As Loriot said so beautifully: “A life without a Mops is possible but pointless.”
Many dog owners think the same about their four-legged friends – no matter what breed – and therefore Fiffi, Rex and Co. should also be part of the Mallorca holiday. What you should pay attention to, what you can do with your dog, and where you will find the most beautiful dog-friendly accommodations and beaches you can learn here.
Preparations start even before the journey begins. It is, however, difficult to advise on legally required vaccinations as these are continuously changing. The German veterinarian, Dr. Gordon Schier, who has been practicing in the northeast of the island since 1997, has for many years given presentations about “holidays with a dog” in Mallorca. Dr. Schier says:
”As is normal in the EU the dog should be identifiable either by a microchip or by a legible tattoo, and should be accompanied by a pet identification document showing a valid rabies vaccination not older than 4 weeks. Puppies under 3 months of age have not had time to build up an immunisation and are therefore prohibited from entering Spain”.
Especially in the summer months Dr. Schier also recommends a combined flea and tick preparation which also protects against sandflies, common in Mediterranean countries, and responsible for Leishmaniasis. There are also special rules for the entry of so-called ‘listed dogs’ – commonly called ‘attack dogs’ – which vary from region to region and can be obtained from the Spanish embassy.
Car or plane?
Both methods are not free of stress for the four-legged family member. A lot of airlines allow the transport of small dogs up to 6 kilos in weight in the cabin – naturally in a suitable transport box. The bigger animals must travel in the cargo hold where, even though air-conditioned, it is not particularly comfortable. Familiarise the dog with the box as much as possible before the flight and book well in advance – low-cost airlines like Ryanair do not allow animals at all and others only a limited number. Those who go on holiday to Mallorca by car can not avoid a ferry trip. Both ferry companies Balearia and Acciona allow dogs and on deck there are dog boxes where owners can visit their pets during the crossing to stroke, feed or water the animal.
The nicest holiday homes where dogs are allowed
Whilst it is sometimes difficult to find a hotel, a holiday finca often offers better possibilities for a relaxing vacation with the four-legged family member. There is enough space and a garden where you can enjoy the time together. More importantly you are private, so the self-appointed bodyguard does not have the opportunity to raise the alarm every time another guest passes by the room. And even if the dog barks, there is no one near to be disturbed. For a holiday with your dog on Mallorca you will find here around 100 pet-friendly holiday homes.
Cafes and public transport with a dog
Most restaurants and cafes tolerate dogs outside and on the terraces, but they are seldom allowed inside. Every proprietor decides for himself but generally the Spanish simply do not like dogs inside. Although in some other countries dogs are allowed on public transport, this is not the case in Mallorca.
In Palma’s metro and trains dogs, apart from guide dogs, are forbidden. In the overland buses which travel all over the island it is a similar situation. In Palma city buses, however, it depends on the route and thanks to the efforts of Baldea, (the Balearic animal protection association), dogs may be taken on the route numbers 1, 2, 3, 15, 20, 21 and 30 but must wear a muzzle. With taxis it is best to ask the driver if dogs are allowed in his taxi. Where possible avoid the use of public transport and use a rental car – none of the rental car companies we asked had an objection.
Beach with dog
If and when dogs are tolerated on beaches and in parks in Mallorca is a municipal decision but there are still a few really good options. In recent years the number of so-called “Parques Caninos” has been increased and here both small and large dogs can play undisturbed. Designated dog beaches are in Palma the really beautiful beach of Es Carnatge, in Andratx the Cala Blanca, in Pollenca the Tramp de Llenaire, in Alcúdia the Alcanada and in Santa Margalida the bay Na Patana. And for those who want an absolute Caribbean feeling for themselves and their dog should visit the northeast of Mallorca where, in Son Serra de Marina there is a beautiful natural beach where nobody minds, when animal and man enjoying the wonderful surroundings, the sea and the beach together.
Many communities also loosen the ban on dogs in the off-season. These include Artà, Muro, Capdepera, Alcudia, Andratx and Pollenca. Those dog owners, however, who do not clean up after their dogs will have to pay high fines on the beach, in the city or in the countryside. In Palma and many other towns there are small plastic bags available close to public rubbish containers but it still makes sense to carry your own bags since the availability fluctuates and they are not offered at all outside the cities.
Hiking with a dog
One of the nicest ways to get to know the most beautiful island in the world is on foot, far away from the tourist centres, Mallorca offers stunning natural scenery, spectacular views, the Tramuntana mountains and the sea. And there are people who have made a great effort to compile joint hikes for people with dogs. Anja Bock and Petra Steiner offer the first online travel guide for dog owners with around seventy excellently arranged tours specially designed for dogs and owners to hike together. Every route has been tested step by step and under www.hundewandern-mallorca.de you can find everything you need to know and only a small fee is charged for the hiking routes.
Everyone will find something suitable here – whether the fitness and the demands are very high or very moderate. Porta Holiday spoke with Anja Bock and she says: “We recommend all the lighter coastal walks for the beginning of summer, especially the walk “Nord-Son Serra 04”. This wonderful walk follows the sea starting from Son Serra de Marina in the northeast of the island in the direction of Can Picafort. The municipality has officially declared it open to dogs but they must be kept on a lead”.
Conclusion
This magnificent Balearic Island really is a beautiful piece of the world and with a little preparation and care Mallorca with a dog is an almost perfect destination.
