Can I bring my pet to Portugal?

Many expats wonder if they can bring their pets to Portugal. And the answer is yes, they absolutely can. As part of the European Union, the laws and regulations for moving pets to Portugal are governed by the common framework, under which your furry friend must have:

• A valid European pet passport, when travelling from another EU country, or an EU animal health certificate, when travelling from a non-EU country;
• A microchip, which will allow authorities to identify your pet and link it to the corresponding passport. This system makes traveling with your pet easier and speeds up the process of veterinary check-ups in your new country;
• A valid Rabies Vaccination – Pets need to be at least 12 weeks old to be given a rabies vaccination and you will have to wait 21 days before you take your pet to Portugal. Please note that when travelling from a country with a higher risk of rabies, further rules apply;
• Received treatment against the tapeworm Echinococcus multilocularis (known to cause hydatid disease), when necessary;
• In southern Europe, diseases such as leishmaniasis are common, so it is recommended that your pets get vaccinated for this as well, as an extra layer of security.

The European pet passport is a document that follows an EU standard model and is essential for travelling between EU countries. It contains a description and details of your pet, including the microchip or tattoo code, as well as the rabies vaccination record, contact details of the owner and the vet who issued the passport. You can get a European pet passport for your dog, cat or ferret from any authorized vet.

The EU animal health certificate is another type of document that contains specific information about your pet – such as identity, health and rabies vaccinations - and is based on an EU standard model. If you are travelling from a non-EU country or territory, your pet must have an EU animal health certificate endorsed by an official state vet in the country of departure, dated no more than 10 days before your pet arrives in the EU.

Additionally, you should also attach a written declaration to your pets EU animal health certificate stating that its relocation is for non-commercial reasons. This declaration is also required if your pet is travelling under the responsibility of a person authorized by you. In this case, your pet must be reunited with you within 5 days of your relocation.

For long distance relocations, it is advisable for you to find a Pet Transport Specialist, who is an experienced animal handler and therefore will ensure your pets are comfortable, safe, and stress-free. You should ensure you are comfortable with the company you choose, by obtaining comparable quotes from several companies and carefully checking all the levels of service and cost. If you are able to, try to verify the reputation of the companies you receive quotes from and make sure you understand what is included in each quote and what will be of your own responsibility.

Pets are normally transported as “live animal” cargo and, therefore, your pet will be carried in the specialist cargo hold of the plane, which is heated and pressurized, and this will normally need to be booked by a specialist pet shipping company. If your pet is small enough (weight depends on the airline), they can even travel with you in a soft carrier, underneath your seat. This only applies to cats and dogs, so far.

Pets can also be shipped to some destinations with airlines that accept them as “accompanied baggage”, but only if you travel on the same flight as your pet. This should be booked directly with the airlines, and it is usually charged as excess baggage. It is advisable to always check with the airline if there are any conditions or restrictions applicable to your pet.

The transportation of your pet should be arranged well in advance and all travel documentation, vaccination and permit requirements should be fully researched to prevent last minute unpleasant surprises.

Moving your pet to Portugal shouldn’t bring you stress or concern if you plan ahead, like every aspect of your own relocation to this country.