Moving to Portugal with Pets: Your 2026 Ultimate Guide

Moving to Portugal with pets is exciting, but also nerve-wracking, especially if you don’t know the latest rules, import documents, and breed restrictions. With its warm climate, stunning landscape, and pet-friendly environment, Portugal is an excellent destination for pet owners from around the world.

Whether you have a cat, dog, or even exotic pets, you can take them with you. However, one of the most important elements of pet travel in Portugal is ensuring your pet is microchipped and vaccinated, in accordance with local regulations.

In this Portugal pet relocation guide, we will cover the basic requirements, average costs, and relocation process.

Read more about:

• Is Portugal a pet-friendly country?
• Moving to Portugal with Pets from USA
• Portugal Pet Entry Requirements and Timeline
• Moving to Portugal with Pets: Step-by-Step Guide

Can you immigrate to Portugal with pets?

Yes, you can move to Portugal with pets. The country welcomes pets from outside the EU and from the EU, provided that they meet all the pet entry requirements from the Portuguese Directorate-General of Food and Veterinary Affairs (DGAV). The institution creates Portugal’s regulations to prevent the spread of various diseases and keep animals and people healthy and safe.

Relocating to Portugal with pets from EU countries

If you are moving to Portugal with dogs, cats, or ferrets from an EU country, the immigration process is quite simple. You will need a European pet passport, ISO-compliant microchipping, and vaccination.

To travel in the Schengen countries, your pet must be:

• Vaccinated against rabies
• Microchipped
• with an EU Pet passport

Relocating to Portugal with pets from non-EU countries

If you are a non-EU citizen and are moving to Portugal with dogs, cats, or other pets, the immigration process requires additional documentation.

In addition to vaccination and microchipping, you should also get a Veterinary Health Certificate or an EU Animal Health Certificate. The certificate must be issued within 10 days of travel by an authorized veterinarian in your country.

The certificate proves that your pet is:

• Microchipped
• Vaccinated against rabies
• Tested for rabies

You must inform the Portuguese authorities that your pet arrived by completing a “Notice of Arrival” form and sending it to the designated Traveler’s Entry Point (PEV).

In some cases, you need to schedule a rabies antibody blood test at least 30 days after your pet’s vaccination and at least three months before travel.

Note: A rabies titre test is mandatory at least 30 days after vaccination, in accordance with Article 37 of Regulation (EU) 2017/625. So, make sure to plan ahead and start the process early.

Is Portugal a pet-friendly country?

Yes, Portugal is widely seen as a pet-friendly country, with abundant open spaces, restaurants that allow pets, and easy access to veterinarians. It is one of the top European countries for expats with dogs, cats, or exotic pets, which makes it easy to travel.

According to a study by the European Federation of Companion Animal Food (FEDIAF), the Portuguese have the highest level of dog ownership in Europe. In fact, Portugal ranks fourth with 39 percent of households having at least one dog.

Moving to Portugal with Pets from USA

If you are moving to Portugal from the USA with your pet, the process is very accessible. You must follow EU and Portuguese animal health regulations. Your pet must have an ISO-compliant microchip and rabies vaccination. You must obtain a Veterinary Health Certificate 10 days before you travel to Portugal.

Since the United States is considered a low-risk country for rabies by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), pets coming directly from the US to Portugal don’t usually need a rabies titer test. However, if your pet recently traveled to a high-risk country, then a test is necessary. The titre test is done 30 days after vaccination and at least three months before you travel.

Portugal Pet Entry Requirements

Whether you’re moving from the EU or outside, following Portugal’s pet travel requirements ensures your pet can enter the country safely and legally. Pets must meet EU animal health standards, including proper identification, vaccination, and documentation.

Microchip and vaccinations

Before traveling, your pet must have:

• ISO-compliant microchip for identification
• Valid rabies vaccination
• Other vaccinations that your vet may recommend (such as distemper, parvovirus for dogs, and calicivirus for cats)
• EU pet passport for pets coming from EU countries

These measures are mandatory when bringing pets to Portugal.

Tip: If your pet’s microchip is not ISO-compliant, you have two options: Travel with your own scanner that can read your pet’s microchip, or have a vet implant a second microchip that meets ISO standards.

Import documentation

Here is a list of the necessary Portugal pet documentation:

• EU Vet Health Certificate from an official veterinarian (for pet owners from non-EU countries)
• Rabies certificate if your pet comes from a high-risk country
• Vaccination records (copy)
• Microchip registration record (copy)
• Airline health certificate (if applicable)
• Notice of Arrival (PEV form) that you submit to a Portuguese entry point

Unlisted countries and additional requirements

Are you moving with pets to Portugal from an unlisted country? If so, your pet needs a rabies antibody test (titer). A rabies certificate is different from a rabies antibody test. The first one is a vaccination certificate, while the latter is a blood titer test.

Follow these steps:

• Microchip your pet.
• Vaccinate your pet against rabies. Wait at least 30 days before drawing blood.
• Ask an accredited veterinarian to perform the rabies antibody test. The vet must send the sample to an EU-approved laboratory.
• After the blood draw, wait 90 days (if your pet passes the test) before you complete the export paperwork.

Check whether your country of origin appears on the official listed countries list.

The 5-day Rule in the European Union for Pets

Do you want to move abroad with pets non-commercially? Then you must follow the five-day rule in Portugal, which means your pet must fly within five days of their owner.

Can’t meet the 5-day rule? Your pet can still move to Portugal, but the authorities will treat it as a commercial move. This means higher costs and different EU import requirements and timelines.

Contact a relocation coordinator about your commercial move options.

What breeds are restricted in Portugal?

Wondering “Can I bring my dog to Portugal”? Many pets are allowed in Portugal, but not every breed can enter the country. You might not be able to bring your pet to Portugal if it is a mix or part of these restricted dog breeds:

• Pit Bull Terrier
• Rottweiler
• Dogo Argentino
• Staffordshire Bull Terrier
• American Staffordshire Terrier
• Tosa Inu
• Fila Brasileiro

To bring a restricted dog breed into Portugal, an owner must obtain a special license, have liability insurance, and keep the animal on a leash with a muzzle when traveling in public spaces.

Moving to Portugal with Pets: Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Choose a pet transport for Portugal

There are several ways you can bring your pet to Portugal:

• In-cabin: Most airlines let cats and dogs under 8 kg (17.6 lbs) travel in the cabin. Service dogs may also ride in the cabin.
• As cargo: Use a cargo freight company to ship your pet. This works well if your pet travels after you leave for Portugal.
• As baggage: Some airlines, especially European carriers, allow pets to be checked as extra baggage.
• Private jet: The most expensive option, but also the most convenient.

Step 2: Meet the EU’s vaccination and microchip requirements

Before you travel to Portugal, microchip your pet with an ISO-compliant chip and vaccinate the pet against rabies after microchipping. The vaccine becomes valid 21 days after the shot. Rabies vaccines usually last one to three years, so check your certificate if you already have one.

If your pet comes from an unlisted country, get a rabies antibody (titre) test. Draw blood at least 30 days after vaccination. Your pet can only travel 90 days after a successful test result.

Step 3: Have an accredited vet issue an EU health certificate

The EU has two pet health certificates: Non-commercial and commercial.

• Non-commercial: Use this if you (or a designated person) travel within five days of your pet and have five or fewer pets. You can also use it for six or more pets for events like competitions or exhibitions. It’s valid for 30 days after the vet issues it, and the USDA must endorse it within 10 days before EU arrival.
• Commercial: Use this if you can’t travel within five days of your pet or have six or more pets. The vet must issue it, and the USDA must endorse it within 48 hours before departure.

Step 4: Have the USDA endorse the EU health certificate

After your pet’s vet issues the EU health certificate, you must have it endorsed by your country’s official veterinary authority.

For example, US pet owners can endorse their certificates at the USDA Endorsement Office.

• Non-commercial health certificate: Endorse it within 10 days before your pet arrives in Portugal.
• Commercial health certificate: Endorse it within 48 hours after the vet issues the certificate.

Step 5: Notify the DGAV in Portugal before you arrive

You should send at least a 48-hour notice before your pet arrives to the Portuguese veterinary authority (DGAV or Direção-Geral de Alimentação e Veterinária)

When you arrive, send an email to the Traveler’s Point of Entry (PEV). The email should include all the paperwork and flight details.

Moving to Portugal with Pets Cost

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

Note: Please keep in mind that these costs are estimates only and subject to change.

Moving to Portugal: Pet Travel Checklist

Rules can vary depending on your pet’s species and breed. Birds and exotic pets, like reptiles, may need special permits because of disease risks such as avian influenza. Check with the Portuguese Embassy or Consulate for rules specific to your pet.

Here are a couple of tips for moving overseas with dogs, cats, or other animals:

• Age requirements: Your pet must be at least 12 weeks old to receive a rabies vaccination before entering Portugal.
• Species-specific regulations: Portugal allows dogs, cats, and ferrets. Birds, reptiles, and rodents follow stricter import requirements.
• CITES declaration: Exotic pets require a CITES permit before travel.
• Other options for travel: Sea or land travel can give you excellent flexibility and are more affordable than many airlines. Driving in Portugal is convenient, since tourists can travel with their original license for up to 185 days. Read more about how to get a Portuguese driver’s license in our ultimate guide.
• Pet-friendly cities: Cities like Lisbon and Porto are some of the most popular locations with plenty of green spaces for dogs to exercise, restaurants and cafes that allow pets, and outdoor sitting areas.
• Renting in Portugal: Many landlords accept pets, but you may need written approval in advance.

How can Goldcrest help you?

Moving to a new country is just one part of the journey. But if you are interested in buying property in Portugal, then we can be your strategic partner.

Goldcrest is a buyer’s agent with years of experience in the Portuguese real estate. Our team can provide property search services, market research, price negotiations, and long-term rental property management.

Contact us today and let us introduce you to a wide network of local tax advisors, contractors, and property lawyers.