Mallorca with a dog: What you need to know for your finca holiday

In short: For Mallorca, your dog needs a microchip, an EU pet passport, and a valid rabies vaccination; you must wait 21 days after the initial vaccination, and the dog must be at least 15 weeks old. During the bathing season, dogs are banned from most beaches. Whether a finca allows dogs is up to the owner, so be sure to ask before booking.

There are family members who never ask for the Wi-Fi password, are happy about every olive tree, and are the first ones by the pool in the morning. Of course, the dog should come along. And a finca with a garden sounds like the perfect place for it: no hotel hallways, no neighbors behind thin walls, plenty of room to sniff around. To ensure the vacation is relaxing for everyone involved, including those with four paws, you should clarify a few things beforehand.

Entry: What your dog needs for Mallorca

Mallorca is part of Spain and therefore part of the EU. The EU rules for pets apply to dogs from Germany and Austria:

• Microchip: The chip must be inserted before the rabies vaccination; the number is in the pet passport.
• EU pet passport: The blue passport is mandatory and issued by a veterinarian. A standard vaccination record is not sufficient.
• Rabies vaccination: Earliest at twelve weeks of age. There is a waiting period of 21 days after the first vaccination before the dog is allowed to enter. If the booster is given on time, the waiting period does not apply.
• Minimum age: The dog must be at least 15 weeks old upon entry.

There is no quarantine if everything is in order. Plan the vet appointment early, however, especially for young dogs.

Flight or ferry?

Many airlines allow small dogs to travel in the cabin in a transport carrier, provided the dog and carrier together stay under a certain weight limit. Larger dogs travel in the air-conditioned cargo hold. Rules, carrier dimensions, and registration deadlines vary by airline, so check with them early, as space for pets is limited. Those traveling by their own car should take the ferry from Barcelona or Valencia. On board, dogs usually stay in designated areas, not in the cabin.

Beaches: where dogs are allowed and where they are not

During the bathing season, roughly from May to October, dogs are banned from the vast majority of beaches in Mallorca. Instead, there are designated dog beaches or beach sections. In the north, the municipality of Pollença has for years allowed dogs on a section of Platja de Llenaire on the outskirts of Port de Pollença towards Alcúdia. Other well-known dog beaches are located near Palma and Can Picafort. Because municipalities adjust their rules frequently, watch for local signage. In the off-season, dogs are tolerated on many beaches. We have a separate overview for all other beaches in the north: Beaches in the north of Mallorca.

Dogs must be kept on a leash in towns and on promenades. Certain breeds are subject to stricter rules in Spain, requiring a leash and muzzle in public; inform yourself in advance if your dog could be affected.

Heat and sandflies: the two underestimated topics

Heat

In July and August, afternoons in Mallorca become very hot. Asphalt and stone paving can quickly become too warm for paws. Take your dog for walks early in the morning and in the evening; at noon, stick to the shade on the terrace. Always have water with you in the car. For many dogs, spring and autumn are the more pleasant times to travel. You can find out when else Mallorca is worth visiting in our article on the best time to travel.

Sandflies and leishmaniasis

Around the Mediterranean, sandflies can transmit leishmaniasis, a serious disease in dogs. These flies are particularly active during the warm season at dusk and at night. Talk to your veterinarian well in advance of your trip about appropriate protection, such as spot-on treatments or collars. In the evening, the dog is safer inside the house than in the garden.

Finca with a dog: ask these questions before booking

Whether dogs are allowed in a vacation property is decided by the owner. This varies from house to house. Therefore, ask before booking; we will clarify this for you directly with the owners. These questions will help with your decision:

• Are dogs allowed, and if so, how many and what size?
• Is there an additional fee or a higher security deposit?
• Is the property fenced, and how secure is the gate?
• Are there areas in the house that are off-limits, such as bedrooms or sofas?
• How is the pool secured, and can the dog get out on its own?
• Are there neighbor dogs, sheep, or chickens at the fence?

What you don't need to lug around in your suitcase

Dog food for two weeks is heavy and takes up space. In the WOW MART pet supply section, you will find dry food, wet food, snacks, and waste bags and can have them delivered to your finca along with the rest of your groceries. If your dog is sensitive to changes in diet, bring their usual food for the first few days and switch gradually.

Packing list for the dog

• EU pet passport and a copy of vaccination records
• Leash, harness, and muzzle if necessary
• Collapsible water bowl for on the go
• Familiar blanket or bed; this helps them settle in
• Tick remover and medications your dog needs
• Towel for beach and pool

Everything else for humans can be found in our packing list for a finca vacation. And if something happens during your stay, even at night: WOW FINCA is available around the clock, and there is a red telephone in every finca. You can find all houses in the WOW FINCAS overview, and any questions about your dog can be answered by the WOW CONCIERGE.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does my dog need for entry into Mallorca?

A microchip, the EU pet passport, and a valid rabies vaccination. A waiting period of 21 days applies after the initial vaccination, and the dog must be at least 15 weeks old upon entry. There is no quarantine.

Are dogs allowed on beaches in Mallorca?

During the bathing season, roughly from May to October, dogs are banned from most beaches. However, there are designated dog beaches, for example, a section of Platja de Llenaire in the municipality of Pollença in the north. Observe local signage for current rules.

What is the best time to travel to Mallorca with a dog?

Spring and autumn. In July and August, it is too hot for many dogs, and sandflies, which can transmit leishmaniasis, are particularly active during the warm season.

Are dogs allowed in fincas on Mallorca?

That is up to the individual owner and varies from house to house. Ask before booking; WOW FINCA will clarify this for you directly with the owners.

Do I need to bring dog food to Mallorca?

No. Dog food, snacks, and waste bags are available in the WOW MART pet supply section. For sensitive dogs, it is worth bringing their usual food for the first few days.