Flying to Mallorca With Your Pet
Air travel with your pet can be a stressful experience for both of you. What do you need to bear in mind if you want to fly to Mallorca with your pet? Good preparation is vital to ensure that everything runs smoothly on the day.
1. Mallorca Travel Preparations for You and Your Pet
It is important to start making arrangements in good time before your planned flight – ideally at least two months in advance.
Prior to travelling, you will need to:
- Clarify which airline will allow you to bring your pet, as not all carriers give that option.
- Book your flight early, as some airlines restrict the number of pets on any one flight. It is also advisable to reconfirm your flight at least 48 hours in advance of your travel date.
- Find out from your airline whether your pet will be travelling in the cabin or in the hold.
- Check which type of pet crate is approved by your airline.
- Give your pet plenty of time to become familiar with the travel cage. The cage should be purchased well in advance, and your animal should have become used to being confined in it for some time.
- Check what type of paperwork you will need for your pet to be allowed to travel.
- Find out what vaccinations are required for your pet and ensure these are administered in time to be valid for travel.
On the day of travel, please consider the following:
- In addition to the prerequisite microchip, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) recommends adding a tag to your pet’s collar or travel cage with your (or an appropriate contact person’s) name, address and contact details.
- Your pet might find the busy surroundings of an airport quite stressful. Therefore, if your pet is allowed in the cabin, check in as late as possible (please enquire with your airline regarding check-in times).
- If your pet will be transported in the hold, check in early. Your pet will then be taken to the baggage area and put somewhere quiet and dimly lit in order to relax.
- IATA recommends that your pet be given a light meal about 2 hours before being handed over to the airline staff.
- Do not give your pet any kind of medication to help relieve stress; if your pet looks tired, lethargic, or sick, the airline may refuse to allow it aboard the aircraft.
2. Official Requirements
Flying to Mallorca from an EU member state
Travelling with a dog, cat or ferret
If you are flying between Mallorca and another EU member state with a dog, cat, or ferret, your pet must:
- Be microchipped or have a clearly readable tattoo (if this was done before 3 July 2011).
- Have a valid rabies vaccination (in case of a primary vaccination, this will need to have been administered at least 21 days prior to travel).
- Must be at least 15 weeks old (as the first rabies vaccination is given at 12 weeks old, after which follows the 21-day waiting period for the vaccination to take effect)
- Have a European Pet Passport from an authorised veterinarian (details of the rabies vaccination must be included in the passport).
Other pets
If you are travelling from another EU member state to Mallorca with other pets, these must be accompanied by an “INTRA” model veterinary health certificate. This certificate must be written at least in Spanish and issued within 10 days prior to the date of travel.
Please see the links below for further information:
- Please see here for more information on travelling with birds.
- Please see here for more information on travelling with other species.
Flying to Mallorca with your pet from a non-EU country
Travelling with a dog, cat or ferret
Air travel with your pet becomes slightly more complicated when the point of origin is a “third country” (non-EU member). The specific requirements are determined by whether the country of origin is “listed” or “non-listed” regarding its rabies risk profile under Annex II of Regulation (EU) No 577/2013.
Entry from Listed Third Countries (Low Rabies Risk)
Countries such as the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada and Australia are considered to have a controlled rabies situation and are included in the Annex II list. Pets from these nations must meet the same identification and vaccination standards as EU pets, but must be accompanied by an EU Animal Health Certificate instead of a passport.
If you are travelling to Mallorca from a listed country, your pet will need the following documentation:
- An animal health certificate, which must be signed by a licensed veterinarian and written in Spanish or in a bilingual format. The certificate is valid for entry into the EU for 10 days from the date it is issued.
- A declaration certifying that you are adhering to the conditions of travel for your pet.
- Both of the above must be in accordance with the European Union’s models. Please see here for a sample health certificate and declaration.
- A certified copy of the animal’s identification and vaccination information.
In addition to the above, your pet must be
- Microchipped or tattooed (if this was done before 3 July 2011).
- Vaccinated against rabies with a vaccine that is valid at the time of the trip.
Please note that your pet’s microchip will need to be readable with EU scanners. Chips can differ from country to country. Therefore, even if it is already chipped, it may need to undergo the process again.
Entry from Non-Listed Third Countries (High Rabies Risk)
For animals arriving from countries not included in the Annex II list, in addition to the above requirements, a Rabies Antibody Titration Test (blood test) is required to confirm that the rabies vaccination is effective. The process must be followed in this order:
- Vaccination: The animal must be vaccinated against rabies after the microchip has been implanted.
- Blood test: An authorised veterinarian must take a blood sample at least 30 days after the vaccination.
- Laboratory test: The sample must be tested in an EU-approved laboratory and must show an antibody level of at least 0.5 IU/ml.
- Waiting period: The animal can only be allowed to enter Spain three months after the date the blood sample was taken.
Because of these steps, a pet entering Spain from a high-risk country must be at least seven months old. This allows for the minimum age for vaccination (12 weeks), the 30-day wait before the blood test, and the additional 90-day waiting period before entry.
3. Arriving at Palma Airport with Your Pet
Protocol for arrivals from EU countries
When arriving from another EU Member State (such as Germany, France or Italy), your journey is classed as intra-EU travel. There are no routine veterinary or health checks at the airport.
Step 1: Collect Your Pet
- In the cabin (PETC):
Leave the aircraft with your pet in its carrier. - In the hold (AVIH):
Go to the baggage reclaim hall and collect your pet from the “Animal Claim Desk”.
Step 2: Use the “Green Channel” (Nothing to Declare)
Unlike arrivals from outside the EU, you do not need to go to the Red Channel or see a border veterinarian – no inspection is required. You can walk straight through the Green Channel and leave the airport.
Please note
Although there is no formal inspection, the Guardia Civil or airport security may carry out random checks in the terminal. If asked, you must show:
- EU Pet Passport: Showing the microchip number and a valid rabies vaccination
- Vaccination details: Make sure the rabies entry is valid and up to date. Some airlines may also require the clinical examination or legalisation sections to be completed, but for EU travel to Spain, a valid rabies record is the main requirement.
Protocol for arrivals from Non-EU countries
When arriving from a non-EU country, you must legally present your pet for inspection at a Designated Point of Entry for Travellers (PEV). Below is a clear guide to what you need to do at Palma de Mallorca Airport.
Step 1: Prepare your documents
Before you land, make sure you have these original documents ready and easy to access (do not put them in checked luggage):
- Official Animal Health Certificate (Annex IV)
- Rabies antibody (titre) test results (if arriving from a high-risk or unlisted country)
- Identification document (passport or owner’s declaration)
Step 2: Leave the aircraft and collect your pet
- If your pet travelled in the cabin:
Keep your pet with you as you leave the plane and go to baggage reclaim. - If your pet travelled in the hold:
Go to the “Animal Claim Desk” in the baggage reclaim hall.
Step 3: Go to the “Red Channel” (Customs)
Do not use the Green Channel (“Nothing to Declare”). Even if your pet is not for sale, animals arriving from non-EU countries must be declared.
- Follow signs for “Goods to Declare”
- Find the Guardia Civil / Resguardo Fiscal (Customs) desk
- Tell the officer that you are arriving with a pet from a non-EU country
Step 4: Veterinary / health Inspection
At Palma Airport, checks are carried out by Sanidad Animal (Animal Health) officers.
They will carry out the following checks:
- Microchip check: Your pet’s microchip will be scanned, and it must match the number on the certificate exactly
- Document check: They will check rabies vaccination dates, official stamps and signatures
- Visual check: A brief look to make sure your pet shows no signs of infectious disease
Step 5: Arrivals outside official opening hours (after 14:30)
Official veterinary hours are 09:00 to 14:30. If your flight arrives later:
- Customs check: Guardia Civil officers can carry out an initial check of the documents and the microchip
- Pre-notification: If you emailed [email protected] in advance, your details should already be on file, which usually speeds things up
- Conditional release:
- If everything is correct, you will usually be allowed to leave
- If there are any problems, you may be asked to return the next morning when a vet is available
- In rare cases, the animal may be held in a designated area
Step 6: Final clearance
Once all checks are completed successfully:
- Your certificate may be stamped, or you may receive a release document
- You are free to leave the airport and enter Spain
Important contact details at Palma de Mallorca Airport
- Pre-notification email: [email protected]
- Airport phone (general): (+34) 913 21 10 00
(Ask for Sanidad Animal at Palma) - Location: The Animal Health control point is in the Arrivals hall, near Customs
4. Official Requirements for Air Travel from Mallorca to Another Country
Flying from Mallorca to an EU country
The rules are the same as travelling from an EU country to Spain (EU Pet Passport, chip, rabies vaccine – see above for details). The exceptions are Ireland, Malta, and Finland, where, in addition to the above, dogs also require treatment for Echinococcus multilocularis (tapeworm) 24–120 hours before arrival.
While Spain does not require this treatment for dogs arriving from other Member States, Ireland, Malta, and Finland are officially free of the parasite and therefore mandate the treatment for any dog arriving from Spain.
Flying from Mallorca to a non-EU country
If you are flying from Mallorca to a non-EU country, you will need to check the regulations for the country you are travelling to. Please see here for information on bringing a pet to Great Britain.
Good preparation is vital if you want to travel to Mallorca with your pet.
5. Frequently Asked Questions
Is Palma Airport pet-friendly?
Pets are permitted at Palma Airport, and you can even bring them to the VIP lounges. There are several “pet zones” distributed across the airport. These are fenced areas where your pet can relieve itself and have a drink. These are located as follows:
- Arrivals, ground floor (public zone)
- Departures level 4, on the terrace (public zone)
- Departures Module C (accessible only for passengers)
Can my pet travel in the airline cabin?
This will be different from airline to airline and will also depend on the country you are travelling to and from. As a general rule, animals are mostly required to travel in the hold. If the airline does permit pets in the cabin, your pet must meet certain requirements, such as weighing no more than 10 kilos (including the pet carrier) and being able to fit under the seat in front of you. This rule does not apply to guide dogs who are allowed to travel in the cabin with their owner.
What is the procedure if my pet travels in the cargo hold?
Generally speaking, if you want to travel with your pet to or from Mallorca, it will have to travel in a pressurised cargo hold. While this might raise concerns, it is reassuring to note that thousands of pets travel around the world this way every year.
Nearly all airports have specially designated grassy areas where pets can relieve themselves prior to being handed over to the airline for loading. Once you hand your pet over to the ground staff, you will not be able to see it again until you arrive at your destination.
On arrival at your destination airport, you will need to go to the ‘Animal Claim’ desk to pick up your pet. This can be found in the Baggage Reclaim area.
Will my pet be fed during the flight?
No. It’s preferred that pets fly on an empty stomach. As mentioned above, IATA recommends a light meal about 2 hours before handing your pet to the airline staff. Water containers that should be fitted to the travel containers will be refilled on departure.
Should my pet be sedated?
The use of sedatives can have injurious effects on the animal’s health due to adverse reactions and, therefore, isn’t recommended.
Where can I get further information?
More information can be obtained on the IATA website and on the Spanish Government website, as well as from your airline.
6. Assistance Dogs and Guide Dogs
Assistance/guide dogs on domestic and international routes are allowed on most airlines. You can find more information on our page Flying to Mallorca with a Guide Dog / Assistance Dog.
7. Pets on Public Transport in Mallorca
In Palma de Mallorca
EMT buses
Dogs and some other pets have been permitted to travel on the Palma City EMT buses since 17/1/2022. The rules are as follows:
- Dogs need to be on a lead and wear a muzzle.
- You will also need to purchase a bus ticket for your dog, which costs € 0,30.
- Smaller pets will need to be in a carrier and can be taken on the bus free of charge.
Train and Metro
As of 12/4/2024, dogs and some other pets are also allowed to travel on trains and on the Metro. The following rules apply:
- Pets can only travel in the last carriage.
- Dogs need to be on a lead, wear a muzzle, be microchipped and stay close to their owners.
- Smaller pets need to be in a carrier.
- Pets in a carrier travel free of charge. Dogs that travel without a carrier box need to pay.
Across the island
Pets are not currently allowed on the interurban TIB buses, with the exception of guide dogs. Please see here for more information on bus travel in Mallorca.
8. Mallorca Pet Services
Dog grooming
If you require a dog groomer on the island, the friendly English-speaking team at Palma Paws has experience with all breeds. They are based in Portals Nous, only a short drive away from Palma city centre. Your furry friend will be pampered in a calm and relaxed environment and will come out looking and feeling their best.
Contact:
Palma Paws, Ctra. Andratx, 30, 07181 Portals Nous
Tel (+34) 600 34 66 40
Veterinarians
If your pet becomes unwell in Mallorca, you may need to take it to one of the animal hospitals or emergency vets, of which there are plenty dotted around the island. It might be best to familiarise yourself with the clinic or vet closest to you, so you know who to contact in an emergency.
9. Pet-Friendly Accommodation in Mallorca
There is no shortage of pet-friendly accommodation in Mallorca, and you can choose from a wide range of hotels, apartments and villas in various locations around the island. Here is a small selection:
Stay in a hotel in Can Pastilla
This area is close to Palma Airport and can be reached easily and quickly by taxi or bus. There is a fantastic beach promenade which lends itself to long dog walks. And, even better, one of the few dog-friendly beaches in Mallorca, Es Carnatge, is close by.
Hotel Alua Leo ****
Manuela de los Herreros, 12
07610 Can Pastilla
Hotel Amic Miraflores Mallorca ***
Carrer del Xabec, 4
07610 Palma
Relax in an apartment in Santa Ponsa
Mediterranean Sea View Apartment
Self-catering
12 Carrer de Ramon de Montcada
07180 Santa Ponsa
Enjoy a villa in Felanitx
Can Roca
Self catering
Cami De Son Valls
07209 Felanitx