While Ryanair doesn’t allow pets in the cabin or hold, there are exceptions you should know about. Here’s everything about the Ryanair pet policy, including flying with dogs and the rules for assistance animals.
Overview of Ryanair pet policy in 2026
Ryanair pet policy is very clear – no pets are allowed on board, neither in the cabin nor in the hold. That applies to all flights, all routes, and all animals, with one exception: certified assistance dogs.
So if you were hoping to fly with your dog or cat, Ryanair unfortunately won’t be an option for you. But the good news is there are plenty of pet-friendly airlines out there — and we’ve listed a few trusted ones further down to help you find the best fit for you!
Who can actually take dog on Ryanair flights
Ryanair doesn’t accept pets on board – neither in the cabin nor in the hold. The one and only exception being assistance dogs, and even those are only allowed on selected flights.
So if you’re traveling with a certified guide or assistance dog, you need to notify the airline in advance. For all other dogs, unfortunately, Ryanair isn’t an option.
Why Ryanair doesn’t allow pets in cabin or hold
Unlike many other airlines, Ryanair has a strict no-pets policy — both in the cabin and in the hold. The only exception is for assistance dogs as said earlier.
This pet policy is mostly caused by Ryanair’s ultra low-cost model of flying in general. The airline focuses on quick turnarounds and simplified operations, and adding pet handling would complicate logistics and of course increase costs.
Maybe one day Ryanair pet in cabin will be a reality, but currently it’s not a realistic option for those of us who fly with a dog.
🐾 — Airlines allowing pets in cabin — ✈️
Alternatives to Ryanair for pet travel
If you’re flying with a dog, Ryanair isn’t an option — but luckily, there are plenty of other airlines that are pet-friendly. We can recommend airlines such as Lufthansa, KLM, Air France, and Vueling, that allow pets in cabin on many of their flights.
You can find a list of dog-friendly airlines right below to help you choose the best one for your trip.
FAQs about Ryanair pets and flying with dog
Can you fly with pets on Ryanair?
No, Ryanair does not allow pets on board — neither in the cabin nor in the cargo hold. The only exception is for certified guide and assistance dogs on select routes. If you’re planning to travel with a regular pet, you’ll need to look for an alternative airline that welcomes animals.
Why doesn’t Ryanair accept pets on board?
Ryanair pet policy is focused on keeping flights low-cost and simple. Carrying pets in cabin or hold would require extra logistics, staffing, and infrastructure, which goes against their no-frills approach. Only assistance dogs are accepted.
Are emotional support animals allowed on Ryanair?
No, Ryanair does not recognize emotional support animals. Only trained and certified assistance or guide dogs are accepted, and even then, only on certain routes and under specific conditions.
Can I travel with a pet on Ryanair if it’s a short flight?
Unfortunately, flight duration doesn’t change the rule. Ryanair doesn’t allow any pets — even for short domestic flights. If you’re flying with a dog or cat, you’ll need to choose another airline.