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Aer Lingus Pet TravelEI

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FAQ about Aer Lingus pet policy

Policy last updated: April 22, 2026

Accepted pets:🐱 Cat🐶 Dog
Min age: 15 weeks

In-Cabin Travel

Not allowed

Pet cats and dogs are not permitted in the cabin. All pets (cats and dogs) must travel in the aircraft hold via IAG Cargo. Pets are not accepted at passenger check-in under any circumstances. Pets cannot be carried on A321neo LR aircraft as cargo holds are not ventilated. Transportation of pets is not permitted on Aer Lingus Regional flights operated by Emerald Airlines.

Cargo / Hold

Allowed
As checked baggage No
As freight Yes

Pets must be booked via a pet agent at IAG Cargo. Customers from North America can contact the North American Pet Desk at 1 (866) 300-4004 (Mon–Sat, 9am–8pm EST) or petdesk@iagcargo.com. Maximum weight limits apply to containers and animals — refer to IAG Cargo for specifics. No live animals on A321neo LR aircraft (cargo holds not ventilated). Not permitted on Aer Lingus Regional (Emerald Airlines) flights.

Service Animals

Allowed
🐾Accepted species🐶 Dog
Must fit at passenger feet Yes
Advance notice required Yes
Documentation requiredAssistance Dog Identification Card from qualifying organisation (for European flights)Proof of organisation's affiliation with IGDF or ADI (for European flights)US DOT Service Animal Air Transportation Form (for flights to/from USA)US DOT Service Animal Relief Attestation Form (for flights to/from USA of 8 hours or longer)Service Animal Air Transportation Form (for flights to/from Canada, Barbados, or Mexico)

Service dogs must be individually trained to do work or perform a task for the passenger's benefit. Must be harnessed, leashed, or tethered at all times. Must be clean and well-behaved. The following breeds must be securely muzzled and led by a sufficiently strong chain/leash not exceeding 2 metres by a person over 16: American Pit Bull Terrier, Bull Mastiff, Doberman Pinscher, English Bull Terrier, German Shepherd (Alsatian), Japanese Akita. Must fit at passenger's feet, under the seat, or in lap; if in a kennel, must fit under the seat in front. May not be in an exit row or block any aisle. Business class passengers forfeit lie-flat feature to accommodate service dog. Travel free if they fit in allotted space; otherwise additional seat may be required. Limit of one service dog per passenger (free) for European flights; limit of two service dogs per passenger (free) for North America connecting flights to Europe. Advance notice recommended as early as possible, at latest 24 hours before departure. Documentation must be submitted 48 hours before departure if booked 48+ hours in advance, or presented at airport if booked within 48 hours. Final approval at airport. New CDC requirements for bringing service dogs into US apply from 01 August 2024.

🐱🐶

Species Rules

Service animals exempt Yes

Aer Lingus accepts domestic cats and dogs only. Trained service dogs (dogs only) are accepted in the cabin. Pets, emotional support animals, and service animals in training are not accepted on board.

Breed Restrictions

  • Some dangerous dog breeds may not be accepted for travel (refer to IAG Cargo)
  • Snub-nosed breeds of cats and dogs may not be accepted for travel (refer to IAG Cargo)
  • American Pit Bull Terrier (service animals must be muzzled and leashed)
  • Bull Mastiff (service animals must be muzzled and leashed)
  • Doberman Pinscher (service animals must be muzzled and leashed)
  • English Bull Terrier (service animals must be muzzled and leashed)
  • German Shepherd / Alsatian (service animals must be muzzled and leashed)
  • Japanese Akita (service animals must be muzzled and leashed)

Documentation Required

  • EU Pet Travel Rules compliance documentation (for animals entering Ireland/EU)
  • Advance notice form submitted to the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine at least 24 hours before departure (when entering Ireland from a non-EU country including UK excluding Northern Ireland)
  • Scheduled compliance check confirmation at check-in (when entering Ireland from non-EU country)
  • Proof of compliance check in another EU Member State (if applicable when transiting)
  • All pet travel paperwork must be retained throughout the journey
What types of animals are permitted in the cabin?
No pet cats or dogs are permitted in the cabin. Only trained service dogs (for passengers with a disability or reduced mobility) are accepted in the cabin. Pets, emotional support animals, and service animals in training are not accepted on board.
Can pets travel in the cargo hold, and what are the requirements?
Yes, domestic cats and dogs can travel in the aircraft hold via IAG Cargo. Pets must be booked through a pet agent at IAG Cargo — they cannot be presented at the passenger check-in desk. Animals must be at least 15 weeks old. Maximum weight limits apply to containers and animals (refer to IAG Cargo). Some dangerous dog breeds and snub-nosed breeds may not be accepted. No live animals on A321neo LR aircraft (cargo holds not ventilated). Not permitted on Aer Lingus Regional (Emerald Airlines) flights.
Is there a limit on the number of pets per passenger or per flight?
Specific limits per passenger for cargo travel are not stated on the Aer Lingus website; refer to IAG Cargo for details. For service dogs, the limit is one per passenger free of charge on European flights, and two per passenger (free) on North America connecting flights to Europe.
Are there any breed restrictions for pets traveling in the cabin or cargo?
Some dangerous dog breeds and snub-nosed breeds of cats and dogs may not be accepted for cargo travel — refer to IAG Cargo for specific breed lists. For service dogs in the cabin, American Pit Bull Terrier, Bull Mastiff, Doberman Pinscher, English Bull Terrier, German Shepherd (Alsatian), and Japanese Akita must be securely muzzled and led by a strong chain/leash not exceeding two metres.
What documents and health certificates are required to travel with a pet?
All animals entering Ireland must comply with EU Pet Travel Rules. If entering Ireland from a non-EU country (including UK excluding Northern Ireland), an advance notice form must be submitted to the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine at least 24 hours before departure, and a compliance check must be scheduled on arrival. Evidence of the scheduled compliance check must be presented at check-in. All pet travel paperwork must be retained throughout the journey.
How do I book a flight for my pet, and can I do it online?
Pets must be booked via a pet agent at IAG Cargo. Pets cannot be brought to an Aer Lingus check-in desk. Customers from North America can contact the North American Pet Desk at 1 (866) 300-4004 (Mon–Sat, 9am–8pm EST) or email petdesk@iagcargo.com.
Are there special requirements for international travel with a pet?
Yes. All animals entering Ireland/EU must comply with EU Pet Travel Rules. Pets entering Ireland from non-EU countries (including the UK excluding Northern Ireland) require an advance notice form submitted at least 24 hours before departure and a compliance check on arrival. Entry requirements vary by destination country — check destination country rules in addition to Aer Lingus requirements.
Is there a dedicated contact for pet travel inquiries?
Pets must be booked via IAG Cargo. North American customers can contact the North American Pet Desk at 1 (866) 300-4004 (Mon–Sat, 9am–8pm EST) or petdesk@iagcargo.com.

Source: Official pet policy page ↗