Pet Transport from Canada to Portugal
If you're relocating from Canada to Portugal and taking your pet, the good news is thousands of families do this every year. This route is relatively straightforward compared to some international …
Get your free quoteThe Canada to Portugal import process
Responsible: Your veterinarian
Responsible: Your veterinarian
Responsible: You (or your pet transport agent)
Responsible: Official veterinarian
Responsible: You + airline check-in/cargo desk
Portugal entry requirements
Every item below must be in place before your pet can enter. We verify and track each one.
Export requirements
What this route typically costs
Critical points
Always verify current regulations with the destination country's official veterinary authority before travel.
Approved carriers on this route
| Airline | Notes | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Air Canada | Small pets allowed in cabin. Cargo: Air Canada Cargo handles pet transport in heated/pressurised hold. Brachycephalic breeds restricted from cargo year-round | Cabin and Cargo |
| Air France | Small pets allowed in cabin (up to 8kg including carrier). Cargo transport available for larger pets. Brachycephalic breeds subject to restrictions/seasonal embargoes | Cabin and Cargo |
| Emirates | Cargo: Emirates SkyCargo handles all pet transport as manifested cargo. Brachycephalic breeds accepted with additional requirements and seasonal restrictions. Temperature embargoes during extreme heat (summer months in Gulf region) | Cargo Only |
| Lufthansa | Small pets (up to 8kg with carrier) allowed in cabin. Cargo: larger pets via Lufthansa Cargo in pressurised, temperature-controlled hold. Brachycephalic breeds restricted from cargo year-round | Cabin and Cargo |
| Singapore Airlines | Cargo: Pets travel in temperature-controlled hold. Brachycephalic breeds subject to restrictions. Temperature embargoes apply on certain routes/seasons | Cargo Only |
| British Airways | Cargo: Pets transported via British Airways World Cargo in temperature-controlled hold. Book through approved cargo agent. No cabin pets on any route. | Cargo Only |
| Cathay Pacific | Cargo: Pets travel as manifested cargo in temperature-controlled hold. Brachycephalic breeds restricted during summer months. Hong Kong AFCD import regulations must be met | Cargo Only |
| KLM | Small pets allowed in cabin (up to 8kg including carrier). Cargo: pets transported via KLM Cargo. Temperature restrictions apply. Brachycephalic breeds restricted from cargo | Cabin and Cargo |
| Delta Air Lines | Small pets allowed in cabin. Cargo: Delta Cargo handles larger pets in temperature-controlled hold. Brachycephalic breeds restricted from cargo | Cabin and Cargo |
| American Airlines | Small pets allowed in cabin. Cargo: American Airlines Cargo handles pet transport. Seasonal temperature embargoes apply | Cabin and Cargo |
Key requirements for moving your pet to Portugal
Compared to some international pet transport routes, Canada 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.
Step-by-step: what to do first
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.
Common questions about this route
Move your pet
to Portugal.
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