Want to bring your dog or cat to Mallorca? Within the EU it is relatively straightforward.
Requirements (EU travel)
- EU Pet Passport
- Microchip (ISO 11784/11785)
- Rabies vaccination (valid, min. 21 days before travel)
- Maximum 5 pets per person
Flying
- Cabin: Small pets up to ~8 kg (incl. carrier). 30-75 euros
- Cargo hold: Larger pets in approved crate. 75-200 euros
- Rules vary by airline – check before booking
Ferry
From Barcelona or Valencia to Palma with Baleària, Trasmed or GNV. Pets are allowed on board (kennels on the outer deck, pet seats or pet cabins). For many dogs the less stressful option compared with flying.
Puppies under 12 weeks: what applies on the ferry?
Under EU pet-travel rules a dog’s first rabies vaccination can only be given from 12 weeks of age. For international travel the vaccination only becomes valid 21 days later – hence the well-known minimum age of 15 weeks for crossing borders.
The ferry from mainland Spain to the Balearic Islands, however, is domestic travel within Spain, not an international border crossing. The 15-week rule should therefore not automatically be applied to a Barcelona–Mallorca crossing. The real question is: Will the ferry company accept an unvaccinated puppy under 12 weeks? – and that depends on the carrier’s own conditions.
What to do:
- Contact the ferry company before booking and state the puppy’s exact age.
- Explain that the puppy is too young for its first rabies vaccination and ask whether it can travel on the domestic service with its microchip and veterinary documentation.
- Get the confirmation in writing so there is no discussion at the port.
Example: A 10-week-old puppy cannot meet the EU requirements for international travel (vaccination from 12 weeks plus 21 days). For the domestic Barcelona → Mallorca route this is not an automatic prohibition – the carrier’s pet policy is what counts.
Pet policies of the ferry operators:
- Baleària – Travelling with pets (Barcelona/Valencia → Mallorca)
- Trasmed (Barcelona/Valencia → Mallorca, pet cabins and pet seats)
- GNV – Travelling with pets (Valencia → Mallorca/Ibiza)
Always check the current requirements directly with the ferry company – pet policies and documentation requirements can change at any time. This section is not legal or veterinary advice.
Once in Mallorca
- Register: Dogs must be registered at the local Ajuntament
- Dangerous breeds (PPP): Special licence, insurance and muzzle required
- Beaches: Dogs banned from most beaches June-September
Back to moving to Mallorca guide.
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