Bringing your dog to Ireland in 2025 is now easier than ever. This guide covers new travel rules, airlines that allow dogs in cabin, and everything you need for a smooth journey — with tips for both European and US pet travel.
How to bring dog to Ireland under the 2025 rules
Until recently, flying with your dog in the cabin to the beautiful Ireland wasn’t really an option. In 2025, things have finally changed. A few airlines now allow cabin travel for small dogs — with strict limits and proper travel documents.
Your dog needs a microchip, a valid EU pet passport, and rabies vaccination. Cabin spots are limited, so it’s smart to book well in advance. But for the first time, Ireland feels truly open to dog travellers.
Flying to Ireland with dog
You can jump to any section ↓
- Airlines allowing dogs in cabin
- How much does it cost
- Airlines to avoid
- Necessary documents and arrival process
- All options: in cabin, hold, cargo
- Alternative ways of transporting pets
- USA flights with pets
- Trip insights & stories
- What’s changed in 2025
Airlines allowing dogs in cabin to Ireland in 2025
Several European airlines have hopped on board – quite literally – and now allow dogs to travel in cabin on flights to Ireland. Most stick to the classic 8 kg weight limit (including pet carrier), but it’s a welcome shift for pet lovers who refuse to say goodbye at the check-in desk.
Here’s a clear overview of which airlines currently allow dogs in cabin. All details are carefully verified and updated.
AIRLINE | CABIN PET ALLOWED | MAX WEIGHT |
KLM | ✓ Yes | 8 kg |
Air France | ✓ Yes | 8 kg |
Iberia | ✓ Yes | 8 kg |
Norwegian | ✓ Yes | 8 kg |
TAP Portugal | ✓ Yes | 8 kg |
Transavia | ✓ Yes | 8 kg |
Vueling | ✓ Yes | 8 kg |
Air Europa | ✓ Yes | 8 kg (up to 10 kg on some) |
How much does it cost to fly your pet to Ireland
Most airlines charge between €40 and €120 per flight for a small dog travelling in cabin. The final fee for the flight ticket for your dog depends on your airline, the route length, and how early you book. You can check our guide how to book a flight for your dog here.
Prices by airline
- KLM: ~€75 (booked 48h in advance)
- Iberia: €60–€180 depending on route
- Air France: €70–€200
- Norwegian: €55–€75
- TAP Portugal: €40–€160
- Transavia / Vueling / Air Europa: mostly €50–€80
Airlines that still don’t allow dogs in cabin
While many airlines have opened their cabins to small pets, some still haven’t made the shift. Ryanair does not allow dogs in cabin under any circumstances, except for assistance dogs on specific EU routes.
Aer Lingus has a similar policy – no pets in cabin on short-haul European flights. Cargo transport is technically possible in some cases, but it’s not a practical or comfortable solution for most pet owners. If cabin travel is a priority, these airlines remain off the table for now
Pet transport to Ireland: Documents and arrival process
Your dog needs four things: a working microchip, a current rabies shot, tapeworm treatment (mandatory for Ireland) and either an EU Pet Passport (for EU travellers) or a vet health certificate (for non‑EU).
If you’re flying in from outside the EU, make sure to file an Advance Notice online at least 24 hours before take‑off so authorities at Dublin or Cork can process your arrival. You can do it here.
On landing, customs will check your paperwork. Missing even one item or skipping that Advance Notice could lead to delays—or worse, denied entry.
— Let’s talk travel documents for yur pet — 🐾
Cabin, in hold or cargo options for dog travel to Ireland
Small dogs (under 8 kg including carrier) can now fly in the cabin on several European airlines as you can see in the table above. But if your dog is larger, you’ll need to book a spot in the hold (checked baggage) or use a cargo service.
Hold travel is available on airlines like KLM or Iberia and usually suits medium to large dogs. Cargo is used for extra-large dogs or long-haul flights, but it’s more expensive and requires earlier planning. Most airlines limit dog transport to direct EU–Ireland flights only—transfers through the UK are not allowed. Read more about pet traveling Europe – UK here.
Alternative ways to bring your pet to Ireland
Because flying isn’t always the easiest or best option, many pet owners from mainland Europe prefer to drive to ferry ports in France or the UK and then continue by pet-friendly ferry to Dublin or Rosslare. The Eurotunnel is another solid option for getting from continental Europe to the UK.
Traveling this way gives you more control, less stress, and no airline restrictions on weight or crate size. It’s especially good for larger dogs or anxious ones who struggle with flying — just plan for a longer trip and pet-friendly stops along the way.
Flying to/from Ireland and the USA with a dog
Flying with a dog between Ireland and the US takes a bit more prep, but it’s doable. Most airlines don’t allow dogs in cabin on long-haul flights, especially across the Atlantic. If your dog is medium or large, they’ll probably have to go in the hold or as cargo. From Ireland, people usually fly with KLM or Air France via Paris or Amsterdam — it’s one of the few workable routes.
Since August 2024, all dogs entering the US must have the new CDC import form. Coming into Ireland from the US? You’ll need the usual microchip, rabies vaccine and a vet certificate — and don’t forget to submit the Advance Notice online at least 24 hours before landing.
Flying to Ireland with a dog: Real trip insights
Flying with your dog to Ireland isn’t just possible now – it’s becoming surprisingly manageable. We’ve spoken with travelers from across Europe who’ve already done it, and the feedback is encouraging. Several direct routes are already being used regularly by pet parents with dogs in cabin:
Amsterdam → Dublin (KLM) A top choice for travelers in the Netherlands. KLM has a smooth pet booking system and accepts dogs up to 8 kg in cabin.
Paris → Dublin (Air France) Air France allows dogs in cabin up to 8 kg and offers multiple daily direct flights – perfect for a comfortable journey from France.
Madrid → Dublin (Iberia) Iberia is a go-to for Spanish pet owners. Their direct flights are frequent, and they’re known for a relaxed approach (just make sure your dog is within the 8 kg rule).
Lisbon → Dublin (TAP Portugal) TAP Portugal has improved their pet travel policy, and real-life travelers report successful in-cabin flights on this route.
These insights come directly from the Pet Abroad community – real routes, real dogs, real experiences. So if you’re wondering whether flying to Ireland with your dog in cabin is realistic… it absolutely is.
Stories from travelers flying to Ireland with dogs
From the community
Travelers have started to share real stories of bringing their pets to Ireland — and it’s finally sounding normal. One Reddit user confirmed Delta's direct JFK–Dublin route allows dogs in cabin, with a $100 fee paid at the airport. Another traveler flew with KLM from Germany to Dublin and then drove to Belfast to avoid putting their cat in the hold. Both say they’d do it again.
From the Pet Abroad community
Emily from Berlin flew to Dublin with her spaniel, Max, in early 2025 using Air France. “I was nervous at first,” she told us, “but Max curled up and slept the entire way. The crew were kind, and it was far smoother than I expected.” For Emily, this trip wasn’t just a test — it was proof that dog-friendly travel to Ireland is finally real.
Pet travel to Ireland before 2025 – Why this is a real change
Before 2025, bringing a dog to Ireland in the cabin was nearly impossible. Most airlines either didn’t allow it at all or excluded Ireland from their in-cabin routes. Pet owners had to rely on cargo or travel overland via ferries.
The recent shift, with airlines finally allowing in-cabin dogs to Ireland, marks a major and long-awaited improvement for pet families across Europe!