Manuel Garrido 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 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 pet 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 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.
Read Our Portugal Visa Entry Requirements Ultimate Guide
Before Moving 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.
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.
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.
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 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 best friend will be perfectly fine and incredibly happy to see you on the other side.
Read our Ultimate Guide on all the Portugal Visas Available
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 restricts the importation of certain dog breeds classified as potentially dangerous under national law.
These restrictions apply primarily to pets entering as permanent relocations or for adoption/residency purposes, not just short visits or tourism. The following breeds (and their crossbreeds) are banned:
- American Staffordshire Terrier
- Staffordshire Bull Terrier
- Rottweiler
- Argentine Dogo (Dogo Argentino)
- Fila Brasileiro (Brazilian Mastiff)
- Tosa Inu
- Pit Bull Terrier
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 pet to Portugal, 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.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Moving Pets to Portugal
Can you immigrate to Portugal with pets?
You can immigrate to Portugal with pets by following EU regulations. Pets must be microchipped, vaccinated against rabies, and have an EU health certificate issued within 10 days of travel. Additional checks may apply for exotic animals or certain breeds.
What are the requirements for moving pets to Portugal?
To move to Portugal with pets, you must microchip them, vaccinate them against rabies, and obtain an EU health certificate issued within 10 days of travel. Dogs and cats must be at least 12 weeks old. Exotic pets may require additional permits or veterinary approvals.
What documents do I need to bring my pet to Portugal?
To bring your pet to Portugal, you need a valid EU health certificate issued within 10 days of travel, proof of microchipping, and a current rabies vaccination certificate. A USDA-accredited veterinarian must endorse the documents if traveling from the US.
How many pets can you take to Portugal?
You can take up to five pets to Portugal for non-commercial purposes. All pets must meet EU health standards, including microchipping and rabies vaccination. Exceeding the limit requires compliance with commercial import rules and special authorization from Portuguese authorities.
Can I bring my dog from the US to Portugal?
You can bring your dog from the US to Portugal if it is microchipped, vaccinated against rabies, and has a valid EU health certificate issued by a USDA-accredited veterinarian. The certificate must be issued within 10 days before arrival. Airlines may have additional transport rules.
How much does it cost to fly a dog to Portugal?
Flying a dog from the US to Portugal typically costs between $200 and $1,000, depending on the airline, dog size, and transport method. Checked baggage is cheaper, while cargo or international pet relocation services cost more. Additional expenses include a health certificate, crate, and vaccinations.
How much does it cost to fly a cat to Portugal?
Flying a cat to Portugal typically costs between $150 and $700. The price depends on the airline, travel class, and whether the cat flies in-cabin or as cargo. Additional costs include a travel carrier, health certificate, microchip, and rabies vaccination.
Does my pet need a microchip to enter Portugal?
Your pet needs a microchip to enter Portugal. The microchip must comply with ISO 11784/11785 standards and be readable by a universal scanner. It must be implanted before the rabies vaccination to validate the health certificate for EU entry.
What are Portugal’s pet entry requirements in 2025?
Portugal’s pet entry requirements in 2025 include ISO-compliant microchipping, up-to-date rabies vaccination, and an EU animal health certificate issued within 10 days of arrival. Pets from non-EU countries must have USDA or equivalent veterinary endorsement. Limits apply to the number and type of pets allowed.
Is Portugal a pet-friendly country?
Portugal is a pet-friendly country with many pet-welcoming cafes, public parks, and beaches. Laws protect animal welfare, and public transport allows small pets. Lisbon and Porto have growing pet service industries, including grooming, boarding, and pet-friendly housing options.
