If you are relocating to Portugal and you want to bring your pet with you, there are a few steps that must be followed. There are different steps for pets coming from inside or outside the EU, but generally, if your pet is vaccinated, including a vaccine for rabies and microchipped, then the process should be straightforward.
Moving to Portugal with a pet from an EU country
If you are moving to Portugal from within an EU country, the process is simple, as the EU has a standardized system for relocating dogs, cats, and ferrets. For starters, every animal will need a valid European pet passport issued by a licensed vet. This document contains a description of your pet, its health record and contact details of the owner and the vet who issued the passport. If you are relocating a different type of pet, then additional restrictions may apply - check with your local Portuguese embassy for more information.
Generally, only a current rabies vaccination is required to move from within the EU, and your pet should also be microchipped with an ISO 11784/11785 compliant 15-digit chip. Microchipping allows veterinarians and customs authorities to easily access your pet's details and medical records. As for the rabies vaccine, a 21-day period is required between the date of the shot and the day of travel.
Keep in mind that every person can travel to Portugal with up to 5 pets, and every pet must be at least 15 weeks of age.
Moving to Portugal with a pet from a non-EU country
If you are moving from a non-EU country, pets will also be required to be microchipped and to have current rabies vaccinations. However, there are a few extra steps to guarantee the safety of both your pet and the people around him. Aside from the aforementioned requirements, your pet will also need to undertake a rabies antibody titration test at least 30 days after the rabies shot to determine the existence of antibodies in its bloodstream. Portuguese legislation states that pets can only travel 3 months after the date of the test.
Moreover, a certificate from a veterinarian, including health history and vaccination records, will also be required. This certificate will only be accepted if issued up to 10 days before the date of travel. Additional requirements also exist, depending on whether or not your home country has a high risk of rabies. It is best to consult the Portuguese embassy or consulate in your home country for the most up-to-date information.
Aside from the health requirements, travelers from outside the EU are also obligated to notify the Portuguese authorities beforehand. To do so, you will need to fill out the appropriate form and send it by email to your point of entry at least 48 hours before your pet's arrival. You can download the form and check the correct e-mail address for your point of entry through .
Important:
Failure to comply with these requirements (for both EU and non-EU travelers) may result in the pet being sent back to its country of origin or, worst-case scenario, to a facility to be euthanized.
Quarantine
In general, pets coming from other European countries are not quarantined. However, different conditions may apply to pets coming from other countries. You are advised to inquire with the Portuguese Embassy or Consulate in your home country beforehand.
Air travel
If you are relocating your pet to Portugal via air travel, there are many companies that can arrange this process for you. Select the company carefully and read reviews to ensure they have a positive record of safety and customer service. No matter what company you select, you will need a crate that meets your airline's requirements. It is a good idea to purchase your crate well in advance so your pet has time to get used to it and to make sure you find the right size crate for your pet. Putting a toy or blanket that smells like home can make it easier for your pet to cope with the trip.
What to do after arriving in Portugal with your pet
Keep in mind that dogs, cats and ferrets need to be registered at a specific database called Sistema de Informa莽茫o de Animais de Companhia (SIAC). This one-time-only registration is completed by a licensed veterinarian in Portugal and costs 鈧� 2.50.
After your pet is registered in the SIAC, you have 30 days to visit your city council to take care of the local licensing鈥攂oth are mandatory. This local license is valid for 1 year (needs to be renewed every year), and its cost is decided by each city council. However, it cannot exceed 3x the annual medical prophylaxis fee (鈥渢axa de profilaxia m茅dica鈥�), currently set at 鈧�5.00.
If you don't complete both registrations, you may have to pay a fine ranging from 鈧� 50.00 to 鈧� 3,740.
Important:
The climate can be very hot in Portugal, especially in the summer, so never leave pets in a car or closed space and take the time to acclimatize them to their new home. Ensure they have plentiful access to fresh water and shade.
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