Ireland → France
Travelling with a dog from Ireland to France
Because both countries use the EU pet-movement system, the document is a valid EU pet passport rather than an AHC. The direct ferry can also avoid an unnecessary Great Britain landbridge.
Rules and airline policies last reviewed 21 August 2026
No tapeworm treatment is required for a dog leaving Ireland for France. A vet in France must treat and record the dog 24 to 120 hours before the return to Ireland.
- Document
- EU pet passport
- Outbound tapeworm
- Not required
- Return tapeworm
- Dogs: 24–120 hours before Ireland arrival
- Direct route
- Dublin/Rosslare–Cherbourg services vary by season
In the right order
Your step-by-step checklist
- 1
Before booking
Verify the passport
Check microchip, owner and rabies sections. A primary or lapsed rabies vaccination needs the required waiting period.
- 2
Early
Book the pet facility
Direct sailings may use kennel or pet-cabin products depending on the ship. Pet spaces sell separately from passenger space.
- 3
Travel day
Bring original documents
Allow the operator's extra check-in time for passport and microchip checks.
- 4
1–5 days before returning
Arrange a French vet
For a dog, the vet records the qualifying tapeworm treatment with exact time, stamp and signature.
- 5
Arrival
Return through an Irish entry point
Follow Irish arrival and compliance-check instructions and keep the original passport accessible.
Choose the journey
Transport options
Cars, larger dogs and slower travel
Direct Ireland–France ferry
Irish Ferries publishes kennel and selected pet-cabin facilities by ship. Check current seasonal schedule.
Only after carrier confirmation
Air
Ryanair does not carry ordinary pets. Aer Lingus rules vary by operation and household pets are not a standard cabin product.
Route-aware comparison
Airline pet policies
The operating carrier, direction, aircraft and available pet space all matter. “Cabin allowed” never means every flight.
| Airline | Cabin | Larger pets | Route warning |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aer Lingus ↗ | Household pets are not accepted at passenger check-in; assistance dogs are separate. | Cats and dogs on eligible transatlantic services travel in the hold through an approved pet agent. | No pet transport on Aer Lingus Regional operated by Emerald Airlines; some aircraft cannot carry live animals. |
| Ryanair ↗ | Does not carry pets. | No hold or cargo pet product for ordinary pets. | Only qualifying guide/assistance dogs are accepted on certain routes. |
| Air France ↗ | Cats and dogs up to 8 kg including carrier may be eligible for the cabin, subject to route and availability. | More than 8 kg and up to 75 kg including carrier travels in the hold when accepted. | Useful for eligible US/Great Britain departures to France or onward EU travel. UK-bound pets are governed by the UK's cargo-only air-entry rule. |
| KLM ↗ | One cat or dog in Economy, or Business within Europe; pet plus carrier up to 8 kg and 46 × 28 × 24 cm. | Eligible pets can travel in the hold up to 75 kg combined, subject to aircraft, breed and connection restrictions. | Useful for eligible US→EU and departures from Great Britain. KLM does not accept pets into the UK as passenger cabin/hold baggage. |
Plain-English answers
Frequently asked questions
Can I use an Irish pet passport in France?
Yes, a valid EU pet passport is the standard document for non-commercial travel between Ireland and France.
Does my dog need tapeworm treatment for France?
No for the outbound journey. It is required 24–120 hours before returning to Ireland.
Can I take a dog on the ferry as a foot passenger?
It depends on the sailing and facility. Confirm the current foot-passenger pet product before arranging transport to the port.
Verified, not vibes
Official sources
These rules and policies were checked on 21 August 2026. Use the links below for the final check immediately before travel.