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Updated October 15, 2026

Adopting a dog or cat in Mallorca, step by step

How to prepare, where to adopt in Mallorca, what to ask the shelter and how to make the first days at home go well.

Before you decide

Adopting is a commitment for many years: a dog or cat can live for more than fifteen. Think about your schedule, space at home, whether you rent (check your lease), who will look after the animal on holiday and the cost of food, vet care and insurance.

Choose by temperament and energy rather than looks. A calm adult often adapts better to a flat than a puppy, and shelters have many adults waiting.

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Where to adopt in Mallorca

Our adoption section brings together animals from municipal shelters, such as Son Reus in Palma, and rescues across the island, with a link to each centre’s listing. These are the shelters and rescues on our map:

What to ask the centre

Before taking the animal home, ask:

  • What it is like with people, children, other dogs and cats.
  • Its health history: vaccines, deworming, neutering and tests such as leishmania.
  • Whether it is microchipped and how the ownership transfer works.
  • What the adoption fee covers and whether there is follow-up afterwards.

The first days at home

Give it time: settling in can take weeks.

  • Set up a corner with a bed, water and food before it arrives.
  • Keep fixed routines for meals and walks from day one.
  • Introduce the home and family calmly, with no visitors in the first days.
  • Use a harness and ID tag: the first walks are when they most often escape.
  • Book a check-up with a local vet.

The basics for the first days at home

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