Bringing a pet to Portugal is doable for most cats and dogs, but the lead time is almost always longer than people expect. EU passport or third-country health certificate; microchip and rabies vaccination required. The controlling authority is DGAV (Direção-Geral de Alimentação e Veterinária); rules differ by species, breed, origin country and airline. This page is a planning overview, not advice — every move needs a vet and (for complex cases) a licensed pet-relocation specialist.
Start at least 3–6 months out
- Confirm your pet's species and breed are accepted (some countries restrict specific breeds).
- Read the current DGAV (Direção-Geral de Alimentação e Veterinária) import notice end-to-end; print it.
- Book a vet appointment to confirm microchip (ISO-compliant) and rabies status.
- Identify an IATA-approved crate of the correct size; let your pet acclimatise to it.
Vaccinations and tests
Most destinations require a current rabies vaccination administered after the microchip. Some — notably for higher-risk origin countries — require a serological titre test, with a wait period of weeks or months between blood draw and travel.
- Microchip first, then rabies vaccination (in that order — order matters legally).
- Rabies titre test (where required), then the destination's wait window.
- Health certificate issued by an accredited vet within the destination's validity window (often 10 days).
- Tapeworm treatment within 24–120 hours of travel for some countries (e.g., UK, Ireland, Finland, Norway).
Travel options
- Cabin: only for very small pets on certain airlines and routes.
- Hold (manifest cargo): the standard for most cats and dogs.
- Live-animal cargo specialist: required by some airlines and some destinations.
- Pet relocation companies: handle the chain end-to-end (recommended for first-timers and complex routes).
Arrival in Portugal
On arrival, DGAV (Direção-Geral de Alimentação e Veterinária) (or its delegated officer) inspects paperwork and the animal at Port of Lisbon or the airport. Most well-prepared pets clear within hours; missing paperwork can mean re-export or quarantine. Have hard copies of every document.
Country-specific quirks
AIMA appointment backlogs are well-known. NIF and NISS are required for almost everything (banking, lease, utilities).
When to use a specialist
- Multiple pets, large dogs or restricted breeds.
- Routes through hot regions (airline embargoes apply).
- Destinations with mandatory rabies titre or quarantine (Australia, UK from third countries, Singapore, etc.).
- Tight timelines that don't accommodate 3–6 months of paperwork.
Move household + pet together
Tell us about your move. We'll quote the household shipment and connect you with vetted pet specialists for the same destination.
Get a coordinated quoteFrequently asked questions
Can I bring my pet in the cabin?
Some airlines allow very small pets in cabin on some routes. Most cats and dogs travel as manifest cargo. Confirm directly with the carrier.
Will my pet have to be quarantined?
It depends on the origin country, the pet's documentation and the destination's risk classification. Some destinations have no quarantine if paperwork is complete; others require minimum stays. Check DGAV (Direção-Geral de Alimentação e Veterinária) for current rules.
How much does pet relocation cost?
Costs vary by route, weight, crate size, airline and whether you use a specialist. Expect a wide band; get itemised quotes and confirm what's included.
What about exotic pets?
Most birds, reptiles, ferrets and other species have additional permits or are restricted. Confirm with DGAV (Direção-Geral de Alimentação e Veterinária) early — many species cannot legally be imported.
Can I do it myself without a specialist?
Yes, for simple routes (microchip, rabies, health certificate, single pet, common breed). For complex routes, a specialist usually pays for itself in avoided mistakes.