Vacation with Your Pet
Gran Canaria is an increasingly pet-friendly destination. With authorized dog beaches, numerous pet-accepting accommodations and quality veterinary services, you can enjoy the island with your four-legged companion.
This guide helps you plan a perfect vacation for the whole family, including your pet.
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Entry Requirements
From the EU
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| European passport | Mandatory |
| Microchip | ISO 11784/11785 |
| Rabies vaccine | Valid, +21 days from first dose |
| Deworming treatment | Not mandatory in Spain |
From Outside the EU
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Veterinary certificate | Official, 10 days before travel |
| Microchip | Before rabies vaccine |
| Rabies vaccine | Minimum 21 days before |
| Antibody titre | Depending on country of origin |
| Import authorization | Depending on country |
Flying with Pets
| Weight | Location | Approx. Price |
|---|---|---|
| <8 kg (with carrier) | Cabin | €40-80 |
| >8 kg | Hold | €100-200 |
| Brachycephalic breeds | Check airline | Restrictions |
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Dog Beaches
Authorized Beaches
| Beach | Location | Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| Playa de Bocabarranco | Gáldar (north) | Sand, spacious |
| Tres Peos | Telde (east) | Rocks, quiet |
| El Puertillo | Arucas (north) | Small, sheltered |
| Jinámar | Telde | Urban |
| Playa del Confital | Las Palmas | Rocks, surfers |
Playa de Bocabarranco ⭐
The most popular for dogs.
| Information | Detail |
|---|---|
| Location | Gáldar |
| Type | Black sand |
| Size | Spacious |
| Services | Bins, easy access |
| Distance from Las Canteras | 25 km (30 min) |
Beach Rules
| Rule | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Leash | Recommended (not mandatory in water) |
| Poop bags | Mandatory to pick up |
| Aggression | Dog under control |
| Vaccines | Up to date |
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Pet-Friendly Accommodations
Hotels
| Hotel | Location | Extra Price | Pet Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hotel Parque | Las Palmas | €15-20/night | Small/medium |
| Radisson Blu | Arguineguín | €20/night | Any size |
| Hotel Cristina | Las Palmas | €10/night | Small |
Apartments
Many tourist apartments accept pets. Search with "pet-friendly" filter on:
- Booking.com
- Airbnb
- Vrbo
| Platform | Filter | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Booking | "Pets allowed" | Verify conditions |
| Airbnb | "Pets allowed" | Communicate beforehand |
Camping
| Campsite | Location | Pets |
|---|---|---|
| Guantánamo | Mogán | Yes |
| Playa de Vargas | Agüimes | Check |
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Pet-Friendly Restaurants
Las Canteras
| Restaurant | Area | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Promenade terraces | Whole promenade | Most accept |
| Playa Chica | Center promenade | Large terraces |
| La Puntilla | North | Relaxed atmosphere |
Other Places
| Area | Typical Restaurants | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Triana | Terraces | Outside yes |
| Vegueta | Squares | Check |
| Maspalomas | CC Yumbo, terraces | Common |
| Puerto de Mogán | Seafront | Common |
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Transport
Buses (Guaguas)
| Type | Pets | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Las Palmas urban | Yes (small) | Carrier |
| Interurban Global | Yes (small) | Carrier |
| Large dogs | No | Taxi/car |
Taxis
| Type | Pets | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Regular taxi | Driver's discretion | Advise when booking |
| Pet-friendly taxi | Yes | Request specifically |
Car Rental
Most companies allow pets with conditions:
- Carrier
- Keep clean
- Possible cleaning charge
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Veterinary Services
24-Hour Clinics
| Clinic | Location | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Hospital Veterinario Las Palmas | Las Palmas | 928 29 26 25 |
| Clínica Veterinaria Mesa y López | Las Palmas | 928 27 10 77 |
| Hospital Veterinario del Sur | Maspalomas | 928 76 86 85 |
Specialized Services
| Service | Where to Find |
|---|---|
| Dog grooming | Island-wide |
| Pet shops | Shopping centers |
| Specialized pet food | Specialized stores, supermarkets |
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Dog Parks
Dog Areas in Las Palmas
| Park | Location | Size |
|---|---|---|
| Parque Juan Pablo II | Guanarteme | Large, fenced |
| Parque Doramas | Ciudad Jardín | Small |
| Parque Romano | Mesa y López | Small |
Juan Pablo II Dog Area Features
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Surface | Large |
| Fenced | Yes, completely |
| Water | Fountain available |
| Benches | Yes |
| Shade | Partial |
| Distance from Las Canteras | 300 m |
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Recommended Walks
With Your Dog
| Walk | Location | Difficulty | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Las Canteras Promenade | Las Palmas | Easy | 3 km, flat |
| Parque San Telmo | Las Palmas | Easy | Urban |
| Barranco Guiniguada | Las Palmas | Easy | Urban nature |
| Tamadaba Trail | North | Medium | On leash |
| Bandama Route | Center | Medium | Views |
Hiking Precautions
| Aspect | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Water | Bring for your dog |
| Heat | Avoid midday hours |
| Paws | Check (hot stones) |
| Leash | Mandatory in nature reserves |
| Wildlife | Avoid disturbing wild animals |
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Pet Shopping
Specialized Stores
| Store | Location | Products |
|---|---|---|
| Kiwoko | CC Las Arenas | Complete |
| TiendAnimal | Online/pickup points | Varied |
| Mascotas Drago | Las Palmas | Local |
Supermarkets
All large supermarkets have pet sections:
- HiperDino
- Mercadona
- Carrefour
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Local Regulations
Municipal Ordinances
| Aspect | Rule |
|---|---|
| Leash | Mandatory on public roads |
| Muzzle | Potentially dangerous breeds |
| Excrement | Mandatory to pick up |
| Beaches | Only authorized ones |
| Playgrounds | Prohibited |
| Shopping centers | Per establishment |
Potentially Dangerous Breeds
Require special license:
- Pit Bull Terrier
- Staffordshire Bull Terrier
- American Staffordshire Terrier
- Rottweiler
- Dogo Argentino
- Fila Brasileiro
- Tosa Inu
- Akita Inu
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Practical Tips
Before Traveling
| Tip | Importance |
|---|---|
| Vet visit | Certificates, vaccines |
| Book accommodation | Confirm pet policy |
| Check airline | Transport rules |
| Readable microchip | Verify |
| Medication | Bring enough |
During Your Stay
| Tip | Note |
|---|---|
| Hydration | Water always available |
| Shade | Avoid heat stroke |
| Paws | Careful with hot pavement |
| Bags | Always carry |
| Documents | Passport handy |
Climate and Pets
| Season | Precaution |
|---|---|
| Summer | Avoid 12-5pm, hot ground |
| Winter | No problems, mild climate |
| Calima | Avoid intense exercise |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are there dog beaches in Gran Canaria?
Yes, there are several authorized beaches. The most popular is Bocabarranco in Gáldar. Also Tres Peos, El Puertillo and others.
Does Las Canteras allow dogs?
Not on the main beach. However, El Confital (north end, rocks) does allow dogs and is very close.
What do I need to travel with my dog to the Canaries?
From the EU: European passport with valid rabies vaccine and microchip. From outside EU: official veterinary certificate and requirements according to country of origin.
Do hotels accept dogs?
Many do, but it's best to book in advance and confirm the policy. There's usually a supplement of €10-20/night.
Can I take my dog on the bus?
Small dogs in carriers yes. Large dogs are generally not allowed on public transport.
Are there 24-hour vets?
Yes, there are emergency veterinary hospitals in Las Palmas and in the south of the island.
Do restaurant terraces accept dogs?
Most do outdoors. Las Canteras has many terraces where you can sit with your pet.
Is a muzzle mandatory?
Only for breeds classified as potentially dangerous. For others, only leash on public roads.
Looking for a vacation rental apartment?
Casita Palmera is a licensed vacation rental apartment 50 metres from Las Canteras Beach.
View Apartment