Traveling to Mallorca with a Dog or Cat: How to Plan Flight and Ferry Trips with Your Four-Legged Friends

Why many people travel with their four-legged companions

I know this from my circle of friends: the booking is made, the suitcase is half full — and then the question: what happens to Bello or Mieze? For many of us, pets are real family members. That is why many people now fly to Mallorca with a dog or a cat. It is possible, but it only works with good preparation.

Important preparations at the veterinarian

Before you stand at check-in, a visit to the veterinarian is on the agenda. Check the microchip number, verify the vaccination status, fill out the EU pet passport — all of this should be done well in advance. Some practices schedule appointments a week beforehand, others require several weeks of lead time for special vaccinations. Tip: it's best to call right away and tell them when you plan to travel (two to four weeks of lead time is often sensible).

Flight: Cabin, Cargo Hold, or Leave Your Pet at Home?

Whether your animal may travel in the cabin depends on weight, size, and the airline. Many carriers allow small dogs and cats in suitable transport bags or boxes; as a rough guideline, some airlines consider a total weight (pet plus crate) of around 8 kg. Larger animals usually travel in the air-conditioned cargo hold—and for some owners that's a no-go because it can be stressful for the animal.

Important points for the flight:

- Check the dimensions and weight of the crate
- Introduce the crate several days in advance so the animal becomes familiar with it
- Light meal about two hours before departure (keep offering water)

What animal welfare advocates and experts say

Some animal welfare organizations advise avoiding air travel if there are avoidable alternatives. Especially transport in the cargo hold can be stressful for animals: unfamiliar noises, darkness, long waiting times. On the other hand, there are dogs that are used to traveling and show less stress. Here, only an honest assessment and, if necessary, advice from the veterinarian helps.

Ferry trip to Mallorca: more relaxed, but not without rules

The crossing with Balearia or Trasmediterránea is often more relaxed: animals are housed in special areas, and the companies require prior registration. Costs depend on size and crate dimensions. Do not rely on blanket strolls — many ferries have clear rules about staying in specific areas.

Practical tips for arrival and departure

At Palma Airport there is now a zona de mascotas, at Munich Airport there is even a dog toilet in Terminal 1. Use such facilities. Let your dog run once more beforehand, pack familiar blankets or a worn T-shirt — the scent often calms. And: keep documents in a separate folder to save stress at check-in.

Small checklist to copy

Before the trip: veterinary appointment, EU passport, check microchip, buy and train the crate. On travel day: light meal, plenty of water, leash/transport bag within reach. For questions: contact the airline or ferry in advance.

There is no one-size-fits-all solution, but with good preparation, a Mallorca vacation together often goes better than you think. And anyone who has seen how calmly the dog dozes next to its human after the first beach stroll knows: sometimes it's worth the effort to do it.