified assistance dogs are permitted. |
| Assistance Dogs | Allowed on select EU/EEA routes with proper certification. |
| Advance Notice | Required at least 48 hours before departure for assistance dogs. |
| Documentation Needed | Certification, training proof, and compliance with EU Pet Travel Scheme. |
| Carrier Requirements | Not applicable (pets not allowed); assistance dogs do not require carriers. |
| Pet Travel Fees | No fees for assistance dogs; pets are not permitted, so no pet fees apply. |
| Route Limitations | Assistance dogs only allowed on EU/EEA flights. |
| Behavior Expectations | Assistance dogs must be well-behaved, harnessed, and stay at passenger’s feet. |
Does Ryanair Allow Pets in Cabin?
Only licensed guide or service dogs are permitted in the cabin on Ryanair. Ryanair pets, including cats, dogs, and other common pets, are not allowed in the cabin or the hold. Assistance dogs need to be trained by reputable organizations, and Ryanair must be notified in advance.
Ryanair Pet Cargo
Under the Ryanair cargo pets policy, there is no pet cargo service offered by Ryanair. Both the cabin and the hold are prohibited for live animals. Certified guide/assistance dogs, on specific routes, and with the appropriate paperwork, are the sole exceptions.
What is the Ryanair Pet Policy 2026 for Assistance Dogs?
Any of Ryanair’s flights within the EU or EEA allow fliers to bring guide dogs or assistance dogs.

- None of the flights to and from Morocco or Israel allow them to bring guide dogs or service dogs.
- Based on the Ryanair flying with pets policy, up to four assistance dogs or guide dogs (one dog per passenger) can travel.
- The dog travels for free, as do the food and containers.
- Before fliers depart, check with the airport of their destination to see if the assistance dog or guide dog can accompany them.
Basic Rules for Ryanair Assistance Dogs
- Passengers of Ryanair have to train the dog to accomplish the things they need them to.
- The dog must be identified as a guide dog or assistance dog by wearing a jacket or harness during the trip.
- According to the Ryanair pet policy in cabin policy, the dog has to be at its owner’s feet, sitting on the floor.
- In advance, ideally at the time of booking, guests must inform Ryanair that they will be traveling with a guide dog or service dog.
- They can be informed about the dog after making their reservations by calling the airline’s Special Assistance Line or by visiting the “My bookings” area of the website.
- Throughout takeoff, landing, and turbulence, the dog must wear a proper harness that customers supply and fasten to the seatbelt.
- Travel on any Ryanair Group airline (Ryanair DAC, Ryanair Sun (Buzz), Ryanair UK, Laudamotion, and Malta Air) is prohibited for emotional support or therapy dogs that are not recognized as assistance dogs.
- Based on the Ryanair pet policy international, the following routes do not allow guide or assistance dogs.
- Flights from and to Morocco
- Flights from and to Israel
- The following routes admit guide/assistance dogs:
- Every Ryanair flight within the EU or EEA
- Every domestic flight operated by Ryanair
Particular Rules for Bringing a Guide or Assistance Dog into the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland
- Travelers with a guide or assistance dog are needed to have a valid EU pet passport or an official third-country veterinary health certificate (together with the necessary medical documents) when they enter the UK or the Republic of Ireland.
- In line with the Ryanair pet transport policy, for entry into the UK or the Republic of Ireland, the EU Pet Passport or veterinary health certificate must be accompanied by proof that the guide or assistance dog is a member of one of the following organizations:
- Federation of International Guide Dogs
- UK Assistance Dogs
- International Assistance Dogs (ADI)
Particular Requirements for Guide/Assist Dog Admission in Northern Ireland
A Northern Ireland pet travel document (PTD) is required when traveling with a guide or assistance dog between Great Britain (England, Scotland, and Wales) and Northern Ireland.
- In accordance with the Ryanair pet travel policy, visitors need to microchip their dog.
- If they have a PTD, then they do not require tapeworm treatment or rabies immunizations.
- At least 10 working days prior to the trip, one must notify the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) by emailing daeratradeimports@daera-ni.gov.uk.
- When passengers go to Northern Ireland, the airline’s officials will scan their pet’s microchip to make sure the number on the microchip matches the one on the pet’s PTD.
Particular Requirements for Assisted/Guide Dog Entry on Flights Within the EU/EEA
In addition to the necessary medical papers, passengers traveling with a guide or assistance dog must have a valid Pet passport or an official veterinary certificate from a third country on all flights inside the EU and EEA.
- As per the Ryanair pets in cabin policy, documentation attesting to the guide or assistance dog’s affiliation with one of the following organizations must be shown with the EU Pet Passport or veterinarian health certificate in order to grant entrance into EU/EEA nations:
- The International Guide Dog Federation
- Dogs for Assistance International (ADI)
General Travel Advice
In order for a guide or assistance dog to be allowed on a Ryanair flight, it must be trained to carry out tasks for a person with a physical, sensory, or mental disability and certified by a company that is a full member of Assistance Dogs International (ADI), Assistance Dogs UK, or the International Guide Dog Federation (IGDF). In compliance with the Ryanair pet policy 2026, these are the accrediting bodies for assistance dog organizations around the world.
- Assistance/guide dogs must sit on the floor at the feet of passengers while they fly in the aircraft cabin.
- Each flight is limited to four guide/assistance dogs.
- The dog, food, and containers are transported for free.
- If a traveler wants to bring a guide or service dog along, they should let us know in advance, ideally the same day they make their reservation.
- Either the Ryanair Special Assistance team or the internet can be used for this.
- In order to effectively restrain the dog during takeoff, landing, and turbulence, a proper harness, which the owner must supply, must be fastened to the owner’s seat belt or the seat belt buckle.
- By adhering to the Ryanair pets policy, other devices that have different attachment locations might be available and offer sufficient restraint as well.
- Any setup, as long as the assistance dog is securely fastened, is okay.
Fliers should be aware that if they don’t notify Ryanair in advance, the service may not be available when they get to the airport. This would prevent them from taking the scheduled flight. They should still let Ryanair know before the travel, ideally on the day of booking, if they are blind or visually handicapped but do not need any assistance at the airport. This is to guarantee that a suitable safety demonstration can be given by the cabin staff.
Pet Passport or Certificate of Veterinary Health Ryanair Pets
According to the Ryanair flying with pets policy, the dogs must possess a pet passport or an official veterinary health certificate in nations that do not grant pet passports.

- It is the passengers’ obligation to make sure the pet passport they are presenting is current and meets the destination country’s immunization and treatment standards.
- Ryanair is unable to take responsibility for any assistance or guide dogs that have inaccurate documentation.
- It advises confirming pet passport data with the destination airport before departure if fliers are unsure if their dogs are allowed to fly.
- In nations that do not grant pet passports, dog owners must get an official veterinary health certificate attesting to their dog’s compliance with the Pet Travel Scheme’s regulations.
What is the Cost of Ryanair Pet Travel?
Ryanair charges a number of pet-related fees that travelers should be aware of:
- For flights within Europe, a Ryanair pet costs 25 euros one way.
- The cost for longer intercontinental flights is 125 euros per way.
- For passengers who purchase an annual Pet Pass, Ryanair offers a discounted annual pet fee rate.
- This lowers the per-flight fee to 10–25 euros, depending on the route, from the current 250 euros.
- Fees for extra baggage, which can range from 50 to 75 euros each flight, apply if the pet carrier’s dimensions exceed those of the typical cabin.
- Additionally, there are standard checked baggage fees for each way if the pet carrier requires the owner’s current cabin baggage to be checked in.
- Under no circumstances does Ryanair offer any discounts or exceptions to its pet costs.
- All Ryanair pet travel costs must be paid at the time of reservation.
Ryanair Pet Travel Booking Process
When purchasing a ticket on Ryanair, travelers must register a certified guide or service dog under “Special Assistance.” They should present necessary documentation, such as a veterinary health certificate or pet passport. To confirm their acceptance for cabin travel, they are required to provide Ryanair at least 48 hours’ notice before departure.
Ryanair Pet Travel Issues Handled via Social Media
Customers of Ryanair commonly complain about delays, unclear documentation, or staff members refusing pets on social media. Owing to the Ryanair pet policy in cabin policy, the airline frequently responds in the open, referring them to policy pages or specific service teams on time.
| Social Media Platform | Link |
| https://www.facebook.com/ryanair/ | |
| https://www.instagram.com/ryanair/ | |
| https://ie.linkedin.com/company/ryanair | |
| https://x.com/Ryanair |
Check Here: Ryanair Cancellation Policy 2026
Summing Up,
Only certified guide and assistance dogs are permitted to ride in the cabin on Ryanair due to its extremely rigorous pet policy. By following the Ryanair pet policy 2026, all other pets are not allowed in the cabin or on the cargo. Passengers are required to pre-book assistance and present legitimate documentation. Standards for accessibility and safety are upheld by this policy.
FAQs on Ryanair Pet Policy 2026
No, Ryanair does not permit pets to travel in the cabin on standard passenger flights. Only guide and assistance dogs are allowed onboard under specific conditions.
Ryanair generally does not allow pets on its flights. The only exception is for certified assistance animals on select routes.
No, Ryanair does not recognize emotional support animals as service animals. Only trained guide and assistance dogs are permitted.
Assistance dogs must be trained, certified, and meet EU Pet Travel Scheme rules. They must wear a harness and remain seated at the passenger’s feet during the flight.
Since pets are not allowed in the cabin, Ryanair does not specify carrier dimensions for general pet travel. However, assistance dogs do not require carriers.
No, Ryanair does not offer pet transport in the aircraft hold. The airline does not operate a live animal cargo service.
There are no pet travel fees because Ryanair does not allow pets onboard. However, assistance dogs travel free of charge.
Yes, passengers must inform Ryanair at least 48 hours before departure. This ensures proper arrangements and documentation checks.
Passengers must provide proof of training and certification, along with compliance with pet travel regulations. EU Pet Passport or equivalent documentation is required.
Only assistance dogs are permitted on flights within the EU and EEA. No other pets are allowed on any Ryanair route.
