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, with specific guidance for UK travellers navigating post-Brexit requirements.

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: UK Pet Travel After Brexit

Since the UK left the EU, pet travel requirements have changed significantly. The old EU pet passport is no longer valid for UK-issued passports. Instead, UK travellers need an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) issued by a UK vet no more than 10 days before travel. This is a crucial change – failure to comply can result in your pet being refused entry to Spain.

Documentation Required

For UK Travellers (Post-Brexit)

  • Microchip: ISO 11784/11785 compliant (mandatory)
  • Rabies vaccination: Must be current (given after microchipping)
  • Animal Health Certificate (AHC): Issued by a UK vet, valid 10 days
  • Tapeworm treatment: For dogs, 1–5 days before travel to the UK (for return)
  • Wait period: 21 days after first rabies vaccination before travel

Important: The AHC must be obtained for each trip. Unlike the old EU pet passport, it is not a reusable document. Budget £100–200 for veterinary costs.

For EU/EEA Travellers

  • EU Pet Passport: Issued by your national vet authority
  • Microchip: ISO compliant
  • Rabies vaccination: Recorded in the pet passport
  • Tapeworm treatment: For dogs travelling to certain countries

EU citizens benefit from the simpler pet passport system. The passport is reusable and valid for the life of the animal (as long as rabies vaccination is kept current).

Returning to the UK with Your Pet

The return journey has its own requirements, managed by DEFRA (the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs). These are non-negotiable:

  • Tapeworm treatment: Dogs must receive tapeworm treatment from a vet in Spain, 1–5 days before re-entering the UK. This must be recorded in your AHC or pet passport.
  • Approved route: You must enter the UK on an approved route with an authorised transport company. The ferry operators on this route are all approved.
  • Check at border: Your pet's documents will be checked before boarding the ferry and potentially again on arrival in the UK (if returning via Barcelona and onwards).
  • Penalties: Failure to comply can result in your pet being quarantined at your expense, or refused entry.

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.
Start paperwork early. UK travellers should visit their vet at least 4 weeks before travel. The rabies vaccination requires a 21-day wait period, and the AHC must be issued within 10 days of departure.
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.
Remember tapeworm treatment for the return. If returning to the UK, your dog needs tapeworm treatment from a Spanish vet 1–5 days before the return journey. Find a vet near your accommodation in advance.

Costs Summary for Pet Travel

  • Pet cabin supplement: €60–100 per crossing
  • Kennel option: €20–40 per crossing
  • Small pet in carrier: €15–30 per crossing
  • UK Animal Health Certificate: £100–200 (vet fees)
  • Rabies vaccination (if needed): £50–80
  • Tapeworm treatment (Spain): €20–40
  • Total estimate (UK traveller, return): £300–500 including all documentation and ferry supplements

Plan Your Pet-Friendly Ferry Crossing

Cabin types & prices Compare operators Barcelona–Palma guide