The Canary Islands are among Europe’s most popular holiday destinations. However, traveling to the Canary Islands with a dog is not an obvious choice and requires more planning than a typical hotel beach holiday. Stable weather, the ocean, and volcanic landscapes attract tourists year-round. But the question is: is it a suitable choice for traveling with a dog?
If you plan to take your four-legged companion to the Atlantic, it’s good to know the entry rules, transport conditions, beach restrictions, and health risks associated with the warm climate. In this article, we summarize everything essential – from administration to practical considerations of whether this destination is suitable for your dog.
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Can you go to the Canary Islands with a dog?
The Canary Islands are an autonomous part of Spain and thus also of the European Union. From the perspective of traveling with a dog, this means moving within the EU, which is subject to uniform rules applicable to all member states.
In practice, this means the dog must meet three basic conditions. It must be microchipped, have a valid rabies vaccination, and possess a European pet passport.
The rabies vaccination must be administered after microchipping and must be at least 21 days old before travel. This data is then recorded in the pet passport, which serves as the main document for traveling with a dog within the European Union.
If you are traveling from, for example, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, or Austria, no quarantine or additional blood tests are required. The administration is therefore significantly simpler than when traveling from countries outside the European Union.
The same rules apply not only to the Canary Islands but to all of Spain, including the mainland and the Balearic Islands.
A detailed explanation of all rules, including the differences between traveling from EU and non-EU countries, can be found in our separate article on entry requirements for dogs in Spain.
Is it a suitable destination for a dog?
The Canary Islands have a stable, warm climate throughout the year. This is an advantage for people, but for a dog, it can be a burden – especially in the summer months. Pavement surfaces, sand, and dark lava rocks can get significantly hot.
On the other hand, the islands offer many natural sites – volcanic areas, mountain trails, and coastal paths. With proper planning and timing, it can be an interesting destination even for an active dog.
The most suitable period is generally October to April, when temperatures are milder and the risk of overheating is lower.
How to get to the Canary Islands with a dog?
By Plane
For most travelers, this is the most practical option. Direct connections to the Canary Islands mainly depart from mainland Spain (Madrid, Barcelona), from where regular flights operate year-round. From other European cities, including Vienna or Prague, flights are often seasonal or involve a layover.
Small dogs (usually up to 8 kg including carrier) can travel in the cabin; larger dogs travel in the hold in an IATA-approved carrier. It is always necessary to book a place for the dog in advance and check the specific conditions of the carrier.
Air Europa
Air Europa is among the carriers that allow the transport of dogs in both the cabin and the hold, according to weight and size limits. We have personal experience with this company from a flight to South America, where our dog Ibo traveled with us. The booking process, document check, and carrier handling proceeded standardly and without complications. For flights to the Canary Islands, Air Europa can be a reasonable choice precisely because of its clearly defined animal transport rules.
Iberia
Iberia provides regular year-round connections between Madrid, Barcelona, and the Canary Islands. It allows the transport of smaller dogs in the cabin and larger ones in the hold, always with prior notification. Conditions vary depending on the aircraft type and specific route.
We have personal experience with this company from a flight on the Vienna – Madrid route and back. Ibo traveled in the baggage compartment in his carrier, and the entire process went smoothly. Before flying with Iberia, we recommend checking the pet transport fee directly at the airport, as with this company, the fee is paid during check-in.
Vueling
Vueling, as a low-cost carrier, allows the transport of smaller dogs in the cabin for a fee and within weight limits. It generally does not transport larger dogs in the hold. It is advisable to check current rules before booking.
Eurowings
Eurowings allows the transport of smaller dogs in the cabin in a carrier, with weight and size limits applying. It does not transport larger animals in the hold on all routes, so it is necessary to check the specific flight individually.
Smartwings
Smartwings allows the transport of dogs with prior notification, both in the cabin and in the hold, depending on the animal’s size. It is important to book a place for the dog in advance, as the number of animals on board is usually limited.
Binter Canarias
Binter Canarias is a regional carrier operating mainly between the individual Canary Islands and between the islands and mainland Spain. It allows the transport of smaller dogs in the cabin (usually up to 8 kg including a carrier with maximum dimensions of approximately 45 × 35 × 25 cm) for a fee. Larger dogs can travel in the hold in an IATA-approved carrier if they meet weight and safety conditions. Transport must be reported in advance, and the availability of space for the animal is subject to company approval.
Ryanair
Ryanair generally does not allow the transport of pets, with the exception of certified assistance dogs. If you are traveling with a dog, this carrier is not a suitable choice.
easyJet
easyJet also does not allow the transport of pets (except assistance dogs). When planning a trip to the Canary Islands with a dog, it is therefore necessary to choose another carrier.
By Ferry
An alternative is to drive to southern Spain and then take a ferry to the Canary Islands. The journey can take approximately 28 to 36 hours, depending on the route.
The advantage is the possibility to take your own car and eliminate the stress of air travel. The disadvantages are the long travel time and higher overall costs.
Once you are in the Canary Islands, it is good to know that regular ferry connections also operate between the individual islands. They connect, for example, Tenerife with Gran Canaria, Lanzarote with Fuerteventura, or smaller islands like La Gomera or La Palma with the main centers.
Transporting a dog on a ferry is possible in most cases, but the animal must be declared when booking. Conditions vary by company and type of vessel. Smaller dogs may sometimes be in a carrier with the owner, while larger dogs are usually placed in designated areas or kennel boxes. On some longer routes, it is also possible to book a pet-friendly cabin.
Even with ferry transport, it is necessary to have a pet passport and ensure the dog is under control – usually on a leash, and possibly with a muzzle according to the rules of the specific carrier.
Beaches and Dog Movement
Not all beaches in the Canary Islands are dog-friendly. Each island has designated sections where dogs are allowed, but these are often smaller, stony, or less frequented parts of the coast.
In cities, leashes are mandatory, and for some breeds, a muzzle may also be required. If you are planning a classic beach holiday with lounging on the sand, it is necessary to check specific locations where dogs are allowed in advance.
It is also important to consider that sand and dark stones heat up quickly in summer. Walks should therefore be planned for early morning or evening.
Accommodation with a Dog
Although we do not yet have personal experience with the Canary Islands, online accommodation searches already show that pet-friendly options make up only a small portion of the total available accommodations. In other words – not every available accommodation automatically accepts dogs. Therefore, we recommend starting your reservation earlier and filtering options directly by pet conditions.
Options include pet-friendly hotels, apartments, and private homes via platforms like Airbnb.
Common restrictions include a weight limit (often 10–15 kg), a surcharge of approximately €10–25 per night, and a ban on dogs entering pools or restaurant areas.
From a practical point of view, an apartment with its own entrance or terrace is often the most suitable choice, where the daily routine can be adapted to the dog’s needs.
Risks and Diseases
The Canary Islands have slightly different conditions than Central Europe. Health risks include leishmaniasis, transmitted by sandflies, and dirofilariasis (heartworms), transmitted by mosquitoes.
Overheating and dehydration are also risks, especially during the summer months.
Before traveling, it is advisable to consult preventive measures with a veterinarian, use a repellent collar or pipette against insects, and ensure plenty of shade and water. Walks during hot months should be planned outside the hottest hours.
Veterinary Care
The availability of veterinary care in the Canary Islands is generally good, especially in larger cities and tourist areas like Santa Cruz de Tenerife or Las Palmas. On the main islands, regular veterinary clinics and hospitals with diagnostic equipment (X-ray, laboratory tests) operate, and in tourist zones, English is often spoken.
However, it should be noted that outside larger cities or on smaller islands, the availability of emergency care may be limited. If you plan to stay outside the main centers, we recommend finding the nearest veterinary clinic in advance and saving their contact information.
It is wise to carry a basic first-aid kit for your dog and travel insurance that also covers veterinary treatment abroad. In case of health complications, you will be prepared to handle the situation without unnecessary stress.
Which island to choose for a holiday with a dog?
If you are considering the Canary Islands with a dog, it is worth thinking about choosing a specific island.
Tenerife offers the widest infrastructure, more services, and a combination of mountains and coastline. Gran Canaria is balanced in terms of accessibility, nature, and accommodation. Lanzarote is drier and more volcanic, with less shade, which can be limiting during warm days. Fuerteventura is open and windy, with extensive beaches, but these are not always dog-friendly.
When deciding, it is advisable to consider temperatures, the type of planned activities, and the availability of dog-friendly accommodation.
Conclusion
A holiday with a dog in the Canary Islands can work if your dog is used to traveling, you avoid peak summer, and you adapt your daily routine to the heat.
It may be less suitable for breeds sensitive to high temperatures or for those planning an exclusively beach holiday without the option of moving on dog-friendly beaches.
However, with good preparation, the Canary Islands can be a pleasant and interesting destination for a holiday with a dog.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
Does a dog need a passport?
Yes. As this is travel within the EU, the dog must have a European pet passport, a microchip, and a valid rabies vaccination.
Can you fly with a dog in the cabin?
Yes, but generally only up to a certain weight including the carrier (usually up to 8 kg). Conditions vary by airline.
Are the beaches in the Canary Islands dog-friendly?
Only some. Each island has designated sections, but not all beaches are. Specific rules need to be checked before traveling.
Is leishmaniasis a real risk?
Yes, the disease occurs in the Canary Islands. Preventive insect protection and consultation with a veterinarian before travel are therefore a sensible step.