How to Move Your Pet to Portugal: A Guide For Pet Parents
It’s crucial to plan your pet’s move to Portugal several months in advance to secure your preferred travel date and ensure all health and import requirements are met.
If you're transporting your pet from a low-risk rabies country, the process can take 1 to 2 months. However, for pets coming from a high-risk rabies country, it may take 3 to 4 months before they are eligible to enter Portugal.
Minimum Age Requirements for Importing Pets to Portugal
Any dog, cat, or ferret must be at least 12 weeks old to be eligible for entry into Portugal.
What Are Portugal's Pet Restrictions?
The following dog breeds, both purebred and crossbred, require special approvals to enter Portugal:
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Fila Brasileiro
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Dogo Argentino
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Pit Bull Terrier
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Rottweiler
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American Staffordshire Terrier
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Tosa Inu
If you choose to work with WorldCare Pet Transport, your dedicated Pet Relocation Counselor will guide you through the best options if your pet falls under one of these restricted breeds.
Should I Keep My Pet’s Original Health Documents When Moving to Portugal?
Make sure to keep all original health documents with your pet's at all times. Do not pack or take them with you—they are your pet’s “passport” for travel!
Health Requirements for Pets to Portugal
Microchip
Microchip Timing: Your pet's microchip must be implanted before receiving their most recent vaccinations.
ISO-Compliant Microchip:Your pet must bemicrochipped for identification before entry into Portugal with 15-digit ISO-compliant microchip (ISO 11784/11785).
Regular Microchip Scans: Ask your veterinarian to scan your pet's microchip during every vet visit. Confirm the microchip is functioning, readable, and matches all medical records.
Avoid Travel Delays: If your pet's microchip is unreadable or its information is incorrect on paperwork, it could delay their travel plans.
What Vaccines Are Needed For Your Pet?
Rabies VaccineRabies Vaccination Requirements for Portugal
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Your pet’s rabies vaccine must be at least 21 days old and valid within 1 year at the time of entry into Portugal.
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The vaccine must be administered by a government-accredited veterinarian.
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3-year rabies vaccines are accepted, as long as there has been no lapse in coverage.
Important: If your pet was microchipped after receiving their most recent rabies vaccine, a new rabies vaccination must be administered after microchipping to meet Portugal’s entry requirements.
General Vaccines
While general vaccinations are not mandatory for entry into Portugal, they are strongly recommended to protect your pet’s health and well-being during travel.
For Dogs:
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DHPP+L – Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza & Leptospirosis
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Bordetella (Kennel Cough) – should be administered within the last 6 months
For Cats:
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FVRCP – Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, and Panleukopenia
FAVN-OIE Rabies Titer Test
If your pet is coming from a high-risk rabies country, a government-accredited veterinarian must collect a blood sample at least 30 days after your pet’s most recent rabies vaccination. The sample must be sent to an EU-approved laboratory for a rabies titre test.
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If the results are passing, your pet will be eligible to enter Portugal 3 months from the date of the blood draw.
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If the results do not meet the requirements, your pet must be revaccinated, wait another 30+ days, and then have a new blood sample collected and submitted for testing again.
Note: Rabies titre test results can take 4 to 6+ weeks to be returned from the lab, so it’s important to plan ahead.
Document Requirements for Pets to Enter Portugal
EU Health Certificate
A government-approved veterinarian must perform a full health examination and complete the health certificate within 10 days prior to your pet’s intended departure.
If you choose to work with our team at WorldCare Pet Transport, your dedicated Pet Relocation Counselor will assist you with this important step.
Note: If your pets’ travel dates differ by more than ±5 days from your own journey to Portugal, the documentation coordination timeline may be affected.
International Fit to Fly Certificate
A veterinarian must examine your pet and complete the fit-to-fly certificate within 10 days prior to your pet’s intended departure.
If you choose to work with WorldCare Pet Transport, your Pet Relocation Counselor and our dedicated documents department will assist the veterinarian with this process.
FAQ: Moving your Pet to Portugal
PawPrint Pet Travel Guide for Top Cities in Portugal
Planning pet transport to the Portugal? Explore our PawPrint Guide for safe, pet-friendly services, including veterinarians, boarding kennels, dog parks, pet groomers, and pet shops!
Lisbon, Portugal
Porto, Portugal
Moving Your Pet From Portugal? We Can Help!
At WorldCare Pet Transport, we specialize in safe and stress-free pet relocation to and from Portugal. Here’s how our comprehensive service can help you move your pet with ease:
🐾 Full Door-to-Door Pet Transport Service — Available both internationally and domestically, ensuring your pet travels comfortably from your home to their new destination.
🐾 Expert Pet Travel Consultation — Work with a dedicated Pet Relocation Counselor to create a customized plan tailored to your pet’s unique needs.
🐾 Veterinary Coordination Assistance — We help coordinate vaccinations, health exams, microchip verification, and all necessary import/export documents required for pet travel to and from Portugal.
🐾 Airline-Approved Travel Carriers — Providing carriers that are perfectly sized and comfortable for your pet’s journey.
🐾 Quarantine and Boarding Arrangements — Managing all quarantine requirements and safe boarding options as needed.
🐾 Professional Drivers — Our WorldCare Pet drivers will pick up your pet from your chosen location and deliver them safely in climate-controlled vehicles.
🐾 Real-Time Pet Travel Updates — Stay informed with 24/7 updates via a dedicated WhatsApp group.
🐾 Customs Clearance and Entry Compliance — We handle customs procedures and ensure your pet meets Portugal’s entry requirements.
🐾 Pet Protection Plan — Your pet’s safety is our priority, with coverage for added peace of mind.
Contact Us
Ready to start your pet’s journey? We’re here to help! Discover our Portugal pet shipping services and see why pet parents choose us. From start to finish, we provide complete door-to-door care for your furry friend.
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