Barcelona Airport: Can You Bring Your Dog?

Barcelona is a very dog-friendly city, with lots of attractions for owners and their dogs. However, there is little information about how to travel with pets at Barcelona Airport, also known as Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat Airport. While the airport has four pet relief areas, there is no clear information on where dogs can relieve themselves, and it is not clear whether there are any indoor, post-security pet relief areas. This guide will help you navigate travelling through Barcelona Airport with your dog, as well as exploring the city with your furry friend.

Barcelona Airport's pet relief areas

Barcelona Airport, also known as Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat Airport, is a dog-friendly airport. However, there is very little information on how to travel with pets. The airport's maps and website do not indicate any designated pet relief areas. Due to this lack of information, it is recommended that pet owners only use outdoor, pre-security areas for their dogs to relieve themselves.

Outdoor Smoking Area

One place that can be used as a pet relief station is the outdoor smoking area. This area is located inside the security zone, next to McDonald's. It includes a small coffee shop and a bark-covered garden bed. Although it is not designed for pet relief, it can be useful in bathroom emergencies.

Pet Relief Options

To better understand the pet relief options, it is recommended to ask airport or airline personnel about availability. In some cases, they may be able to escort your dog to the restroom just before takeoff.

Pet Cargo Protocol

Some airlines at Barcelona Airport offer the option to ship pets separately as cargo. In such cases, owners must collect their pets from the designated airline cargo facilities. These facilities include Euro Cargo Express, Lufthansa Cargo, and Sparber Air Cargo.

City of Barcelona's Pet Relief Areas

The city of Barcelona is very welcoming to pets. It offers numerous pet relief areas, known as "pipicans," where dogs can be off their leashes and interact freely with other dogs. These enclosed areas range from 300m2 to 400m2, and you don't need to pick up after your dog. A link to the locations of these areas can be found on the city's website.

Transporting pets in Barcelona

Barcelona is a great destination to visit with a dog. The city has many dog-friendly attractions, restaurants, and accommodation options. Here is some essential information about transporting your pet to Barcelona.

Entry Requirements

When entering Spain, the requirements for your pet will differ depending on whether your pet is entering from a country within the European Union (EU). If your pet is entering from outside the EU, they must undergo a serological test against rabies in an authorized laboratory. In addition, if your pet does not have a European passport, you will need to obtain an animal health certificate, a declaration according to the EU model, and a certified copy of your pet's identification and vaccination data.

Health Requirements

All pets must be vaccinated and comply with applicable health requirements. For cats, dogs, and ferrets originating from an EU member state, your pet must be identified by a microchip or a tattoo (done before 3/7/2011). They must have a European passport for travelling and have received the rabies vaccination. If it is your pet's first time being vaccinated, you must wait 21 days before travelling, and pets must be at least 12 weeks old before being vaccinated. Dogs, cats, and ferrets under 15 weeks old will not be authorized to enter Spain.

Transporting Pets by Plane

Barcelona Airport, also known as Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat Airport, has limited information available on how to travel with pets. It is recommended that you prepare to use only outdoor, pre-security areas for your pet to relieve themselves. There is an outdoor smoking area next to the security area, with a small coffee shop and a garden bed, which can be used as a pet relief station. When travelling with your pet by plane, it is essential to check with your airline for specific instructions and requirements. Some airlines may require pets to fly in the cargo hold or as checked baggage.

Transporting Pets by Road

If you are travelling to Barcelona by road, it is essential to ensure that you have the correct documentation for your pet. A pet passport is required for travel within the EU. Your pet must also be vaccinated for rabies, with specific timing requirements. It is important to consult the relevant consulate or diplomatic mission for detailed information on health and entry requirements.

Public Transport in Barcelona

Once you are in Barcelona, you can travel with your pet on public transport, including buses and the metro, as long as they are kept in a suitable carrier. On the metro, small dogs in a carrier can ride at any time, while larger dogs are only permitted outside of peak hours. On buses, only small pets in a carrier bag are permitted, except for assistance animals. On trains, the rules vary depending on the type of train. On commuter trains, pets of all sizes are allowed, with larger dogs requiring a muzzle and leash.

Accommodation and Attractions

Barcelona offers a range of pet-friendly accommodation options, including hotels that provide beds, food and water bowls, and even welcome gifts for your furry friend. The city also has many dog-friendly attractions, such as Parc Güell, where leashed pets are allowed, and Llevant Beach, which has a designated area for dogs during the main bathing season. Remember to keep your pet on a leash and be responsible for their droppings in public spaces.

Pet-friendly accommodation in Barcelona

Barcelona is a great destination to visit with a dog. The city has a wide range of pet-friendly hotels, apartments, and restaurants.

Hotels

Barcelona has a wide range of pet-friendly hotels, from budget options to luxurious 5-star accommodations. Here are some of the top-rated options:

• Hotel El Palace Barcelona: Located in the Eixample District, close to the Ramblas, the main shopping area, and Barcelona's main tourist attractions. It offers a Mayan-style luxury spa.
• The One Barcelona GL: A 5-star hotel located in the Eixample District, featuring a fitness centre, a terrace, a restaurant, and a bar.
• Petit Palace Boqueria Garden: An excellent dog-friendly spot in the centre of the city, just metres from La Rambla and La Boqueria Market. It has its own bar set in a private courtyard and garden, perfect for relaxing with your dog.
• Catalonia Barcelona Plaza: A sleek and modern hotel with a rooftop pool and terrace, located outside the tourist centre of Barcelona but close to a metro station and the dog-friendly Joan Miró Park.
• Mandarin Oriental, Barcelona: A luxurious 5-star hotel set on Barcelona's fashionable Passeig de Gracia, within walking distance of Gaudi's Casa Batlló and La Pedrera.
• Hotel Pulitzer Barcelona: A design hotel located right next to Plaza Catalunya in the centre of Barcelona, featuring a rooftop garden terrace and free high-speed WiFi.
• The Hoxton, Poblenou: Located in Barcelona's Poblenou District, about a mile from Bogatell, this hotel offers a restaurant, private parking, an outdoor swimming pool, and a bar. It is highly rated for being dog-friendly.

Apartments

If you prefer a more home-like option, there are also several pet-friendly apartments available in Barcelona. OK Apartment, for example, does not charge any extra fees for bringing your pet, but be sure to inform them in advance so they can accommodate your needs. Some apartments even include large terraces or balconies for your pet to enjoy.

Things to Keep in Mind

When travelling with a pet to Barcelona, make sure you have all the necessary documents, health certificates, and ensure your pet is microchipped and has up-to-date vaccinations. Also, remember that dogs must be kept on a leash in most public areas, and some parks and beaches have restrictions on where and when dogs are allowed off-leash.

Pet-friendly restaurants in Barcelona

Barcelona is a very dog-friendly city, and there are many restaurants that will welcome you and your furry friend.

One source suggests that many local restaurants allow dogs inside, but it is always worth asking if you are unsure. Otherwise, look for somewhere with a terrace, as dogs are usually allowed in outdoor seating areas.

• Barna Brew: a cosy brewpub in Sant Antoni, with a relaxed atmosphere.
• Pit Stop Pizza: authentic Italian pizza in a small setting with a little terrace.
• Bērytī Bistro: a modern Lebanese bistro on Travessera de Gracia.
• La Suissa: a cute cafe offering speciality coffee, smoothies, pastries and a lunch menu.
• Little Fern Café: an adorable café in Poble Nou.
• The Egg Lab: a dog-friendly brunch spot.
• Brew Wild Pizza Bar: a new addition to the city, offering amazing pizzas and local craft beers.
• Chivuos: a street food spot with good craft beer.
• La Carioca: a Brazilian-inspired restaurant with a terrace that welcomes dogs.
• San Pedrito: a cool Mexican restaurant in the Born.
• Monocrom: a wine bar with good food.
• Roots & Rolls: a unique, plant-based Japanese/Asian fusion restaurant.
• El Filete Ruso: a classy burger restaurant with a dog-friendly terrace.
• La Cerveseria Clandestina: a bar with beer, live music, art exhibitions, and dogs!
• NOW (Not Only Wine): a gorgeous restaurant with a lovely terrace, great wines, and a superb lunch menu.
• El Mercader Del Eixample: a cosy restaurant with a dog-friendly terrace.
• Xalet de Montjuic: a restaurant with beautiful views and a dog-friendly policy.
• Bar Lobo: a tapas bar with a nice terrace, located just next to the Ramblas.
• Mordisco: a beautiful restaurant that welcomes dogs.
• Brunch & Cake: a popular brunch spot that also welcomes dogs.
• Bar Alegria: a wonderful modernist tapas bar with a great terrace.
• Da Me Pizzas: a fairly new pizzeria with home-made lemonade and a dog-friendly policy.
• La Porca: a well-kept Poble Sec secret, serving excellent sandwiches and burgers.
• Bar Calders: a Sant Antoni classic, with tapas and good vermouth.
• Can Solé: a classic, over 115-year-old restaurant, serving great paellas and seafood.
• Les Filles Café: a well-kept secret, with a lush green patio and fresh and innovative dishes.

Remember to always check with the staff before bringing your dog to a restaurant, and consider making a reservation and mentioning that you will have your dog with you, so they can prepare a suitable table.

Paperwork for pets in Barcelona

If you are travelling to Barcelona with a pet, you will need to ensure you have the correct documentation. This includes health documentation, such as a health certificate, vaccination record, and blood test results. Depending on the country you are travelling from, you may also need to present a health certificate showing that your pet has been vaccinated against rabies.

If you are travelling from a country with rabies, you will need an import permit and health certificate issued by the authorities in the country of origin. If your pet is not from a European Union (EU) member country, it must have undergone a serological test against rabies in an authorised laboratory. In this case, you will also need:

• An animal health certificate, signed by an official veterinarian from the non-EU country. This certificate must be presented in Spanish.
• A declaration, according to the EU model.
• A certified copy of the animal's identification and vaccination data.

If you are travelling from an EU country, your pet must have a microchip or a tattoo (done prior to 3/7/2011). Your pet must also have a European passport for travelling, which can be obtained from an authorised veterinarian. This must be presented along with proof of a current rabies vaccination.

All pets must be vaccinated and comply with applicable healthcare requirements, with the relevant supporting documents. Dogs, in particular, must be vaccinated against rabies and be at least 12 weeks old before travelling. Dogs under 15 weeks of age will not be authorised to enter Spain.

Upon arrival in Barcelona, you must register your pet on the Barcelona register of pets and wild animals in captivity. This is a compulsory formality that must be completed within three months of the pet's birth or 30 days of purchase. The registration fee is €38, but certain individuals are exempt from paying. The registration does not expire, and the process can be started online or by telephone. You will need to provide the following documentation:

• Form for the registration of pets and wild animals in captivity.
• Proof of payment of the fee.
• Photocopy of the owner's DNI, passport, or resident's permit.
• Photocopy of the document proving the animal's identity.
• The animal's year of birth.
• Date when the vet microchipped the animal.
• Microchip number.

Once your pet is registered, they are allowed on most public transport in Barcelona, including buses and the metro, as long as they are kept in a suitable carrier. On the metro, small dogs in a carrier can ride at any time, while larger dogs are only permitted outside of peak hours. On buses, only small pets in a carrier bag are permitted.

Barcelona is a pet-friendly city, with many accommodation, dining, and shopping options that welcome animals. However, it is important to keep your pet on a leash and, in some cases, a muzzle if they are considered a potentially dangerous breed.

Frequently asked questions