Moving To Portugal With Pets
Many people, understandably, find it difficult to imagine moving to a new country without their pets. We have special relationships with our pets. We know several expats who want to bring their pets to Portugal but are unsure how. Don’t be concerned! We will share everything you need to know and what you need to do to bring your pets to Portugal. Continue reading!
Bringing Your Pets To Portugal
Portugal is a pet-friendly country, with most young and old people owning pets, particularly dogs and cats. There are also many parks where you can walk and exercise your pets.
Unfortunately, even if your dog is small, many cafés, restaurants, bars, and shops will not allow you to bring it inside.
We will discuss the general requirements for bringing your pets to Portugal, but for country-specific information, particularly from outside the European Union (EU), it is best to contact a pet relocation specialist in your home country. The current system allows for the entry of ferrets, dogs, and cats as pets.
What Are The Regulations For Bringing Pets Into EU Countries?
There are some important rules to remember when bringing pets to Portugal:
- You are not permitted to enter Portugal with more than five animals (Some airlines will only allow two pets per passenger at a time, so please check when purchasing your tickets).
- Your pets must be a minimum of 12 weeks old.
- Owners must arrive within five days of their pet’s arrival if the animal is not pregnant, or it will be considered a commercial move, and you will be charged more.
EU Countries
The rules and regulations for bringing pets from other EU countries into Portugal are simple. For travelers from EU member states, the pet must have an identification microchip that is linked to the pet’s passport.
You must also have a valid rabies vaccination certificate showing your pet’s vaccination.
If your pet has received a rabies booster shot, you must wait 21 days before traveling with them.
That’s all. Isn’t it simple?
Okay, but we should point out that the UK is currently following these rules, but no one knows what will happen after Brexit. Keep an eye out for all the relevant updates on the UK Government’s website.
Non-EU Countries
If you are bringing your pet from a non-EU country, you will need three things.
Microchip
Your pet must be equipped with an ISO-compliant chip. This can be implanted in your pet by a veterinarian in your home country. The microchip has to be implanted before the rabies vaccine is administered.
Vaccination And Blood Tests
You must provide proof of your pet’s rabies vaccination. If your pet is receiving his or her first rabies vaccination, you must wait 21 days before traveling. You can also bring your pet to Portugal if it has a current one-year vaccination (booster).
If you are bringing your pet to Portugal from an ‘unlisted country,’ you may also be required to perform a blood test on your pet. For more information, please contact the Directorate-General for Food and Veterinary (also known as “Direço-Geral de Alimentaço e Veterinária”), as the blood test rule usually only applies to dogs, not cats.
Health Certificate
An accredited veterinarian must issue a health certificate. It certifies that your pet has received the most recent vaccinations and is fit to travel. The health certificate is typically valid for ten days from the date it is issued until the point of entry into Portugal.
The Best Methods For Transporting Your Pets To Portugal
Pets can be transported to Portugal via ferry or plane. We believe that flying your pet to Portugal is the best option because it takes less time, especially if you are coming from outside the EU.
Regardless of your transportation mode, you will need to get a comfortable cage (per IATA specifications), provide food and water for your pet, and ensure you have the pet’s passport with you.
If you are traveling by ferry, you may bring your pet, but it will not be permitted in the ship’s public areas. Some ferries have pet-friendly cabins, allowing you to bring your pet with you. These must be reserved well in advance, especially during peak seasons.
Most airlines check in pets as extra baggage and are transported as live animals in a special cargo hold room.
Only assistance dogs and pets small enough to fit into a travel cage under the seat in front of you are permitted to travel in the cabin. You should check with your airline about the maximum dimensions for a cage that can be placed below the seat in front of you, as these differ from one airline to the next. TAP Air Portugal, for example, allows a maximum height of 17 cm (6.7 inches), allowing only very small animals to be brought into the cabin with you. If you are traveling from the United Kingdom, you must transport your pets in a special cargo hold, regardless of size.
You can bring your pets to Portugal by flying with TAP Portugal (Portugal’s flag carrier), which allows pets to fly as checked luggage. They are very friendly and gentle with your pets.
All low-cost airlines that fly into Portugal, including Ryanair, Wizzair, and EasyJet, do not allow pets.
Pet Moving Services
You could also hire a pet relocation specialist to assist you with the process.
Here are some pet transportation companies in Portugal:
Bringing Your Pets To Portugal By Car
The final option is to drive through Europe with your pet.
It is not difficult to plan a road trip through Europe with your beloved pet. The most important document is the pet’s passport, which shows that the vaccines are up to date. After that, look for pet-friendly hotels or apartments in the countries or cities you’ll be visiting or stopping in.
There are several options for finding pet-friendly hotels in Europe.
Among them are the following:
- Booking.com – Hotels and guest houses that allow pets to stay with their owners can be found here. On the website, check the filter option and select ‘pet-friendly,’ which will bring up hotels or guest houses in the desired location that allow pets.
- Bringfido.com is a pet travel company, and its website can be used to find pet-friendly lodging throughout Europe.
Advice For Bringing Pets To Portugal
Suppose you wish to bring your pet to Portugal. In that case, you should start planning a few months ahead of time so you have enough time to get the necessary vaccinations, prepare the necessary paperwork, and research airlines or ferries that allow animal transport.
If you’re flying, arrive at the airport at least three hours before your flight to go through pet and passport control (make sure you check with your airlines when you book your tickets for all the requirements they need if you are traveling with pets).
You should be aware that once you collect your luggage at an airport in Portugal, it may take an hour or so for the animals to be brought to you.
Overall, remember that your pets will be in their cages for an extended period, so make it as comfortable and stress-free as possible. We spoke with veterinarians who strongly advise against giving drugs or sleeping pills to your pets while traveling.
Fina Worlds
One last piece of advice: relax, take your time, and bring everything with you, and you’ll be fine. If you’re calm, your pets should be as well. Have a great time in Portugal!