Moving is one of the most stressful things we can do, whether just around the block or halfway across the world. But moving to Portugal with your pets is a whole different adventure, and it’s crucial that you know every step of the process.
In this article, we’ll take a look at what you need to prepare your furry friends for the journey, the best way for transporting pets, and the mountains of legal and up-to-date medical paperwork that must accompany them.
You’ll also find out more about:
Can I bring my pet to Portugal?
Yes, you can bring your pet to Portugal, whether you are on a Portugal Digital Nomad exploring the Iberian Peninsula or investing through the Portugal Golden Visa.
However, if you are arriving from a non-European Union country, it’s not as easy as declaring your dogs (cães), cats (gatos), or ferrets (furões) and hopping on an airplane. There are several (and rather lengthy) processes that must be followed.
Firstly, there are a few restrictions. Only cats, dogs, or ferrets can enter the EU as a whole, and they can only travel with you for non-commercial purposes, meaning they aren’t sold at the destination.
The entry of other pets, such as rabbits, fish, birds, and reptiles, is strictly regulated by each country and doesn’t fall under the blanket rules of the EU.
Additionally, pets can only be brought into Portugal through a designated Travellers’ Point of Entry. These locations have the necessary resources to ensure compliance with EU rules, and the airports on mainland Portugal are in Lisbon, Porto, Cascais, Faro, and Beja.
Documents Required to Move Your Pets to Portugal
Just as humans need to fulfill the Portugal Visa Entry Requirements, there are rules and regulations that govern the cross-border transportation of animals.
Whether you decide to do it all by yourself or go through a pet relocation agency, there are several things that your cat, dog, or ferret must have:
Microchipped: Your pet must be microchipped with a transponder that complies with Annex II of EU Regulation 576/2013 and can be read by a standard EU microchip reader. If a tattoo was applied before 2011, it must be clearly visible. The mandatory identification is an ISO 11784/11785 Compliant microchip (15-digit).
Rabies vaccination: Before travel, pets must be vaccinated against rabies using an approved inactivated vaccine. The vaccine must be administered after the microchip is inserted, and it is valid only 21 days after the initial shot.
Titer test: If you’re coming from a country not listed as rabies-free or low-risk, your pet must undergo a blood test (titration test) to confirm sufficient rabies antibody levels (≥ 0.5 IU/ml). This is done at least 30 days after vaccination and three months before entry to the EU. The test must be carried out by an EU-approved laboratory.
EU Animal Health Certificate: If you travel from a non-EU country, your pet must have a European animal health certificate. Essentially, it is an identification document that contains specific information about your pet, such as its features, health, microchip data, and vaccinations. The most common are the EU Health Certificate (Annex IV), the EU Pet Passport (for EU residents), and the USDA/CFIA/Official Vet Endorsement.
This certificate can only be issued by a state-approved vet in your home country and no more than 10 days before your pet arrives in the EU. It is generally valid for four months, can be used between EU countries, and must include a declaration that the travel is for non-commercial purposes.
You’ll only need a valid EU pet passport when traveling between EU countries after four months, and most vets will allow you to exchange your pet’s booklet from your home country for an EU pet passport.
Airline ticket: Transporting a pet on an airline requires a ticket, just as you do, whether it is in the cabin or going into the hold. While it varies by airline, the tickets can cost as much, if not more, than a regular human flight.
Microchip requirements for pets entering Portugal
For pets entering Portugal, microchipping is not optional and must meet a very specific technical standard. The microchip implanted in the animal must comply with ISO standards 11784 and 11785, which govern both the chip’s structure and the way it is read.
These standards ensure that border authorities and veterinarians across the EU can scan and identify the animal without compatibility issues. Non-ISO microchips are one of the most frequent causes of entry delays.
The timing of microchipping is just as important as the chip itself. For pets entering Portugal from outside the EU, the microchip must be implanted before the rabies vaccination is administered. If the vaccination predates the microchip, it is considered invalid under EU animal health rules and must be repeated. After the rabies vaccine is given, a waiting period applies—typically 21 days—before the pet is eligible to travel.
Pet entry refusals at Portuguese borders are rarely due to complex issues; they are usually the result of avoidable administrative errors. The most common mistake is a mismatch between the microchip number recorded in the pet’s passport or health certificate and the number actually implanted in the animal. Even a single digit discrepancy can result in rejection. Another frequent issue is microchips that cannot be read during inspection, either due to poor placement or non-ISO compliance.
Physical Requirements for Moving Pets to Portugal
If your pets are up-to-date with their vaccinations and the huge amount of paperwork, that is a step in the right direction. However, that is only a small part of the journey. The correct documentation only allows them to enter Portugal, but you must still get them there.
The most common way to relocate pets to Portugal is by airplane, but this method has its own set of challenges. For example, some airlines allow you to travel with one pet in the cabin with you, but the carrier must be small enough to fit under your seat, and with your pet inside, it can’t weigh more than 8kg.
The other method for cats and dogs larger than that is transporting them in a specialized crate. The requirements of the crate are not determined by the European Union or Portugal’s Directorate-General for Food and Veterinary Affairs (DGAV).
However, they are under the jurisdiction of the International Air Transport Association’s (IATA) Live Animal Regulations, and the specifications for an IATA-compliant container are:
- Must be rigid and constructed from fiberglass, metal, rigid plastic, solid wood, or plywood
- Interior must be smooth with no sharp edges
- A pet must be able to stand up fully, sit and lie in a natural position, and turn around comfortably
- It must have ventilation on all four sides and must be at least 16 percent of the container surface
- At least one door must form one entire end of the crate
Additionally, there are sanitary requirements. For example, you must provide leak-proof absorbent bedding, a water container must be affixed inside, and clear labels must be placed outside to indicate that live animals are inside.
It’s important to remember that these are the minimum regulations from IATA, and airlines might have their own additional requirements.
On the Day of Travel
You have all the documents and have triple-checked the regulations. The crate has been custom-built to specification, and your pets are familiar with it. Now comes arguably the most stressful part of moving to Portugal: dropping your pet off at the airport.
Most international airports have a special animal handling area or a designated animal cargo area. Here, the airline staff will inspect the crate to ensure it complies with IATA standards, check your pet’s documents, and verify the air ticket.
Your pet is then checked in and will undergo an inspection by airport security. After that, it is moved to a temperature-controlled and secure animal-holding area. It typically stays here for a few hours and, when the time comes, is moved onto the aircraft into a special pressurized and temperature-regulated section.
Many pet owners are justifiably worried about the conditions in the cargo hold. While it seems dark and scary, all the pets on the flight are kept in lighting and air pressure conditions similar to those in the cabin. Your furry friend will be perfectly fine and incredibly happy to see you on the other side.
After Moving Pets to Portugal
Once the flight lands, all pets are offloaded as priority cargo (meaning they come off the airplane first) and transferred to the customs inspection area or veterinary checkpoint at the airport.
Portuguese border officials or a licensed veterinarian will review the documents again and scan the microchip to confirm your pet’s identity.
This process can be rather lengthy, but if all documents are in order and your pet is cleared, a customs agent will contact you regarding the handover at the cargo terminal or designated pickup point.
Banned Dog Breeds
Portugal and some other European countries restrict the importation of dogs classified as potentially dangerous under national law.
These restrictions primarily apply to pets entering for permanent relocation or adoption/residency purposes, rather than for short visits or tourism. The following breeds (and their crossbreeds), including the Tosa Inu, or Japanese mastiff, are banned:
Importing one of these breeds as a resident pet is heavily restricted or outright banned unless the dog has exceptional documentation, training certifications, and possibly a behavioral assessment.
Alternative Pet Transport Options
If you’re not flying your dog or cat to your new home with TAP Air Portugal or Air France, there are still several legitimate transport options, though each comes with its own logistical and regulatory challenges.
One viable option is overland transport by car. This works well if you’re relocating from a non-EU country that’s geographically close, like the UK or Switzerland.
In this case, you would drive with your pet through one of the EU entry points and then continue on to Portugal. Your pet must still meet all EU import requirements, including microchipping, rabies vaccination, and a valid health certificate.
Keep in mind that there are different requirements for transporting cats and dogs from Northern Ireland to the Republic of Ireland.
Another alternative is sea transport, as some transatlantic passenger ships offer pet kenneling services. Pets travel in a designated kennel area, and you can visit them daily.
It’s a calmer experience than flying, especially for large dogs or older animals. However, only a few ships offer this service, and they often book out months in advance.
Using a Pet Relocation Agency
Many expats are overwhelmed by all the rules and regulations and prefer if someone guides them through them. That is where an international pet relocation agency comes in. Essentially, it’s a travel agent for your pet, and all you have to do is make sure the documentation is up to date.
They check that your pet meets all the legal requirements for entry into Portugal, such as microchip verification and vaccinations, and also help with airline and crate compliance.
Crucially, they are familiar with Portugal’s customs clearance procedures and will keep you in the loop with any news. Depending on your home country and the agency you go through, many local affiliates will transport your pet from the airport to where you are.
Why choose Global Citizen Solutions for your Immigration Visa?
GLOBAL APPROACH BY LOCAL EXPERTS
- GCS has offices located across Portugal.
- Members of the US-Portugal and UK-Portugal Chambers of Commerce in Portugal, and the Investment Migration Council (IMC).
- Our expert team can help you throughout your journey to secure your Visa.
100% APPROVAL RATE
- Our successful track record in applications provides reassurance to applicants.
- We have helped clients from more than 35 countries secure residency in Portugal.
ALL-ENCOMPASSING SOLUTION
- With a single channel of communication, our approach ensures that you have complete clarity on your application.
- Our BeGlobal® Onboarding System allows for a total flow of information.
TRANSPARENCY AND PRIVACY
- Our pricing is clear and detailed, you will not face any hidden costs.
- All data is stored within a GDPR-compliant database on a secure SSL-encrypted server.
