Dublin Airport's Pet Policy: Can You Bring Your Dog?

Dublin Airport has a new animal screening facility in Terminal 1, which means animals can travel in the hold of an aircraft. This is good news for pet owners, but the airport's facilities for animals have been criticised as inadequate, particularly for service animals such as guide dogs. While the new equipment allows animals to be screened and placed in the hold, the airport's animal relief area has been described as too small, inaccessible for those in wheelchairs, and unhygienic.

Requirements for dogs to enter the Republic of Ireland

The requirements for dogs to enter the Republic of Ireland depend on where the dog is travelling from. Here is a summary of the requirements for dogs travelling from different regions:

Travelling from the EU

Dogs travelling from the EU to the Republic of Ireland must meet the following requirements:

• Be microchipped (this must be done before vaccination)
• Have a valid rabies vaccination (the pet must be at least 12 weeks old when vaccinated)
• Have an EU Pet Passport or Health Certificate
• Be treated for tapeworm if entering from a country other than Northern Ireland, Finland, Malta or Norway

Travelling from Great Britain

Dogs travelling from Great Britain to the Republic of Ireland must meet the following requirements:

• Be microchipped (this must be done before vaccination)
• Have a valid rabies vaccination
• Have an Animal Health Certificate
• Be treated for tapeworm

Travelling from outside the EU and Great Britain

For dogs travelling from outside the EU and Great Britain, the specific entry requirements depend on the country of origin. However, at a minimum, these dogs must:

• Be microchipped (this must be done before vaccination)
• Have a valid rabies vaccination
• Have an EU Health Certificate
• Be treated for tapeworm (unless entering from Finland, Malta, Norway or Northern Ireland)
• Enter the Republic of Ireland through Cork Airport, Dublin Airport, Dublin Port, Shannon Airport, the Port of Cork at Ringaskiddy, or Rosslare Europort and undergo compliance checks on arrival
• Have a blood test after rabies vaccination and at least three months before entry, depending on the country of origin
• The owner must provide advance notice and arrange for compliance checks to be carried out on arrival

Airlines that allow dogs to fly in the cabin to Ireland

While there is no ban on dogs flying into the cabin in the Republic of Ireland, not all airlines offer this option. It is important to check with your chosen airline before booking your trip.

Aegean Airlines (Greece)

There are no restrictions on pets in the cabin or hold on flights to and from Ireland. An 8kg weight limit applies for pets in the cabin.

Air Canada

Pets are permitted in the cabin and hold on flights to Dublin, but not to Shannon. There is no maximum weight limit, but there is a maximum carrier size for soft-sided carriers of 55 x 40 x 27cm (21.5 x 15.5 x 10.5 inches). Rigid carriers should be no taller than 9 inches (23cm).

Air France

Air France allows pets to travel in the cabin and hold on flights to and from Dublin. An 8kg weight limit applies for pets in the cabin.

Delta

Delta does not have a weight limit for pets in the cabin. The maximum size of the pet carrier depends on the aircraft, but Delta recommends a soft-sided kennel with maximum dimensions of 18" x 11" x 11" (45.7 x 27.9 x 27.9cm).

Iberia (Spain)

Iberia flies between Madrid and Dublin, with an 8kg weight limit for pets in the cabin, including their carrier.

Iberia Express

The Iberia Express website states that pets are allowed in the cabin on flights from Madrid to Dublin and vice versa.

KLM

KLM allows pets in the cabin and hold on flights to and from Dublin. An 8kg weight limit applies for pets in the cabin.

Lufthansa

Lufthansa allows pets in the cabin on flights from Ireland but not to Ireland. An 8kg weight limit applies for pets in the cabin.

Norwegian

Norwegian allows pets to fly in the cabin on its flights to and from Ireland. An 8kg weight limit applies. Norwegian flies between Dublin and Gardermoen Airport in Oslo.

TAP Air Portugal

TAP Air Portugal flies between Lisbon and Dublin. An 8kg weight limit applies for pets in the cabin.

Transavia & Transavia France

Transavia flies between Dublin and Orly Airport in Paris. Both cats and dogs are permitted to fly in the cabin and hold, with an 8kg weight limit.

Vueling

Vueling allows pets to be booked in the cabin on its flights to and from Ireland. There is an 8kg weight limit.

Airlines that allow dogs to fly as checked baggage to Ireland

Dogs are allowed to fly into the Republic of Ireland as checked baggage, although the specific policies depend on the airline. While the United Kingdom has a strict ban on pet dogs flying into the country in the cabin, there is no such prohibition in the Republic of Ireland.

• Aegean Airlines (Greece)
• Air Canada
• Air France
• Air Transat (Canada)
• Delta
• Iberia (Spain)
• Iberia Express
• KLM
• Lufthansa
• Norwegian
• TAP Air Portugal (Portugal)
• Transavia & Transavia France (Netherlands & France)
• Vueling (Spain)

Please note that policies may have changed since March 15, 2024, so it is important to check the latest information on airline websites and contact the airlines directly for the most up-to-date and accurate information.

Additionally, there are specific requirements and restrictions for travelling with a dog to Ireland. For example, at Dublin Airport, there is a designated screening facility for pets travelling in the aircraft hold, and there may be restrictions on permissible weight classes. Furthermore, dogs travelling to Ireland require specific documentation, such as a valid pet passport, particular vaccinations, and a veterinary health certificate.

Dublin Airport's new animal screening facility

A Warm Welcome for Furry Friends

Dublin Airport has always been a hub of excitement, with travellers embarking on adventures and new chapters. Now, our four-legged friends can join in on the fun, thanks to our new animal screening facility! This facility is a dream come true for those who have longed to bring their beloved pets on their travels. Located in Terminal 1, it proudly serves passengers from both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, creating a seamless experience for all.

A Safe and Comfortable Journey

The new facility is designed with the safety and comfort of animals in mind. We understand that travelling can be stressful for our furry companions, so we've invested in state-of-the-art X-ray equipment specifically suited for animal screening. This ensures that pets can be safely checked into the hold of an aircraft, providing peace of mind for their owners. Our team is dedicated to making this process as smooth and stress-free as possible, so your pets can start their journey feeling relaxed and happy.

Preparing for Takeoff with Your Pet

When planning to travel with your pet, there are a few important steps to follow. Firstly, it is essential to contact your airline in advance, as policies on travelling with animals may vary. Additionally, your furry companion should be comfortably secured in a well-ventilated, leak-proof transport crate. Size restrictions apply, with a maximum height of 950mm, a width of 950mm, and a length of 2m. It is also crucial to ensure your pet has adequate space to move freely within the crate.

Documentation and Vaccinations

For overseas travel, don't forget that your pet may require specific documentation and vaccinations. A valid pet passport, microchip, particular vaccinations, and a veterinary health certificate may be necessary. These requirements vary depending on your destination, so be sure to check with your airline and the relevant authorities.

A Step Forward

We are thrilled to be able to offer this service and are committed to continuously improving the travel experience for all our passengers, including our furry friends. We invite you to come and experience the joy of travelling with your pets at Dublin Airport. Our team is here to assist you every step of the way, ensuring a smooth and memorable journey for both you and your beloved companions.

Guide dogs and assistance dogs at Dublin Airport

Guide dogs and assistance dogs are generally allowed inside the Dublin Airport terminal. However, specific airlines only take guide/assistance dogs, and other pets are not carried, even in cargo.

According to the Dublin Airport website, only guide and assistance dogs are allowed inside the terminal. However, dogs in carriers and crates that will be boarding a flight must be allowed inside the airport as well.

Guide dogs and assistance dogs are also exempted from certain requirements when travelling with their owners. For instance, while it is generally required to book in advance when travelling with pets, this does not seem to be the case for guide dogs and assistance dogs. Airlines staff can advise on the process once you reach the check-in desk.

Furthermore, while there are specific requirements for transport crates used for pets, it is unclear whether these apply to the crates used for guide dogs and assistance dogs. These crates should be well-ventilated, leak-proof, and able to contain the animal securely, with maximum dimensions of 950mm in height, 950mm in width, and 2m in length.

Frequently asked questions