Travelling to Tenerife with Pets: The Complete Guide
Sun, Sangría… and Four Paws
Imagine this: you’ve landed in Tenerife, suitcase in one hand, dog lead in the other. The Atlantic glitters, the sun feels like a warm hug, and your Labrador looks at you as if to say: “So where’s my sangría?”
Travelling with pets isn’t always simple — paperwork, airlines, ferries, the eternal question of “can we bring the dog to the beach?” — but in Tenerife, it’s more than possible. The island has a long tradition of welcoming travellers, and increasingly that includes the four-legged variety.
This guide gives you the lowdown on bringing pets from the UK, the US, or across the EU. Plus, we’ll walk you through local insights: pet-friendly hotels in Adeje, dog beaches nearby, vet clinics, and even what to do if your furry friend is better off holidaying at home.
Entering Tenerife with Pets: UK vs. US vs. EU
🇬🇧 Coming from the UK
Brexit made life a little more complicated for pets. Here’s what your British pooch needs:
- Microchip first, then rabies jab.
- Rabies vaccination at least 21 days before travel.
- An Animal Health Certificate (AHC) issued within 10 days of travel. This replaces the EU Pet Passport.
- Tapeworm treatment? Not required for Spain.
Witty tip: The AHC is like your pet’s golden ticket. No certificate = no entry. And yes, airlines will check.
🇺🇸 Coming from the US
Your pup is in for a long flight — but with the right paperwork, it’s smooth sailing:
- ISO-compliant microchip.
- Rabies vaccine at least 21 days in advance.
- Health certificate issued by a USDA-approved vet, endorsed by USDA.
- Entry only through approved airports (Tenerife South, TFS, is one).
Witty tip: Remember, for your dog, a New York–Tenerife flight is basically three dog years. Bring extra water.
👉 Full details: USDA APHIS Pet Travel – Spain
🇪🇺 Coming from the EU
Lucky you — EU citizens have the easiest ride:
- Valid EU Pet Passport.
- Rabies vaccination up to date.
- Microchip required.
- No health certificate needed.
Witty tip: If you’re coming from Germany or France, your dog’s EU passport may be more valid than your EasyJet boarding pass.
👉 Official source: EU Pet Travel Rules
Flying to Tenerife with Pets
Not all airlines are equal when it comes to four-legged passengers. Here’s what you need to know about the main carriers bringing travellers (and tails) to Tenerife:
- Binter Canarias ✈️
Great for inter-island hops. Pets under 8 kg (carrier included) can travel in cabin; larger pets go in the hold. - Iberia 🇪🇸
Pets under 8 kg allowed in cabin (approx. €35–€50 fee). Larger pets accepted in cargo. Good option if you’re connecting via Madrid. - Ryanair & EasyJet 🛑
Do not allow pets, except assistance dogs. If you’re travelling with an animal, cross them off your list. - TUI 🌍
Accepts some pets, but rules vary by route. Always confirm when booking. - Air Europa 🐾
Often overlooked, but a solid choice — especially if you’re flying into Tenerife North (TFN).- Pets under 8 kg (carrier included) allowed in cabin.
- Fees: €35 (domestic), €50 (Europe/Canaries), €150–175 (long-haul).
- Larger pets up to 50 kg (including crate) can travel in cargo.
- Note: on flights to/from the UK, pets must go via cargo.
Pro tips for flying with pets:
- Book early — airlines only allow a limited number of pets per flight.
- Use an IATA-approved carrier (soft bag for cabin, rigid crate for hold).
- Line carriers with absorbent pads; Tenerife flights run 4–5 hours from London and up to 9 from the US.
- Always carry a copy of vaccination and health certificates — airline staff will check.
Moving Around Tenerife with Pets
- Car: Inform rental company, secure pets with crate/harness.
- Bus (TITSA): Only small pets in carriers.
- Taxi: Many in Adeje allow pets if notified.
- Ferry: Fred Olsen & Naviera Armas allow pets with special cabins/areas.
Pet-Friendly Beaches in Tenerife
- Adeje beaches (Playa del Duque, Playa Fañabé, Playa Torviscas): 🚫 No dogs allowed.
- Dog-friendly beaches nearby:
- Playa El Puertito (Güímar) – small, official dog beach.
- Playa de las Galletas (Arona) – about 20 min from Adeje.
- Playa del Horno (El Médano) – sandy, popular with locals.
Pet-Friendly Hotels & Rentals in Adeje
- Hovima Santa María – apartments, pet-friendly.
- Labranda Suites Costa Adeje – some pet rooms.
- Airbnb/Vrbo – filter “pets allowed”.
Veterinary Clinics in Adeje
- Clínica Veterinaria El Madroñal (Adeje) – English-speaking.
- Veterinaria Costa Adeje – general care + emergencies.
- Hospital Veterinario Sur (Guaza, Arona) – 24/7 hospital.
Four Paws in Paradise
Whether you’re a Brit, an American, or an EU citizen, Tenerife is open for travellers with pets — provided you tick the right boxes. Adeje itself may not have dog beaches, but excellent facilities, hotels, and nearby coastal options make it a pet-friendly base.
With paperwork done, you’ll discover that sunsets, sangría, and siestas really are better with a four-legged friend at your side.
