10 airlines that allow pets in cabin to Ireland

Updated On: August 31, 2023 | Published On: August 28, 2023

Travel
Lifestyle
Ireland
European travel has opened up a world of possibilities, and for those looking to bring their furry friends on an Irish adventure, the specifics of traveling with your dog in the cabin to Ireland has become paramount.

While many opt for journeys during the sunlit summer months, the charm of the Emerald Isle calls to travelers year-round. In this guide, we shine a light on airlines that recognize the importance of keeping our beloved canines close, allowing them to travel right alongside us in the cabin. Dive into our curated list and prepare for a journey where every family member, on two legs or four, enjoys the ride.
*At the time of publishing, the following information about flying to and from the Republic of Ireland with a dog was written with the latest information available. In addition to EU rules, each individual airline has its own additional requirements and different pet travel rules. We cannot stress enough that you need to check the pet travel requirements with your chosen airline are still correct before booking your trip.

**Please also note, that there are different rules when flying to the United Kingdom (Great Britain and Northern Ireland) as they are not part of the EU Pet Travel Scheme.

In the jet-set world of pet-friendly airlines, there is a set of rules that constitute the non-commercial movement of pet dogs (differentiated from traveling for commercial purposes such as the importation of pets from a foreign country). The following information is pertinent to non-commercial pet travel to/from the Republic of Ireland.

Where Are The Points of Entry?

For pet owners entering the Republic of Ireland from a non-EU country, the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine has designated a List of Travellers’ Points of Entry through which pet dogs, cats, and ferrets from third countries (non-EU/EEA) may arrive in Ireland as follows:
  • Cork Airport
  • Dublin Airport
  • Dublin Port
  • Port of Cork – Ringaskiddy
  • Rosslare Port
  • Shannon Airport

What Pet Travel Documents Are Required?

As well as a valid EU Pet Passport and Microchip, when flying to Ireland from the EU/Schengen Area, you must provide proof of Tapeworm Treatment.  

When flying from the Rest of the World, you must show proof of Tapeworm Treatment and a blood test showing that the treatment was effective. Your pup will need proof of a valid rabies vaccine, and a valid animal health certificate, which will have a set validity.  You must also send details of your plans to arrive with a pet to the Department of Agriculture - petmove@agriculture.gov.ie

When booking connecting flights and code-share flights, you often have to get a confirmation for your pet booking from all airlines involved which is anything but straightforward. We recommend booking directly with the flight operator where possible, and we love those airlines that allow you to add a pet at the time of booking directly in the web browser.

* Paws Friendly Tip - A recommendation from a Paws Friendly reader, is to obtain the Tapeworm Treatment from your IRISH vet BEFORE you travel, and have it administered by a foreign vet prior to your return.

** If your pet has an EU Pet Passport, it is very important to note that only an EU-registered vet can enter anything in the vaccinations part of the passport, or else it becomes invalid. For other vaccines (for example the Tapeworm Treatment) foreign vets can enter the information in the "other" section. 

*** Make sure your rabies vaccination is up-to-date before you leave on your trip. If your vaccination expires while away you will have to wait 21 days before your pet is allowed to travel again. We made this mistake with Poppy while doing a long road trip in the United States.

Which Airlines Allow Pets On Flights To/From Ireland?

Pet owners wishing to fly to and from the Emerald Isle can use one of the following airlines. We have included a link to each individual airline's Pet Policy, which should be checked for further information depending on your country of origin. Some Airlines 'Code-Share' flights, in these cases you will need to confirm your pet booking with the flight operator as well as the airline selling the ticket.

Please note:
  • Due to changes in the baggage system at Dublin Airport, pets are no longer permitted in the hold on flights from Dublin. However, they are allowed to travel as cargo.
  • Due to restrictions set by the UK, pets are not permitted in the cabin on flights to London, or in the hold on flights to/from London. This includes flights between Ireland and the UK. They may, however, be permitted to be transported as cargo but you will have to book that with a specialized freight agent.
  • In addition to any rules and regulations specific to each carrier, traveling with a pet from outside the EU to Ireland will require that you satisfy all of the conditions laid out by the European Commission.


Continue reading for more information on each individual airline's Pet Policy specific to Ireland.

Air France


Pets are allowed in the cabin on Air France flights to/from Ireland. Before confirming an online booking you will see a booking reference number, with that reference you can then call the Customer Support line at +353 16 590 442 and add a pet to the booking before proceeding to payment.

Pets in Cabin Additional Information 
  • Pets per passenger - 1
  • Pets allowed - dogs and cats
  • Maximum weight - 8kg including carrier
  • Maximum carrier dimensions -  46 x 28 x 24 cm
  • Additional Fee - €70 for domestic flights, to €125 for flights in Europe up to €200 for long-haul
  • Additional information  - Your pet must be at least 15 weeks old 

Delta Air Lines


Dogs are allowed in the cabin for flights into Ireland from the USA.
At the time of publishing, Delta has an embargo on all household pets in the luggage hold on flights to/from Ireland without an end date set for the embargo.

Pets in Cabin Additional Information 
  • Pets per passenger - 2 
  • Pets allowed - dogs, cats, and household birds
  • Maximum weight - No weight restriction.
  • Maximum carrier dimensions - Depends on the aircraft
  • Additional Fee -  €200 (or USD, if your flight originates from the United States) for international flights 
  • Additional information  -  Pets must be at least 15 weeks old when traveling to the European Union. 

Iberia


Pets are only allowed to fly in the cabin, not in the cargo hold. When booking a flight with a pet, you must choose the Iberia Basic Fare and they can be added to the booking before payment. If you have already purchased your tickets and would like to add your pet you can do so by calling the Customer Service Center on +34 900 111 500.

Book early as only 2 pets are permitted per flight operated by Iberia.

On the day of travel, you must check in at the desk to be allocated your seat.

Pets in Cabin Additional Information 
  • Pets per passenger - 2
  • Pets allowed - dogs, cats, fish, tortoises, and birds (except birds of prey)
  • Maximum weight - 8kg including carrier
  • Maximum carrier dimensions - 45 cm x 35 cm x 25 cm
  • Additional Fee - €60 for flights within Europe, and €180 for flights to America and Asia
  • Additional information  - Animals are not permitted in the hold (AVIH) on flights from Dublin. However, they are permitted to travel as cargo. 2 pets of the same species are allowed in one carrier.

KLM


Pets are allowed on most flights operated by KLM. Pets are only allowed in the cabin for flights departing Ireland from Dublin Airport. It is possible to fly into Cork with a pet in the cabin but only from within the EU. From outside the EU, you must fly into Dublin.

Note, KLM does accept dogs in the hold unless:
  • the flight originates from Dublin Airport.
  • The flight is on a Boeing 787-9 or Boeing 787-10.
  • The flight has a transfer time of over 3 hours.

To add a pet to a KLM flight, you can book and pay for your flight using the online booking tool and then add a pet to the booking via My Trip. It is advisable to add your pet to the booking as soon as possible and never less than 48 hours before departure. Alternatively, you can make a temporary booking including a pet in cabin/hold request by contacting customer services (WhatsApp/messenger or by phone +34 91 375 45 46). You will then be sent a payment link after the pet request has been approved. 

Pets in Cabin Additional Information 
  • Pets per passenger - 1
  • Pets allowed - dogs and cats
  • Maximum weight - 8kg including carrier 
  • Maximum carrier dimensions - 46 x 28 x 24 cm
  • Additional Fee -  from  €75 to €400 each way
  • Additional information  - Pets are welcome in the cabin when traveling in Economy Class, or Business Class within Europe

Lufthansa


Although reportedly, pets in the cabin are allowed to and from Dublin, we were not able to get general confirmation from them. According to their site - "Lufthansa also reserves the right to apply stricter regulations where necessary and refuse bookings on certain routes (such as to the UK or to Ireland, for example)"

** From various Paws Friendly readers, we have been told that they were able to travel out of Ireland with their pet in the cabin but were not allowed to return to Ireland with their pet.

Pets are allowed in the cabin and the luggage hold, up to two pets per customer. You can request this service at least 72 hours before the flight or by telephone, and to check availability before booking, you must do so by telephone. If you already have your flight booked you can submit an online request to travel with your pet in the cabin or in the hold.

On the day of traveling, you have to go to the check-in desk and have two fully completed and signed printouts of the PETC Form.

Pets in Cabin Additional Information 
  • Pets per passenger - 1
  • Pets allowed - dogs and cats
  • Maximum weight - 8kg including carrier
  • Maximum carrier dimensions - 55 x 40 x 23 cm
  • Additional Fee - €60 for flights within Europe, and up to €110 for long-haul flights

Norwegian


Pets in the cabin in and out of Dublin are allowed and can be added during the booking process or to an already booked trip via My Travels.

Pet in Cabin Additional Information 
  • Pets per passenger - 1
  • Pets allowed - dogs and cats
  • Maximum weight - 8kg including carrier
  • Maximum carrier dimensions - 43 x 31 x 20 cm
  • Additional Fee - from €55-€75 if paid online or €60-85 at the airport
  • Additional information  - Only 2 pets per flight, however, up to three very small puppies or kittens in the same container may be booked as one animal.  You must check in at least one hour before departure when traveling with a pet. 

Note: Norwegian does not have the option of adding a pet in the cabin for flights between Ireland and the UK.

TAP Air Portugal

Dogs are allowed in the cabin on flights to and from The Republic of Ireland, you must make sure that you call and book your pet at least 48 hours before departure.

Pet in Cabin Additional Information
  • Pets per passenger - 2
  • Pets allowed - dogs and cats
  • Maximum weight - 8kg including carrier
  • Maximum carrier dimensions - 45x30x23cm
  • Additional Fee - Between €40 - €160 depending on flight
  • Additional information  - No mixed breeds and must be at least 12 weeks old 

Transavia

 
Pets can be added to your flight online up to 2 hours before departure and are allowed in the cabin on flights to and from Ireland.

Pet in Cabin Additional Information
  • Pets per passenger - 1
  • Pets allowed - dogs and cats
  • Maximum weight - 8kg including carrier
  • Maximum carrier dimensions - 40 x 30 x 24 cm
  • Additional Fee - €50
  • Additional information  - pets must be at least 15 weeks old

Vueling

Pets are only allowed to fly in the cabin, not in the cargo hold. When booking a flight with a pet, you must choose the Vueling Basic Fare and they can be added to the booking before payment. If you have already purchased your tickets and would like to add your pet you can do so by calling the Customer Service Center on +34 931 51 81 58.

Book early as only 5 pets are allowed on each flight operated by Vueling.

On the day of travel, you must check in at the desk to be allocated your seat.

Vueling does not allow any pets on flights to and from the UK.

Pets in Cabin Additional Information 
  • Pets per passenger - 2
  • Pets allowed - dogs, cats, birds (excluding birds of prey) and tortoises
  • Maximum weight - 8kg including carrier
  • Maximum carrier dimensions - 45 x 39 x 21 cm
  • Additional Fee - €50 for domestic flights and €60 for international flights
  • Additional information  - pets must be at least 12 weeks old. 2 pets are allowed in the same carrier. 

Are Guide Dogs allowed in the cabin in Ireland?

The only exception to the above requirements is traveling with Guide Dogs and Assistance Dogs which must be accommodated where possible according to EU Rules.

"Where the use of a recognized assistance dog is required, this shall be accommodated provided that notification of the same is made to the air carrier or its agent or the tour operator in accordance with applicable national rules covering the carriage of assistance dogs on board aircraft, where such rules exist.

If no notification is made in accordance with paragraph 1, the managing body shall make all reasonable efforts to provide the assistance specified in Annex I in such a way that the person concerned is able to take the flight for which he or she holds a reservation."

Are Emotional Support Animals allowed in the cabin to or from Ireland?


Emotional Support Animals are not recognized within Europe. They will only be allowed to travel in the cabin if they meet the rules of the airlines and have all entry requirements.
Traveling to Ireland with your dog requires careful planning, but with the right preparations, the experience can be hassle-free. Once you've secured a smooth flight with a dog-friendly airline, the adventure truly begins on the ground. If you're on the hunt for dog-friendly spots and activities in Ireland, be sure to check out PawsFriendly.com for top recommendations. With the right resources and some forward-thinking, your trip can be both enjoyable and memorable. Safe travels and happy exploring!
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