Pet Transport from Australia to Portugal
Planning to move your pet from Australia to Portugal? Get Your Quote
Shipping your pet from Australia to Portugal is a process that rewards early planning.
This route is relatively straightforward compared to some international routes. Start preparations at least 4 weeks before your travel date: some steps have fixed waiting periods that cannot be shortened.
Use this guide to map out your preparation timeline and avoid the most common mistakes.
Step-by-Step Process
Microchip your pet (ISO 11784/11785 standard)
First step: must be done before any vaccinations.
Responsible: Your veterinarian
Rabies vaccination
After microchip. 21-day wait before next steps.
Responsible: Your veterinarian
Book IATA-compliant flight and cargo/cabin space
2-4 weeks before travel. Confirm pet space with airline directly.
Responsible: You (or your pet transport agent)
Obtain official veterinary health certificate
Within 10 days of travel (check destination-specific requirement)
Responsible: Official veterinarian
Travel day: arrive early, present all documentation at cargo desk
3-4 hours before departure for cargo pets; 2 hours for cabin
Responsible: You + airline check-in/cargo desk
Portugal Import Requirements
What Portugal requires for pets entering the country.
Microchip
Required (ISO 11784/11785). Before rabies vaccination
Rabies Vaccination
Required. Minimum age: 12 weeks. 21-day wait after vaccination before travel. EU requirement: 21 days between vaccination and travel.
Rabies Titre Test
Not required for pets from EU, UK, and certain third countries.
Quarantine
No quarantine for compliant pets from approved countries.
Import Permit
EU pet passport or health certificate
Health Certificate
Required. Health Certificate or EU Pet Passport. Issued by: Official veterinarian. Valid for 10 days from issue. EU pet passport valid from EU; health certificate for non-EU origins.
Exporting from Australia
What you need from Australia before your pet can leave.
Export Permit
Required for live animal exports from Australia
Cost Factors
Costs vary depending on pet size, transport method, and whether you use a transport agent.
- Airline cargo or cabin fees (varies by carrier, route, pet weight, and crate size)
- IATA-compliant travel crate (purchase or hire)
- Veterinary fees: vaccinations, microchipping, health certificate
- Pet transport agent fee (recommended for complex routes)
Important Warnings
Understanding Portugal's pet import rules
Compared to some international pet transport routes, Australia to Portugal is manageable. That said, every country’s rules are different and the timing requirements are strict.
EU member state. EU pet travel rules apply. DGAV (General Directorate of Food and Veterinary) oversees imports.
Things to sort before you book
Microchip first, then vaccinate. The microchip must be implanted before any rabies vaccination for the vaccination to count. It’s the most common and costly mistake people make.
Get the health certificate from an official (government-approved) veterinarian, not just your regular vet. Some countries have strict requirements about who can sign the certificate. Check the destination authority’s approved list.
If this is your first international pet move, consider using a registered pet transport agent. They handle the documentation, airline booking, crate sizing, and can troubleshoot issues. IPATA-registered agents are the recognised standard.
Frequently Asked Questions
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