Pet Travel to Portugal

 

 

Pet Travel to Portugal:

A Complete Guide for Furry Family Members

 

 

I recently relocated from California to the Algarve, with a brief three-week stopover in Florida. The extended stay was a bit of a mix-up – my partner wanted to spend some time with her family in Miami before our big move, and those few days quickly turned into three weeks. The reason? We didn’t fully understand the pet import rules. Along with our two cats and two bunnies, we were heading to the sunny Algarve, but we missed an important detail: due to rabies vaccination regulations, we had to wait 21 days after inoculation before we could fly.

When researching the process online, it felt like every website offered conflicting information. Even after consulting our vet and reaching out to others for advice, every response seemed different. Navigating the requirements for both cats and bunnies, along with finding an airline willing to accept them, proved to be a challenge. Eventually, we turned to a pet relocation company specializing in Florida-to-EU moves, and that turned out to be a lifesaver.

So I’m here to assure you that moving to Portugal and bringing your beloved pets along doesn’t have to be a hassle! Portugal is a pet-friendly country, welcoming not only dogs and cats but also ferrets, birds, tortoises, rabbits, and other animals. The best part? There’s no quarantine period upon arrival, so you can take your furry companion with you right after you land.

Many airlines will transport your pets in the cargo hold, and if your pet is small enough they can even travel with you in the cabin. While the process may seem daunting at first, it’s not as complicated as it appears. Below, I’ve compiled a guide to help you understand the steps involved in importing pets from the USA, UK, and Ireland – the countries most of our clients come from.

 

General Requirements for All Countries

No matter where you're travelling from, there are a few basic requirements for bringing your pets into Portugal:

1. Rabies Vaccination: Your pet (dog or cat) must have a valid rabies shot. The rabies vaccine is typically valid for 3 years, and you can find the vaccination details in your pet’s vaccination booklet. If the rabies vaccine needs to be renewed before your move, remember that there’s a 21-day waiting period from the date of vaccination before they can travel.
2. Microchip: Your pet must be microchipped before receiving the rabies vaccine. Ensure the microchip number is recorded in your pet’s vaccination booklet, as it will be checked during the entry process.

 

 

Travelling from the USA

For pets traveling from the USA, the process is straightforward:

• Microchip & Rabies Shot: As mentioned earlier, your pet must have a valid rabies vaccination.
• USDA Pet Health Certificate: You will also need a USDA-approved health certificate. To obtain this, visit the USDA’s APHIS website to locate a local USDA-compliant vet. Take your pet for a checkup within 10 days of your departure, and the vet will apply for the certificate. The USDA will then approve and stamp it, mailing it back to you.
• Notify the Portuguese Port of Entry: Once you have the health certificate, send an email to the DGAV at the Portuguese port of entry, such as Lisbon airport, informing them of your travel date and how many pets you’ll be bringing in.
• Arrival and Check-in: Upon arrival, head to the baggage claim area, and follow signs to the airport vet check. You’ll present your USDA health certificate, and after the check, your pets can enter Portugal!

Airlines that transport pets from the USA to Portugal: TAP, SATA, American Airlines, Delta, and United.

 

Travelling from the UK

If you're travelling from the UK, the process is also easy:

• Microchip & Rabies Vaccination: Ensure your pet has a microchip and a valid rabies vaccination.
• Health Certificate: In addition to the microchip and rabies vaccine, you’ll need a health certificate from your vet stating your pet is fit to travel. Make sure this certificate is issued within 10 days of your departure.
• Airport Check: When you arrive in Portugal, you’ll show your paperwork and have your pet’s microchip scanned. If you're traveling by ferry or the Eurotunnel, this check will take place at the departure point.

Airlines that transport pets from the UK to Portugal: TAP, British Airways (via IAG Cargo).

 

Travelling from Ireland (and the EU)

If you’re travelling from Ireland or another EU country, the process is the easiest:

• EU Pet Passport: Pets travelling within the EU don’t need a health certificate. Instead, they require an EU pet passport, which is available from your vet. The passport includes details of the microchip and proof of a valid rabies vaccination. 

With the EU pet passport, microchip, and rabies vaccination, your pet can travel freely between EU member states without additional paperwork.

Airlines that transport pets from Ireland and the EU to Portugal: TAP, Lufthansa, SAS, KLM, Norwegian, Iberia, Air France, Transavia, Aer Lingus (via IAG Cargo).

 

 

Moving can be one of the most stressful events in life, and travelling with your pet adds an extra layer of complexity. Thankfully, you don’t have to handle it all by yourself. Many pet relocation companies specialize in handling the logistics of moving pets internationally. They can take care of everything from paperwork and transportation to arranging for your pet to arrive after you've settled into your new home, if that's your preference.

If you need recommendations for trusted pet relocation services or local vets once you have arrived, feel free to reach out to us! We’re happy to connect you with our tried-and-tested resources, ensuring a smooth and stress-free move to Portugal for you and your furry friend.

With a bit of preparation, bringing your pets to Portugal can be a simple and straightforward process. Ensure your pets are microchipped, vaccinated, and have the necessary certificates, and you’ll be ready to enjoy your new life in Portugal with your furry companions by your side!

 

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By Annica
Marketing Assistant
annicahojbjerg@qp.pt