Moving to Portugal with pets:

Moving to Portugal with pets:

Moving to Portugal with pets does mean navigating a few official hoops—especially if you are coming from outside the EU—but understanding the latest rules and paperwork early on makes everything a fair bit easier.

Key requirements for moving to Portugal with your pet

Moving with your dog, cat, or ferret, horse , pony or any other animal to Portugal isn’t rocket science, but it does involve following some strict rules set by both the Portuguese authorities and the EU.

Microchip

Every dog, cat and ferret etc arriving in Portugal must be microchipped with an ISO 11784/11785 compliant 15-digit chip. If your pet’s chip is a different type, bring your own scanner or arrange for the chip to be updated by your vet before travel.

Rabies vaccination

A valid rabies vaccination is essential, and it must be given after the microchip. Pets need to wait 21 days after their jab before they’re eligible to enter Portugal.

Pet passport or Health Certificate

• If you’re coming from an EU country (including Northern Ireland), a valid EU Pet Passport will do the job.
• If you’re coming from the UK, you’ll need an Animal Health Certificate (AHC), signed by an official vet no more than 10 days before arrival.
• Arriving from the US or other non-EU country means arranging an EU Health Certificate from a USDA-approved (or equivalent) vet.
• Coming from outside the EU or a country not listed as “low risk”? A rabies titre blood test, done by an approved lab at least 30 days after vaccination, is also needed, with a three-month wait in most cases.

Entering Portugal

Pets should enter via an official EU point of entry—Lisbon, Porto, and Faro airports all have the right facilities. Declare your animal at customs on arrival.

Breed restrictions

Portugal bans the import of some so-called “dangerous breeds” unless you can show pedigree documents and extra paperwork. Restricted breeds include Pit Bull Terriers, Fila Brasileiro, Dogo Argentino, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire, Rottweiler, and Tosa Inu. Cross-breeds with these types can also face entry issues.

Maximum number

You can bring up to five animals with you unless you’re off to a show or sporting event, and can provide supporting paperwork.

How to get to Portugal with your pet

Getting your dog or cat to Portugal is straightforward if you plan ahead, double-check travel policies, and keep all paperwork updated.

Which airlines fly dogs to Portugal?

TAP Air Portugal, Lufthansa, KLM, and Air France are the main options for bringing dogs into Portugal. Each airline has its own rules on whether pets can travel in the cabin (usually under 8kg) or must go in the hold, so size and breed matter.

Carriers must meet IATA standards, and you’ll often need to provide proof of vaccinations and fit-to-fly certificates. Some routes and hot weather months may have restrictions on transporting animals in the hold, so always confirm well in advance and ask about fees.

Driving from UK to Portugal with dog

Driving down with your dog is a very doable adventure. Most people take a pet-friendly ferry—Brittany Ferries is a favourite, offering kennels or pet-friendly cabins—across to France or Spain. From there, it’s a straightforward drive down through France and Spain to Portugal.

Check the regulations for pets in every country you’ll be travelling through. In France and Spain, border controls are rare within the Schengen area, but authorities can ask for proof that your dog meets entry requirements, so keep everything to hand.

Rail, bus, and other overland options

If you fancy taking things slowly, it’s technically possible to get close to Portugal by train. However, long-distance European trains often prohibit pets on certain stretches of the journey. Plus, they often have size, weight, and crate restrictions, and sometimes dogs need to be muzzled. Direct buses (like FlixBus) occasionally permit small pets in carriers, but always check ahead, as policies change.

Costs of moving to Portugal with a dog

The cost of flying a dog to Portugal varies by route, pet size, and service choices, but here are the ballpark numbers:

• Vet fees for microchip, rabies jab, general check: €60–€350
• Animal Health Certificate: €120–€295
• Airline pet fees:
• Cabin (small dog): approx. €60–€175
• Cargo/hold: ranges from €200–€700, depending on carrier and animal’s size
• Pet carrier: €40–€200 for an IATA-compliant crate
• Ferry kennels (if driving): €35–€90 per crossing
• Pet passport Portugal: €20–€40 for an EU Pet Passport issued locally. If you're getting a UK or US Health Certificate, fees can stretch from €120 to €300, depending on your home country and local vet charges.

Living in Portugal with pets: what you need to know

• Registering your pet locally

Local registration is required for all dogs and recommended for cats and ferrets, too.    You will need your pet’s chip number, vaccination paperwork, and sometimes proof  of insurance. Certain municipalities (like Lisbon and Porto) ask for an annual dog tax, usually under €10.

• Getting set up with a vet and healthcare

Portugal has plenty of qualified vets and often lower fees than the UK.  Pet insurance is available (but not legally required). If you own a restricted breed, you’ll need third-party liability insurance

• What pets are legal in Portugal?

Dogs, cats, ferrets, and most small mammals are fine. Some exotic animals require  special permits or are forbidden (e.g., certain reptiles, wild birds, and dangerous dogs). Always check with both your local authority and the national Institute for the Conservation of Nature and Forests (ICNF) before bringing anything unusual.

• Pet-friendly culture and public spaces

Dogs and cats are popular in Portugal—dogs, in particular, are seen everywhere,     from café terraces to riverfront promenades. The country is also brimming with dog     friendly beaches where you can go for walks. The Portuguese are generally relaxed  about animals, but city and beach rules can be strict. Always keep your dog on a lead in public, scoop any mess, and watch for signs on public transport and beaches about seasonal bans or allowed times for dogs.

• Finding pet-friendly housing in Portugal

Finding somewhere to live with your pet in Portugal is usually less complicated than  people expect, particularly in Lisbon, Porto, or the Algarve, where attitudes are a bit more relaxed. Still, it’s wise to double-check the house rules, as not every landlord is keen on animals. A reference from a previous landlord or your vet, or offering a slightly higher deposit, can go a long way to reassure property owners. Ensure your contract clearly mentions your pet and that the landlord’s happy about it before you sign anything.

For more information on long term rental accommodation then please contact Vendici for a copy of our Contacts Fact Sheet with details of Property Rental Agents.