The Ferry: The Only Way to Travel with Your Pet to Mallorca

If you want to take your dog (or cat) to Mallorca, the ferry is essentially your only option. Airlines either refuse pets entirely or restrict them to the cargo hold – stressful for the animal and the owner. On the ferry, your pet travels with you: either in a pet cabin where they stay by your side, or in a dedicated pet-friendly area on board. It is a far more humane and relaxed way to travel. Here is everything you need to know about taking pets on the Barcelona–Mallorca ferry route in 2026.

Pet Accommodation on the Ferry

Pet Cabins

  • Available on: Baleària, Trasmediterránea
  • Price: +€60–100 per cabin
  • Description: Dedicated cabins where pets are allowed inside
  • Located on: Specific pet-friendly decks
  • Includes: Bed, bathroom, and space for pet bed/crate
  • Availability: Very limited – book months ahead

This is by far the best option. Your pet stays with you all night in the cabin. They are calmer and you can attend to their needs.

Kennel Area

  • Available on: All operators
  • Price: €20–40 per animal
  • Description: Secure cages/kennels in a dedicated area
  • Access: You can visit during specific hours
  • Bedding: Bring your own blanket or bed
  • Size limits: Check with operator for large dogs

The budget option. Adequate but less comfortable for both pet and owner. Some dogs find it stressful being separated.

Small Pets in Cabin

  • Weight limit: Usually under 6–8 kg
  • Requirement: Must be in an approved carrier
  • Carrier dimensions: Check with operator (typically 45x35x25 cm max)
  • Price: €15–30
  • Note: Pet must remain in carrier in cabin

Small dogs and cats in carriers can often travel in a standard cabin. Much cheaper than a pet cabin.

Open Deck / Pet Area

  • Available on: Most ferries
  • Description: Designated outdoor area for exercising
  • Access: Usually available throughout the crossing
  • Lead: Required at all times
  • Useful for: Toilet breaks and fresh air

Essential: EU Pet Passport Requirements for Spain

EU and EEA citizens need an EU Pet Passport issued by their national vet authority. Ensure your pet’s rabies vaccination is current (recorded in the passport) and your pet is microchipped (ISO 11784/11785). Allow 21 days after a first rabies vaccination before travel. Non-EU travellers should check their national authority’s requirements before booking.

Documentation Required

For EU/EEA Travellers

  • EU Pet Passport: Issued by your national vet authority — reusable, valid for the life of the animal
  • Microchip: ISO 11784/11785 compliant (must be implanted before or on the same day as the first rabies vaccination)
  • Rabies vaccination: Current and recorded in the pet passport — annual boosters required in most countries
  • Wait period: 21 days after a first rabies vaccination before international travel is permitted

The EU Pet Passport is standardised and recognised across all EU/EEA member states. Check it is up to date before each trip — particularly the vaccination section.

At the Ferry Terminal

  • Pet passport check: Staff may check your pet’s documentation at boarding
  • Declare your pet: Do this when purchasing your ticket — not all ships or cabins carry pets
  • Lead/carrier required: Pets must be on a lead or in a carrier in all terminal areas
  • Extra time: Allow 30–45 extra minutes at the port for dedicated pet check-in

Baleària and GNV both have dedicated pet check-in lanes at Barcelona port. Arriving early reduces stress for both you and your pet.

Pet-Friendly Mallorca

The good news: Mallorca is increasingly pet-friendly, making it a great destination for dog owners.

Dog Beaches

  • Playa de Llenaire: Puerto Pollensa (dog-friendly section)
  • Cala Blava: Near Palma, dog-friendly all year
  • Es Carnatge: Between Palma and Can Pastilla
  • Note: Most beaches ban dogs Jun–Sep. Dog beaches are the exception

Practical Information

  • Restaurants: Many terrace restaurants welcome dogs
  • Hiking: Dogs welcome on Serra de Tramuntana trails (on lead)
  • Vets: Numerous English-speaking vets across the island
  • Water: Carry water on walks – it gets very hot in summer
  • Law: Dogs must be on lead in public areas

Pet Travel Tips

Book the pet cabin immediately. There are typically only 4–8 pet cabins per ship. In summer, these sell out months in advance. Book as soon as your travel dates are confirmed.
Check your EU pet passport early. Visit your vet at least 4 weeks before travel to confirm vaccinations are current. The rabies vaccination requires a 21-day wait period before international travel if it needs renewing.
Bring familiar items. Your pet's own bed, blanket, toys, and regular food help reduce stress. The ferry environment is unfamiliar – familiar scents make a big difference.
Exercise before boarding. Give your dog a long walk before going to the port. A tired dog is a calm dog – they will settle much better for the overnight crossing.
Know your return requirements. Some countries require a vet health check or updated documentation for re-entry. Confirm your specific country’s requirements with your vet before departing — and locate a vet near your Mallorca accommodation just in case.

Costs Summary for Pet Travel

  • Pet cabin supplement: €60–100 per crossing (book early — very limited availability)
  • Kennel area: €20–40 per crossing
  • Small pet in carrier (standard cabin): €15–30 per crossing
  • EU pet passport update / vet check: €30–80 if vaccinations need renewing
  • Pet-friendly accommodation (Mallorca): varies — book in advance as availability is limited in peak season
  • Total estimate (EU traveller, return crossing): from €120–250 including ferry supplements and any vet costs

Tip: Baleària loyalty programme members sometimes receive discounts on pet supplements. Check when booking online.

Ready to Book Your Pet-Friendly Ferry?

Pet cabins sell out months in advance — check availability now to secure your spot.

Check Availability & Book Cabin types & prices Barcelona–Palma guide