There's something special about travelling by ferry with your dog that neither the car nor the train can quite match: standing on deck with the wind in your face, the horizon stretching out ahead, and your companion with ears perked up in the breeze. It's completely doable — almost every ferry company operating from Spain accepts pets — and with a bit of planning, it can be one of the best trips you'll ever take together.
What varies from one company to another — and even between routes within the same company — are the specific conditions: whether your dog can stay in the cabin with you, whether there's a dedicated pet area, and whether a long crossing is genuinely manageable for them. Those are the things to sort out before you buy your ticket. This guide covers everything you need to know.
Ferry Routes in Spain Where You Can Travel with Your Dog
The Balearic Islands: the most popular choice
Barcelona–Palma, Valencia–Palma, Valencia–Ibiza, Dénia–Formentera, Dénia–Ibiza... These are the most common routes for travelling with a pet. The main operators — Trasmediterránea, Baleària and Acciona Ferries — have years of experience handling passengers with dogs and know what they're doing.
The one critical thing to be aware of: in summer, pet spaces sell out fast. Book your dog's spot at the same time as your own ticket — they're separate, limited quotas. Some ships have pet-friendly cabins; on others your dog will travel in the car or in a designated deck area. Check this when you book, because it varies by vessel, not just by company.
The Canary Islands: the long adventure
Cádiz–Las Palmas, Cádiz–Tenerife... between 36 and 48 hours depending on the route. Yes, that's a long time. But with good preparation it's perfectly manageable, and the reward — the Canary Islands with your dog — is absolutely worth it.
The most important thing: ask specifically how your dog will be accommodated for those hours. Some crossings have adapted cabins where you can stay with your pet. If that option isn't available and your dog would be in a restricted area for 36 hours with limited access, you need to think very carefully before booking. Call the ferry company directly before committing.
Naviera Armas and Trasmediterránea are the main operators on these routes.
Ceuta and Melilla: straightforward and hassle-free
Algeciras–Ceuta, Almería–Melilla, Málaga–Melilla... Short crossings (between 1 and 4 hours), dogs are accepted without any fuss, and since these are Spanish autonomous cities, there's no extra documentation required. A great option for introducing your dog to ferry travel for the first time.
International Routes
Morocco (Algeciras–Tangier, Algeciras–Ceuta–Tangier): ferries do accept dogs, but here you're entering international territory with additional requirements. Moroccan entry requirements for animals include a recent official veterinary certificate. Check the up-to-date conditions before booking.
Italy (Barcelona–Civitavecchia, Barcelona–Genoa): Grimaldi Lines and GNV operate these routes and generally accept pets, often in a cabin. There may be specific conditions for larger dogs. The documentation you'll need is the EU Pet Passport.
UK (Santander–Portsmouth, Bilbao–Portsmouth): Brittany Ferries operates these routes and has plenty of experience with pet-owning passengers. Some ships even have dedicated exercise areas for dogs — a real bonus on a 20+ hour crossing. The critical point here is post-Brexit documentation for entering the UK — see the documentation section below.
Main Ferry Companies: Conditions and Contact Details
Baleària ⭐ The most dog-friendly
Of all the ferry companies operating from Spain, Baleària has the best reputation among dog owners. Their modern fleet includes purpose-adapted pet-friendly cabins on several routes, they have a clear and well-communicated pet policy, and their staff are experienced at handling passengers travelling with animals.
If you have a choice of company on Balearic routes, Baleària tends to be the one recommended by word of mouth among dog owners — and it's no coincidence.
They also operate to Ceuta and run services between the Balearic Islands.
General conditions: compulsory microchip, valid rabies vaccination, lead required in common areas. Muzzle required for legally classified dangerous dogs.
Phone: 902 160 180 Website: balearia.com
Trasmediterránea
Operates routes to the Balearic Islands, the Canary Islands, Ceuta and Melilla. The largest operator in the Spanish Mediterranean network. Some ships on certain routes have adapted pet cabins.
Phone: 902 454 645 Website: trasmediterranea.es
Acciona Ferries
Operates mainly to the Balearic Islands. Accepts pets under conditions similar to the other companies.
Phone: 902 45 46 45 Website: acconaferries.com
Naviera Armas
The go-to option for the Canary Islands. Operates from Cádiz, Huelva and Motril. For long crossings (36–48 hours) some ships offer the option of a cabin with your pet — this is specifically what you need to request when booking.
Phone: 902 456 500 Website: navieraarmas.com
Brittany Ferries
Routes from Santander and Bilbao to Portsmouth, Plymouth and Cork (UK and Ireland). Also Santander–Plymouth and Bilbao–Portsmouth. Quite pet-friendly, with exercise areas on some ships.
Phone: 902 108 147 Website: brittanyferries.es
Grimaldi Lines / GNV
For the Barcelona–Italy route. Pets are accepted, often in a cabin. Check directly for conditions based on your dog's size.
GNV phone: 91 514 41 24 GNV website: gnv.it/es Grimaldi website: grimaldi-lines.com
General Conditions for Boarding with Your Dog
Each company has its own rules, but there are conditions that appear across almost all of them:
- Microchip to ISO 11784/11785 standard — this is the first thing they check
- Valid rabies vaccination — some companies verify this at boarding
- Lead at all times in the ship's common areas
- Muzzle required for legally classified dangerous breeds and in some deck areas
- The pet space is a separate quota from your passenger ticket — book it at the same time
Legally classified dangerous dogs (PPP): if your dog falls under this classification, let the ferry company know when you book, as there may be additional requirements (compulsory muzzle, short lead, third-party liability insurance).
For long crossings where your dog won't be with you in a cabin, ask how toilet breaks are managed. Some companies have designated deck areas; others don't have a clear policy — ask explicitly before booking.
Documentation You'll Need
For routes within Spain (including the Balearic Islands, Canary Islands, Ceuta and Melilla)
Health record with up-to-date vaccinations and a registered microchip. There are technically no border controls, but some ferry companies ask to see documentation at boarding.
For routes within the EU (Portugal, Italy, France, Greece...)
EU Pet Passport — issued by your authorised vet, it includes your dog's microchip details, rabies vaccination (with at least 21 days having passed since the vaccination), and their health history.
For the United Kingdom (post-Brexit)
The EU Pet Passport is no longer sufficient. You'll need:
- AHC (Animal Health Certificate): issued by an official vet within the 10 days before travel
- Antiparasitic treatment against Echinococcus: must be administered between 24 hours and 5 days before arriving in the UK, with the exact date and time recorded in the passport
The timing is precise — not before, not after. Speak to your vet weeks in advance, not the day before you leave.
For Morocco
An official veterinary health certificate issued a few days before travel (usually fewer than 10 days) + rabies vaccination + possibly deworming treatment. The exact requirements can vary — check with the Moroccan consulate or a specialist vet.
For full details, see our guide on [documentation for travelling with your dog].
Tips for Making Your Ferry Journey a Great Experience
Before boarding:
- Feed your dog 2–3 hours before boarding — the ship's movement and a full stomach don't mix well
- If your dog is prone to motion sickness, talk to your vet beforehand; there's specific medication available for dogs
- Take a good long walk before getting on board
- Bring water from home for the first part of the journey, along with bags, a collapsible water bowl and their blanket
During the journey:
- If your dog is travelling in the car in the vehicle deck, make sure the car is well ventilated before the doors close
- If there's a deck area available, don't leave them exposed directly to sun or cold for long periods — the wind out at sea can be surprisingly strong
- Bring their favourite toy or a Kong: on a long crossing they'll need something to keep them occupied
- Watch for signs of seasickness (drooling, restlessness, repeated lip-licking) and let the crew know if you're concerned
Managing stress: The noise of the engines, the smell of the sea and the constant movement can be unsettling for a dog that hasn't travelled this way before. Don't push them into busy, crowded areas. A quiet spot, their blanket with its familiar smell, and your presence are the things that will help them most.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my dog stay in the cabin with me? It depends on the company and the ship. Baleària and Trasmediterránea have pet-friendly cabins on some routes. When booking, ask specifically which ship is operating on your date and whether it has that option.
How much does it cost to bring a dog? It's an additional supplement on top of your ticket. The price varies by company and route — from around €15–20 on shorter crossings to €50–80 on longer ones. Check the official website of each company.
Is there a weight limit? Some companies distinguish between small and large dogs, with different conditions or pricing. If your dog weighs more than 20 kg, check the conditions before booking.
Can I go to Morocco with my dog by ferry? Yes, but you'll need additional documentation beyond the EU Pet Passport. Moroccan requirements can change — check official sources before you travel.
What do I do if my dog gets seasick? Stop briefly if possible, offer fresh water, and find a calm, well-ventilated spot. If the seasickness is severe, let the ship's crew know. For future trips, talk to your vet — there's specific medication for dogs that works well.
Is a muzzle compulsory on board? For legally classified dangerous breeds, yes. For other dogs, it depends on the company and the area of the ship. Bring one anyway to avoid any issues.
Can I fly to the Canary Islands with my dog and return by ferry (with the car)? Yes, plenty of travellers combine a flight one way and a ferry the other, so the car only needs to make one leg of the journey. Manage the documentation and bookings separately for each leg.