Moving Pets to Portugal: 2025 Regulations & Costs

Published on 24th October, 2025

Bringing Your Furry Friends: An Overview of Pet Relocation to Portugal

The prospect of having your beloved pets join you in your new Portuguese life is undoubtedly a source of immense joy and excitement. However, this significant transition requires meticulous planning and strict adherence to a comprehensive set of regulations to avoid any distressing delays, unexpected quarantine requirements, or potential complications at the Portuguese border. Portugal, like all member states of the European Union, has specific, harmonised rules for the non-commercial movement of pet animals (primarily dogs, cats, and ferrets). The specific requirements and the complexity of the process primarily differ based on whether your pet is travelling from another EU country or from a non-EU country, often referred to as a ‘third country’. Understanding these distinctions from the outset is crucial for a seamless and stress-free relocation experience for both you and your cherished companions. This guide aims to provide a clear roadmap for navigating these regulations in 2025, ensuring your pets arrive safely and legally to share in your new adventure in Portugal. Remember, preparation is key, and starting the process well in advance is highly recommended, particularly if your pet is originating from a non-EU country with more stringent import conditions.

Essential Steps for EU Pet Travel (Dogs, Cats, Ferrets): The Smoother Path

If you are planning to move your dog, cat, or ferret from another European Union (EU) member state to Portugal, the process is generally quite straightforward and harmonised under the EU Pet Travel Scheme. This scheme is designed to facilitate the safe and easy movement of pets between EU countries while ensuring animal health and public safety. The primary requirements are as follows: Firstly, your pet must be Identified with an ISO 11784/11785 Compliant Microchip. This is a tiny electronic device, about the size of a grain of rice, which is implanted under your pet’s skin by a veterinarian. It carries a unique identification number that can be read by a compatible scanner. Crucially, the microchip must be implanted before the rabies vaccination is administered. If the rabies vaccination is given before microchipping, it will not be considered valid for travel purposes, and the vaccination will need to be repeated after microchipping. Secondly, your pet must have a Valid Rabies Vaccination administered by an authorised veterinarian. The primary rabies vaccination is considered valid for travel 21 days after the date of administration. If your pet receives regular booster vaccinations, these are considered valid from the date of administration, provided they are given within the validity period of the previous vaccination, as indicated by the vaccine manufacturer and recorded by your vet. Ensure your vet records the microchip number and its location on the vaccination certificate. Thirdly, your pet must be accompanied by a European Pet Passport. This official document, which can only be issued by an authorised veterinarian in an EU country, serves as a comprehensive record of your pet’s identity and health status. It contains detailed information about the ownership of the animal, a thorough description of the pet (breed, sex, age, colour, markings), the microchip number and date of implantation, and a complete record of all rabies vaccinations (including dates, vaccine manufacturer, batch number, and validity period). The EU Pet Passport may also include records of other relevant health treatments, such as echinococcus (tapeworm) treatment, although this is not typically a mandatory requirement for direct entry into Portugal from most other EU countries. Always ensure all entries in the Pet Passport are accurate, legible, and endorsed by the issuing veterinarian.

Requirements for Pets from Non-EU Countries (e.g., UK, USA, Canada): Navigating Additional Steps

For pets entering Portugal from non-EU countries, often referred to in EU regulations as ‘third countries’ (this category includes, for example, the United Kingdom, the United States of America, and Canada following their departure from or non-membership in the EU), the requirements are considerably more extensive and demand even more meticulous advance planning. Firstly, similar to EU travel, an ISO Compliant Microchip is an absolute prerequisite. The microchip must conform to ISO standard 11784 or Annex A to ISO standard 11785. If your pet’s microchip is not ISO compliant, you may need to provide your own scanner at the point of entry. As with EU travel, the microchip must be implanted before the rabies vaccination is administered. Secondly, a Valid Rabies Vaccination is mandatory and must be given after the microchip has been implanted. The vaccination must be administered by a licensed veterinarian in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations and the regulations of the country of departure. Thirdly, for pets originating from certain unlisted non-EU countries (these are countries considered to have a higher risk or an uncertain status regarding rabies), a Rabies Antibody Titration Test is required. This is a blood test that measures the level of rabies antibodies in your pet’s system to confirm the effectiveness of the rabies vaccination. The blood sample for this test must be taken by an authorized veterinarian at least 30 days after the date of the rabies vaccination. The test itself must be carried out by an EU-approved laboratory. Crucially, the pet can only enter Portugal (or any other EU country) at least three calendar months after the date the successful blood sample (showing a sufficient antibody level of at least 0.5 IU/ml) was taken. This three-month waiting period does not apply if the pet is coming from a listed non-EU country (such as the USA, Canada, or the UK, which generally have a good rabies control status) provided the rabies vaccination was administered correctly and the pet meets all other entry requirements. However, even for listed countries, while the three-month wait post-test may not apply, the titration test itself might still be a requirement or a strong recommendation depending on the specific country of origin and its current agreements with the EU. It is always imperative to verify the exact requirements with official sources, such as the Portuguese Ministry of Agriculture (Direção-Geral de Alimentação e Veterinária - DGAV) or the competent veterinary authority in your country of departure. Fourthly, instead of an EU Pet Passport (which, as mentioned, can only be issued within the EU), pets arriving from non-EU countries must travel with an Official Veterinary Health Certificate. For pets coming from Great Britain (England, Scotland, Wales), this is typically a UK Animal Health Certificate (AHC). For pets from other non-EU countries, it is usually a specific EU Health Certificate model, which must be completed by an official or accredited veterinarian in the country of departure and then endorsed (stamped and signed) by the competent veterinary authority of that country. This health certificate is generally valid for entry into the EU for a period of 10 days from the date of its official endorsement. Finally, pets arriving from non-EU countries must enter Portugal through a Designated Travellers’ Point of Entry (TPE). These are specific airports, ports, or land border crossings that have the necessary facilities and personnel to carry out official checks on animals. If arriving by air, major international airports like Lisbon (LIS), Porto (OPO), or Faro (FAO) are designated TPEs. Upon arrival, documentary and identity checks will be performed by customs or veterinary authorities to ensure compliance with all import regulations.

Other Considerations & Prohibited Breeds: Important Details to Note

Beyond the core requirements, several other important considerations and potential restrictions must be taken into account when planning to move your pets to Portugal. While not a general requirement for direct entry into Portugal from most countries, if you are travelling through or from certain specific countries (such as the UK, Ireland, Finland, Malta, or Norway) en-route to other specific EU countries (though not usually Portugal itself directly), a Tapeworm Treatment (Echinococcus multilocularis) for dogs may be required. This treatment must be administered by a veterinarian within a specific timeframe before travel (typically 1 to 5 days before entry into the destination country requiring it) and recorded in the pet passport or health certificate. Always meticulously check the rules for any country you might transit through, even if it's just for a connecting flight. Regardless of specific import rules, it is always highly advisable to have your pet undergo a General Health Check with your regular veterinarian shortly before your planned travel date. This ensures they are fit and healthy for the journey and provides an opportunity to discuss any travel-related concerns, such as motion sickness or anxiety. If you are planning to fly with your pet, be aware that each Airline has its Own Specific Pet Policies, rules, and associated fees. These can vary significantly regarding whether pets are allowed in the cabin (usually only very small pets in an approved carrier), transported as excess baggage in a climate-controlled hold, or shipped as manifest cargo. Airlines also have strict requirements for travel crates (IATA compliant), booking procedures, and health documentation. Check these details directly with your chosen airline well in advance of booking your flights. A critical point to research thoroughly is Portugal’s regulations concerning Prohibited or Restricted Dog Breeds. Portugal, like many countries, has restrictions on certain dog breeds that are considered potentially dangerous. As of 2025, these typically include breeds such as the Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Dogo Argentino, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Rottweiler, Tosa Inu, and Fila Brasileiro. Ownership of these breeds in Portugal involves specific and stringent licensing requirements, mandatory muzzling and leashing in public places, liability insurance, and often proof of sterilisation. Importing these breeds can be particularly complex and may require special authorisation or even be prohibited under certain circumstances. It is absolutely crucial to verify the latest official list of restricted breeds and the associated regulations with the Portuguese authorities (Direção-Geral de Alimentação e Veterinária - DGAV) before making any plans to bring such a breed into the country. Failure to comply can lead to serious consequences, including refusal of entry or seizure of the animal.

Cost Breakdown: What to Budget For in 2025

The financial aspect of moving a pet to Portugal can vary significantly based on several factors, including your country of origin, the size and species of your pet, the mode of transport, and whether you choose to use professional pet relocation services. Here’s a general breakdown of potential costs to help you budget for 2025: Veterinary Visits & Microchipping can range from approximately €30 to €70, depending on your vet’s fees. The Rabies Vaccination itself typically costs between €20 and €50. If a Rabies Antibody Titration Test is required (primarily for pets from unlisted non-EU countries), this can be a more significant expense, generally ranging from €100 to €250 for the laboratory test, plus additional veterinary fees for drawing the blood sample and shipping it to an approved laboratory. An EU Pet Passport (if your pet is eligible and currently in an EU country) or an official Animal Health Certificate (AHC from the UK, or an EU Health Certificate from other non-EU countries) can cost between €50 and €150. Note that an AHC issued in the UK can often be more expensive, potentially costing £100 to £200 or even more, depending on the veterinary practice. Airline Fees for pet transport are highly variable. For small pets allowed in the cabin, fees might range from €50 to €100. For larger pets transported as excess baggage in the hold or as manifest cargo, costs can escalate significantly, ranging from €200 to €1000 or even more, depending on the airline, the route, the size and weight of the pet and its travel crate. If you opt for the convenience of Professional Pet Shipper Costs, these services can manage the entire relocation process, including paperwork, flights, and ground transport. However, this comprehensive service comes at a premium, with costs typically ranging from €1,000 to €5,000 or higher, depending on the distance, the complexity of the move, and the level of service included. Finally, while Potential Quarantine is very rare for pets that meet all EU entry requirements and have correct documentation, it is a possibility if paperwork is found to be incorrect or incomplete upon arrival. In such cases, quarantine would be at the owner’s expense and could be costly. It is therefore paramount to ensure all requirements are meticulously met.

Settling Your Pet in Portugal: Making a Smooth Transition

Once you and your furry companions have successfully arrived in Portugal, the next step is to help them settle into their new environment and routine. Firstly, when searching for your new home, ensure you explicitly look for Pet-Friendly Accommodation. Whether you are renting or buying, it’s important to confirm that pets are welcome. The team at PortugalProperty.com understands the importance of finding a home that suits every member of your family, including the four-legged ones, and can assist you in identifying properties where your furry companions will be happily accepted. Secondly, one of your first priorities should be to Register with a Local Vet. Find a reputable local veterinarian (veterinário) in your new area for ongoing healthcare, vaccinations, and any potential emergencies. Ask for recommendations from other pet owners or local expatriate groups. Thirdly, familiarise yourself with Pet Shops & Supplies. Portugal has numerous pet shops (lojas de animais), ranging from large chain stores to smaller independent retailers, where you can find a wide variety of pet food, toys, accessories, and other essential supplies. Finally, make sure you are aware of any Local Rules and Regulations regarding pets. This can include leash laws (most public areas require dogs to be on a leash), specific rules for beach access (many beaches have restrictions for dogs, especially during peak summer months), and any local council requirements for dog registration or licensing. Being a responsible pet owner in your new community will ensure a harmonious life for everyone. Moving your pets to Portugal requires diligence and careful preparation, but the reward of sharing your new life and adventures with them in this beautiful country is undoubtedly well worth the effort.

Moving pets to Portugal in 2025? EU travel needs microchip, rabies vax, EU pet passport. Non-EU needs health cert, possible rabies test. Costs vary. #PetsToPortugal #PetRelocation

Your 24-Hour Challenge: What is the one aspect of moving your pet internationally that worries you the most, and what specific, actionable step could you take today or this week to start addressing that concern and gather more information?

For assistance in finding a pet-friendly home in Portugal, where every member of your family can feel welcome, contact PortugalProperty.com at info@portugalproperty.com

Published in: Guide to Portugal / Miscellaneous / Portuguese Life