Guide

Moving to Portugal With Pets in 2026: EU Rules, Microchips, Vaccinations, Airlines, and What Changes on 22 April

What This Guide Covers If you are relocating to Portugal with a dog, cat, or ferret, this guide walks you through every step — from pre-departure veterinary paperwork to what happens at the airport and how to register your pet once you arrive. The...

What This Guide Covers

If you are relocating to Portugal with a dog, cat, or ferret, this guide walks you through every step — from pre-departure veterinary paperwork to what happens at the airport and how to register your pet once you arrive. The EU pet travel framework is changing on 22 April 2026 with a new Delegated Regulation that replaces the system in place since 2013, so timing matters.

This guide covers moves from within the EU and from non-EU countries (including the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Brazil, and Australia). The rules differ significantly depending on where you are coming from.

The Core Requirements for All Dogs, Cats, and Ferrets Entering Portugal

Regardless of your country of origin, every dog, cat, or ferret entering Portugal must meet these baseline requirements:

Microchip: ISO 11784/11785 compliant, 15-digit. Must be implanted before the rabies vaccination or the vaccine is considered invalid. If your country uses a different chip standard, bring your own compatible reader.
Rabies vaccination: Administered at least 21 days before travel. The vaccine must be given after microchipping. Puppies and kittens cannot travel until they are at least 15 weeks old (12 weeks minimum age for vaccination plus 21 days).
Maximum five animals per person for non-commercial movements.

Moving From Another EU Country

This is the simplest route. If you are moving from any EU member state (or Norway, Switzerland, Iceland, Liechtenstein), your pet needs:

EU Pet Passport: Issued by an authorised veterinarian in any EU country. Contains microchip number, rabies vaccination records, and owner details. If you already have a valid EU Pet Passport, it remains valid — no new paperwork needed.
Valid rabies vaccination: Not expired, administered after microchipping.
No quarantine.
No border health check required for routine travel, though random checks can occur.

Portugal does not require tapeworm (Echinococcus) treatment — that rule applies only to Finland, Ireland, Malta, Norway, and Northern Ireland.

Moving From a Non-EU Country

From the United States

The US is classified as a "Part 1 listed" third country by the EU, meaning it has an approved rabies status. The requirements are:

ISO microchip (most US vets use AVID or HomeAgain — confirm it is ISO 11784/11785 compatible).
Rabies vaccination at least 21 days before travel.
EU Animal Health Certificate (AHC): This replaces the old EU Veterinary Certificate. It must be issued by a USDA-accredited veterinarian and endorsed by USDA APHIS within 10 days of travel. The certificate is valid for 10 days for entry and 4 months for onward travel within the EU.
USDA endorsement: Your accredited vet issues the certificate through VEHCS (Veterinary Export Health Certification System). USDA must then ink-sign and emboss the original document. Allow at least 2-3 weeks for this process.
No rabies antibody titration test required (because the US is Part 1 listed).
No quarantine.

From the United Kingdom

Since Brexit, the UK is treated as a Part 1 listed third country. Requirements are identical to the US route above, except:

The health certificate is issued by an Official Veterinarian (OV) and endorsed by APHA (Animal and Plant Health Agency).
The UK"s existing pet travel documents (old-style EU Pet Passports issued before Brexit) are no longer valid for entry into the EU. You need a fresh AHC for each trip.

From Brazil, South Africa, and Other Part 2 Listed Countries

If your country is on the EU"s Part 2 list (which includes Brazil, South Africa, and many others), you need everything above plus:

Rabies antibody titration test (RNATT): A blood test taken at least 30 days after vaccination and at least 3 months before travel. Must be performed at an EU-approved laboratory. The test result must show at least 0.5 IU/ml.
The 3-month waiting period is waived if the test was done before the pet left the EU (for pets returning).

From Unlisted Countries

If your country is not on any EU list, the same RNATT rules apply. Contact the Portuguese DGAV (Direção-Geral de Alimentação e Veterinária) for specific guidance.

What Changes on 22 April 2026

A new EU Delegated Regulation takes effect on 22 April 2026, replacing the framework that has governed pet travel since Regulation (EU) No 576/2013. The key changes:

Single legal framework: All non-commercial pet movement rules are consolidated into one regulation across all EU member states.
Tighter documentation checks: Border inspection posts will have clearer authority to verify microchip readability, vaccination validity dates, and health certificate authenticity.
Digital tracking preparation: The regulation lays groundwork for a future EU-wide digital pet passport system, though paper documents remain valid for now.
Unchanged core requirements: Microchip, rabies vaccination, and health certificate requirements remain substantively the same. The 5-animal limit per person continues to apply.

If you are travelling before 22 April, current rules apply. If after, make sure your vet is issuing documents under the new framework.

Airlines and Pet Transport to Portugal

In-Cabin

Most airlines allow small dogs and cats in the cabin if the carrier fits under the seat. Weight limits are typically 8 kg including carrier. Airlines serving Portugal that allow cabin pets:

TAP Air Portugal: Allows pets in cabin on most routes. Maximum 8 kg (pet + carrier). EUR 50-200 depending on route.
Ryanair: Does not allow any pets (except registered assistance dogs).
easyJet: Does not allow any pets (except registered assistance dogs).
Transavia: Allows cabin pets on select routes.
Lufthansa: Allows cabin pets. Maximum 8 kg.
Air France: Allows cabin pets. Maximum 8 kg.

Cargo/Hold

Larger dogs must fly in the hold or via pet transport companies. TAP, Lufthansa, and KLM offer hold transport on most routes. Dedicated pet transport companies like PetAir UK, Animal Airways, and Paws Abroad handle door-to-door logistics including veterinary paperwork.

Breed Restrictions

Portugal bans certain breeds under Decree-Law No 312/2003: Pit Bull Terrier, Rottweiler, Staffordshire Bull Terrier (American type), Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasileiro, and Tosa Inu. Owners of these breeds must register with the local Junta de Freguesia, carry public liability insurance, and muzzle the dog in public. These breeds are not banned from entry but are classified as potentially dangerous and subject to strict ownership rules.

Arriving in Portugal

At the Airport

If arriving from a non-EU country, you must enter through a designated Travellers" Point of Entry (TPE). Lisbon, Porto, and Faro airports all have these. Present your AHC, passport, and the pet for microchip scanning. The process typically takes 15-30 minutes. There is no quarantine for pets arriving with valid documentation from listed countries.

After Arrival: Registering With DGAV and Your Local Vet

Once in Portugal:

Register with a local veterinarian within the first month. They will enter your pet into Portugal"s SIAC (Sistema de Informação de Animais de Companhia) database.
Obtain a Portuguese pet identification booklet (boletim sanitário) from your vet.
Get an EU Pet Passport issued by your Portuguese vet — this replaces the AHC for any future travel within the EU.
Annual rabies boosters: Keep vaccinations current. Portugal requires valid rabies vaccination for all dogs.
Dog licence: All dogs must be registered with the local Junta de Freguesia. The licence costs EUR 5-15 depending on the municipality.

Cats: Specific Considerations

Cats follow the same import rules as dogs (microchip, rabies, AHC) but have fewer ongoing requirements in Portugal. There is no registration obligation with the Junta de Freguesia for cats. Microchipping is mandatory for cats born after 2019 under Portuguese law.

Costs to Budget For

Microchipping: EUR 30-50 (if needed)
Rabies vaccination: EUR 20-50
RNATT blood test (if required): EUR 100-200
EU AHC / USDA endorsement: USD 38 (USDA fee) plus vet consultation
Airline pet fee: EUR 50-300 (cabin) / EUR 200-800 (hold)
Pet transport company (door-to-door): EUR 1,500-4,000 depending on route and animal size
Portuguese vet registration: EUR 40-80 (first consultation + SIAC registration)
EU Pet Passport (issued in Portugal): EUR 10-20

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Vaccinating before microchipping: If the rabies vaccine is given before the chip, it is considered invalid and you must restart the process.
Leaving the USDA endorsement too late: USDA processing can take 7-14 business days. Start the process at least 4-6 weeks before your flight.
Booking Ryanair or easyJet: These airlines do not accept pets. Book TAP or a full-service carrier.
Forgetting the 21-day waiting period: Your pet cannot enter Portugal until 21 days after the rabies vaccination date.
Assuming old UK pet passports still work: They do not. Post-Brexit, UK residents need a fresh AHC every time.
Not checking breed restrictions: If you have a restricted breed, prepare the extra paperwork (insurance, registration) before arrival.

Useful Contacts

DGAV (Direção-Geral de Alimentação e Veterinária): dgav.gov.pt — Portugal"s veterinary authority
SIAC registration: Via your local vet
USDA APHIS (for US residents): aphis.usda.gov/pet-travel
APHA (for UK residents): gov.uk/take-pet-abroad
EU Pet Travel Rules: ec.europa.eu (search "travelling with pets")

Last updated: April 2026. Regulations effective from 22 April 2026 under the new EU Delegated Regulation replacing Regulation (EU) No 576/2013. Always verify current requirements with DGAV or your country"s veterinary authority before travel.