PT

Importing Your Pet to Portugal

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Prepared by , International Animal Health Consultant

Portugal is an EU member state, so it applies the EU pet rules, which since 22 April 2026 are set by Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/131. DGAV (Direção-Geral de Alimentação e Veterinária) checks pets from outside the EU at designated Travellers’ Points of Entry (PEV), such as airports, and the documents must be sent to those points.

DGAV describes no routine quarantine for compliant pets. If the rules are not met, the first step is to send the animal back to its origin, and as a last resort euthanasia may be considered.

DGAV treats Great Britain as outside the EU, so a pet coming from the UK (except Northern Ireland) follows the non-EU rules. Pets from countries listed in Annex I or II to Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/636 need no rabies titre test; pets from everywhere else do.

Import Requirements

Every requirement below is taken from an official government page, and each one links to the page it comes from. The rules were last checked on 2 October 2026. They can change, so check the linked page again before you book.

EU rules that apply in Portugal

Who is in charge

Where your pet travels from

GroupWhat appliesOrigins
EU countries (movement between Member States)Pet dogs and cats moving between Member States travel on an EU pet passport issued by an authorised veterinarian, with microchip and valid rabies vaccination (Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/131, Article 11). Tapeworm treatment applies only for dogs entering Finland, Ireland, Malta, Northern Ireland and Norway. SourceEU Member States
Listed third countries and territories, Annex I to Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/636 (Article 17(1)(a) of 2026/131)No rabies antibody titration test needed. The EC travellers' points of entry page also exempts these origins (and Norway) from the obligation to enter through a designated travellers' point of entry. SourceAndorra, Switzerland, Faroe Islands, Gibraltar, Greenland, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Monaco, San Marino, Vatican City State
Listed third countries and territories, Annex II to Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/636 (Article 17(1)(b) of 2026/131)No rabies antibody titration test needed. Animal health certificate, microchip and rabies vaccination still required; entry through a travellers' point of entry with documentary and identity checks. Montenegro and Serbia were added by Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1228. The EUR-Lex text of 2026/636 lists the USA as including American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico and US Virgin Islands. SourceAscension Island, United Arab Emirates, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Australia, Aruba, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Barbados, Bahrain, Bermuda, Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba, Canada, Chile, Curaçao, Fiji, Falkland Islands, United Kingdom, Guernsey, Hong Kong, Isle of Man, Jamaica, Japan, Jersey, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Cayman Islands, Saint Lucia, Montenegro, Montserrat, North Macedonia, Mauritius, Mexico, Malaysia, New Caledonia, New Zealand, French Polynesia, Saint Pierre and Miquelon, Serbia, Singapore, Saint Helena, Sint Maarten, Trinidad and Tobago, Taiwan, United States of America, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, British Virgin Islands, Vanuatu, Wallis and Futuna
Non-listed third countries and territoriesRabies antibody titration test required: sample taken by an authorised veterinarian at least 30 days after primary vaccination and not less than 90 days before the animal health certificate is issued, tested in an EU-designated laboratory, result at least 0.5 IU/ml. The 90-day wait does not apply to re-entry of an EU-resident pet whose passport documents a favourable test done before leaving the EU. Sourceall other countries and territories
  • Pets from third countries or territories listed in Annex I or Annex II to Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/636 do not need a rabies antibody titration test (the page adds in brackets that Annex II was amended by 2026/1228 to add Montenegro and Serbia); pets from all other third countries do. Applies to dogs and cats from third countries.
    Bringing a pet into the EU from a non-EU country, checked 1 October 2026
  • Montenegro and Serbia were added to Annex II of Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/636 (titre-test exempt list) by Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1228, and are shown in Annex II on the EC listing page. The exact start date (18 or 19 June 2026) was not confirmed on EUR-Lex in this pass; it does not affect moves from October 2026 onwards. Applies to dogs and cats from Montenegro and Serbia.
    Bringing a pet into the EU from a non-EU country, checked 1 October 2026
  • Annex I countries (Article 17(1)(a) of 2026/131) are those that applied and showed they apply pet rules equivalent to the EU's own; Annex II countries (Article 17(1)(b)) qualify on rabies surveillance and control criteria. Both are exempt from the titre test; only Annex I origins are also exempt from entering through a travellers' point of entry (Article 15(a)). Applies to dogs and cats from third countries.
    Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/131 of 20 January 2026 on non-commercial movement of pet animals, checked 1 October 2026

Import permit

  • Not required (EU level): the European Commission sets out the conditions that must be met for a pet dog, cat or ferret to move from a non-EU country into an EU country (travel with the owner, at most 5 animals, microchip, health, rabies vaccination, titre test where applicable, tapeworm treatment for some destinations, animal health certificate and declaration, travellers' point of entry); no permit is among them. National files must still settle any national permit (for example a breed or hybrid licence). Applies to pet dogs, cats and ferrets moved from non-EU countries into the EU (non-commercial).
    Bringing a pet into the EU from a non-EU country, checked 2 October 2026
  • At EU level a permit is used only by way of exception. Article 29 of Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/131 lets a Member State, in exceptional situations, authorise entry of pets that do NOT comply with the conditions in Articles 7 to 20, on a permit from the destination Member State (applied for in advance or, by derogation in Article 29(2), granted on arrival), with possible isolation under official supervision of up to six months. Article 15(b) also uses a permit, only for pet dogs moved by military, law-enforcement or search-and-rescue teams that enter other than through a travellers' point of entry. An ordinary compliant pet does not need one. Applies to pet dogs, cats and ferrets that do not meet the EU entry conditions.
    Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/131 of 20 January 2026 on non-commercial movement of pet animals, checked 2 October 2026

Microchip

  • Each pet must be identified with an implanted microchip meeting the technical specifications in Article 70a of Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/2035. Neither the EC pages nor 2026/131 name ISO 11784/11785 directly; the standard is set by reference to Article 70a. Exceptions: the same EC page accepts a clearly readable tattoo applied before 3 July 2011, and a microchip that does not meet Article 70a is accepted if the owner provides a reader on request (Article 13(1)(b) of 2026/131; see below).
    Bringing a pet into the EU from a non-EU country, checked 1 October 2026
  • The rabies vaccine must not be given before the microchip is implanted or read (same day is acceptable).
    Bringing a pet into the EU from a non-EU country, checked 1 October 2026
  • If a pet from a non-EU country has a microchip that does not meet the EU technical requirements, the owner must provide a reader so EU authorities can check it. Applies to dogs and cats from third countries.
    FAQs (dogs, cats and ferrets), checked 1 October 2026
  • For non-commercial movements between EU countries, the microchip must contain the country code from 1 January 2028. The same FAQ lists exceptions: pets microchipped before 22 April 2026 under Annex II of Regulation (EU) No 576/2013 need not be re-chipped, and pets from non-EU countries on a short stay identified under their own national rules do not need a country-code chip (Article 7(2)(a) of 2026/131 also deems transponders implanted before 1 January 2028 without the country code compliant). Applies to dogs and cats moving between Member States.
    FAQs (dogs, cats and ferrets), checked 1 October 2026
  • Article 7(1)(b) of 2026/131 (identification for movements between Member States): if the transponder does not meet the Article 70a technical requirements, the owner or authorised person must provide a reader on request. Applies to dogs and cats moving between Member States.
    Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/131 of 20 January 2026 on non-commercial movement of pet animals, checked 1 October 2026

Rabies vaccination

Rabies titre test

  • Where required (non-listed origins), the test must measure a level of neutralising antibody to rabies virus in serum of at least 0.5 IU/ml, done in a designated laboratory. Neither the EC page nor 2026/131 (which refers to point 1 of Annex XXI to Delegated Regulation (EU) 2020/692) names a test method such as FAVN or RFFIT. Applies to dogs and cats from non-listed third countries.
    Bringing a pet into the EU from a non-EU country, checked 1 October 2026
  • The test must be done by an official laboratory designated under Article 37 of Regulation (EU) 2017/625, or by a laboratory in a third country listed in Annex VIII to Implementing Regulation (EU) 2021/404 designated in line with Article 37(4) and (5) of that Regulation; only laboratories specifically accredited for the method may do it, so the laboratory need not be in the EU. The EC publishes the lists of designated laboratories. Applies to dogs and cats from non-listed third countries.
    Designated laboratories for performing rabies antibody titration tests, checked 1 October 2026
  • The blood sample must be taken by an authorised veterinarian at least 30 days after the primary vaccination (or within a current valid vaccination series) and not less than 90 days before the animal health certificate is issued. Applies to dogs and cats from non-listed third countries.
    Bringing a pet into the EU from a non-EU country, checked 1 October 2026
  • The 90-day wait does not apply when an EU-resident pet returns and its passport shows a favourable titre test done before it left the EU. Applies to EU-resident dogs and cats returning from non-listed third countries.
    Bringing a pet into the EU from a non-EU country, checked 1 October 2026

Health certificate

  • Pets entering from third countries need an EU animal health certificate completed and issued by an official or authorised veterinarian in the country of dispatch and then endorsed by that country's competent authority. Exceptions on the same page (Article 20 of 2026/131): a pet accompanied by a pet passport issued in an Annex I country, and an EU-resident pet re-entering on its EU pet passport (see topic other), need no certificate. Applies to dogs and cats from third countries.
    Bringing a pet into the EU from a non-EU country, checked 1 October 2026
  • The certificate is valid for 10 days from issue by the official veterinarian until the documentary and identity checks at the travellers' point of entry; for transport by sea the 10 days are extended by the length of the sea journey. Applies to dogs and cats from third countries.
    Bringing a pet into the EU from a non-EU country, checked 1 October 2026
  • For onward travel to other EU countries the certificate is valid for 6 months from the entry checks, or until the rabies vaccination expires if earlier. Applies to dogs and cats entering from third countries and travelling onward within the EU.
    Bringing a pet into the EU from a non-EU country, checked 1 October 2026
  • The certificate must be accompanied by a written declaration from the owner or authorised person that the movement is non-commercial (model in Part 2 of Annex V to 2026/705). Applies to dogs and cats from third countries.
    Bringing a pet into the EU from a non-EU country, checked 1 October 2026
  • Transitional rule: old-model certificates (Annex IV to 577/2013) issued before 1 October 2026 are accepted until 31 March 2027. Applies to dogs and cats from third countries.
    Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/705 of 20 March 2026 establishing model identification documents and model declarations, checked 1 October 2026
  • The EC page confirms that old-model certificates remain valid only if issued before 1 October 2026 (end date 31 March 2027 is in Article 6 of 2026/705). Applies to dogs and cats from third countries.
    Bringing a pet into the EU from a non-EU country, checked 1 October 2026
  • Article 6(1) of 2026/705: an old-model passport (Part 1 of Annex III to 577/2013) is deemed to comply with the new model passport where it was issued before 1 January 2028, for non-commercial movements into a Member State from another Member State. Article 6(2) gives the same rule for old Part 3 passports used for movements from third countries or territories listed in Annex I to 2026/636. Applies to dogs and cats moving with an EU pet passport.
    Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/705 of 20 March 2026 establishing model identification documents and model declarations, checked 1 October 2026
  • Article 18(1) of 2026/131: the animal health certificate is valid for 6 months from the entry checks at the travellers' point of entry, or until the rabies vaccination expires if earlier. Applies to dogs and cats entering from third countries.
    Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/131 of 20 January 2026 on non-commercial movement of pet animals, checked 1 October 2026

Other vaccines and tests

Parasite treatment

  • Dogs (not cats) must be treated against Echinococcus multilocularis before entering Finland, Ireland, Malta, Northern Ireland or Norway. Dogs moving directly between these disease-free countries are exempt (Article 10(1) of 2026/131 and the EC 'Travelling with a pet within the EU' page). Article 16 of 2026/131 (dogs from Annex I countries) and Article 10(2) (dogs from other Member States) allow an alternative regular-treatment scheme where the destination Member State has authorised it and says so on a dedicated website. Applies to dogs entering Finland, Ireland, Malta, Northern Ireland or Norway.
    Bringing a pet into the EU from a non-EU country, checked 1 October 2026
  • The tapeworm treatment must be given by a veterinarian between 24 and 120 hours before scheduled entry. Applies to dogs entering Finland, Ireland, Malta, Northern Ireland or Norway.
    Bringing a pet into the EU from a non-EU country, checked 1 October 2026

Quarantine

  • Under EU rules quarantine is tied to non-compliance: a pet that fails the entry checks may be returned to the country of departure, quarantined until it complies, or, if neither is possible, euthanised (Your Europe, last checked 1 September 2026). Separately, Article 29 of 2026/131 lets a Member State admit a non-compliant pet on a permit that may include isolation under official supervision for up to six months. The entry measures for a compliant pet (Article 14 of 2026/131, see other_vaccines_and_tests) include no quarantine. Applies to dogs and cats from third countries.
    EU rules on travelling with pets and other animals in the EU, checked 1 October 2026

Arrival points and notice

  • Pets from third countries must enter through a travellers' point of entry designated by the Member State (Article 15 of 2026/131, with listed exceptions). Applies to dogs and cats from third countries.
    Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/131 of 20 January 2026 on non-commercial movement of pet animals, checked 1 October 2026
  • The EC publishes each Member State's travellers' points of entry. Pets from Andorra, Switzerland, Faroe Islands, Gibraltar, Greenland, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Norway, San Marino and Vatican City State are exempt from using them. Applies to dogs and cats from third countries.
    Travellers' points of entry, checked 1 October 2026

Minimum age

  • Young unvaccinated (or not yet fully protected) dogs and cats cannot enter the EU from any non-EU country. Applies to dogs and cats from third countries.
    Young Animals, checked 1 October 2026
  • Between Member States only, a destination country may allow young pets under 12 weeks unvaccinated, or 12 to 16 weeks vaccinated but within the 21-day wait (Article 9 of 2026/131). The EC table (checked 1 October 2026) lists Bulgaria, Croatia, Czechia, Estonia, Finland, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia and Switzerland as accepting them for non-commercial moves. Applies to young dogs and cats moving between Member States.
    Young Animals, checked 1 October 2026
  • Article 9 of 2026/131 defines the young-animal derogation for movement from another Member State. Applies to young dogs and cats moving between Member States.
    Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/131 of 20 January 2026 on non-commercial movement of pet animals, checked 1 October 2026

How many pets

How your pet may travel

  • The pet must travel with its owner; if the owner cannot travel at the same time, an authorised person may move it, with the owner travelling within 5 days before or after, confirmed by a written declaration attached to the passport (model in Annex V, Part 1 to 2026/705).
    Bringing a pet into the EU from a non-EU country, checked 1 October 2026

Other conditions

  • Between Member States, pets must carry an EU pet passport (Article 11(1) of 2026/131). The EC guidance page says it is completed and issued by an authorised veterinarian. Exception (Article 12 of 2026/131): a pet whose owner lives in a third country and that entered the EU on an animal health certificate may move on to another Member State with that certificate while it is valid. Applies to dogs and cats moving between Member States.
    Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/131 of 20 January 2026 on non-commercial movement of pet animals, checked 1 October 2026
  • EU-resident pets returning after a short stay outside the EU may re-enter on their EU pet passport (instead of a certificate) if it shows rabies vaccination and any needed titre test were done before leaving; Article 20(b) of 2026/131 adds that the vaccination must still be valid on return. Applies to EU-resident dogs and cats returning from third countries.
    FAQs (dogs, cats and ferrets), checked 1 October 2026

Rules set by Portugal

Who is in charge

  • DGAV checks pets from outside the EU at designated Travellers' Points of Entry (PEV), and documents must be sent to those points. Applies to dogs and cats entering Portugal from non-EU countries, including the UK except Northern Ireland (non-commercial).
    Cães e Gatos (entrada em Portugal), checked 1 October 2026

Where your pet travels from

  • DGAV notes that Belarus and Russia were removed from the listed-country list from 16 September 2024 (so a titre test applies). The country lists now sit in Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/636 (see eu-common.json). Applies to dogs and cats from Belarus and Russia.
    Entrar em Portugal a partir de um país fora da UE, checked 1 October 2026

Health certificate

  • DGAV stresses that the health certificate comes from official veterinary services, not from a private clinical vet. Applies to dogs and cats entering Portugal from non-EU countries, including the UK except Northern Ireland (non-commercial).
    Cães e Gatos (entrada em Portugal), checked 1 October 2026

Quarantine

  • Non-compliance leads first to return of the animals to origin; as a last resort euthanasia may be considered. DGAV describes no routine quarantine for compliant pets. Applies to dogs and cats entering Portugal from non-EU countries, including the UK except Northern Ireland (non-commercial).
    Cães e Gatos (entrada em Portugal), checked 1 October 2026

Arrival points and notice

  • The owner or authorised person must contact the Travellers' Point of Entry before arrival. Applies to dogs and cats entering Portugal from non-EU countries, including the UK except Northern Ireland (non-commercial).
    Aviso de chegada – Cães e Gatos, checked 1 October 2026
  • The arrival notice must be sent as early as possible and at least 48 hours before arrival, using DGAV's form, to the PEV's own address (documents sent elsewhere may not be analysed in time). Applies to dogs and cats entering Portugal from non-EU countries, including the UK except Northern Ireland (non-commercial).
    Aviso de chegada – Cães e Gatos, checked 1 October 2026
  • Documents sent to addresses other than the PEV's cannot be analysed in time. Applies to dogs and cats entering Portugal from non-EU countries, including the UK except Northern Ireland (non-commercial).
    Aviso de chegada – Cães e Gatos, checked 1 October 2026
  • Lisbon airport PEV is closed from 00:00 to 06:00. Applies to pets arriving at Lisbon airport.
    Aviso de chegada – Cães e Gatos, checked 1 October 2026
  • Porto airport PEV is closed from 23:00 to 07:00. Applies to pets arriving at Porto airport.
    Aviso de chegada – Cães e Gatos, checked 1 October 2026
  • DGAV list of Travellers' Points of Entry (dated 26-03-2026; its heading still cites Regulation (EU) 576/2013): airports Lisboa, Porto, Faro, Beja, Funchal, Ponta Delgada, Ilha Terceira and Santa Maria; ports Cascais, Lisboa, Marina de Cascais, Porto and Funchal, plus Azores marinas and cruise quays (Ponta Delgada, Angra do Heroísmo, Vila do Porto, Horta, Velas, Lages do Pico). Lisbon airport PEV: pcflisboaa@dgav.pt, +351 919 551 607; Porto airport: pcfportoa@dgav.pt, +351 916 181 917; Faro: pets.entrypoint.fao@dgav.pt. Applies to dogs and cats entering Portugal from non-EU countries, including the UK except Northern Ireland (non-commercial).
    Pontos de Entrada dos Viajantes (março 2026), checked 2 October 2026

Minimum age

  • Young dogs and cats from outside the EU may not enter if under 12 weeks, or 12 to 16 weeks with rabies vaccination less than 21 days old. Applies to dogs and cats entering Portugal from non-EU countries, including the UK except Northern Ireland (non-commercial).
    Cães e Gatos (entrada em Portugal), checked 1 October 2026

How many pets

  • DGAV restates the EU limit of up to 5 animals. Applies to dogs and cats entering Portugal from non-EU countries, including the UK except Northern Ireland (non-commercial).
    Cães e Gatos (entrada em Portugal), checked 1 October 2026

Banned and restricted breeds

  • Portugal allows non-commercial entry of potentially dangerous breeds and their crosses (Cão de fila brasileiro, Dogue argentino, Pit bull terrier, Rottweiler, Staffordshire terrier americano, Staffordshire bull terrier, Tosa inu) from outside the EU. Applies to dogs of the listed breeds from non-EU countries.
    Cães de Raças Consideradas Potencialmente Perigosas, checked 1 October 2026
  • At the point of entry one of two documents is issued: a 'Termo de Responsabilidade' for stays under 4 months, or a 'Notificação de Permanência' for stays over 4 months. Applies to dogs of the listed breeds from non-EU countries.
    Cães de Raças Consideradas Potencialmente Perigosas, checked 1 October 2026
  • Dogs of these breeds registered in an officially recognised stud book (LOP and others) are the only exception to the Termo de Responsabilidade / Notificação de Permanência requirement; the keeper must show written proof at the Travellers' Point of Entry. Applies to pedigree dogs of the listed breeds.
    Cães de Raças Consideradas Potencialmente Perigosas, checked 1 October 2026
  • Potentially dangerous breeds on stays of under 4 months need only meet the normal health rules, but must be walked on a short lead and muzzled and carry their health documents (passport or other). Applies to dogs of potentially dangerous breeds visiting Portugal for under 4 months.
    Entrada de Cães Perigosos e Potencialmente Perigosos em Portugal, checked 2 October 2026
  • Stays of 4 months or more: the keeper must go to the municipal veterinarian to register the dog in SIAC and obtain a keeping licence (licença de detenção) from the junta de freguesia of residence. Applies to dogs of potentially dangerous breeds staying 4 months or more.
    Entrada de Cães Perigosos e Potencialmente Perigosos em Portugal, checked 2 October 2026
  • Stays of 4 months or more: unless proof is shown that the dog is in an officially recognised stud book, it must be sterilised. Applies to dogs of potentially dangerous breeds staying 4 months or more.
    Entrada de Cães Perigosos e Potencialmente Perigosos em Portugal, checked 2 October 2026
  • Entry in breach of these rules is subject to fines and to re-export or euthanasia of the animals. Applies to dogs of potentially dangerous breeds.
    Entrada de Cães Perigosos e Potencialmente Perigosos em Portugal, checked 2 October 2026
  • The first licence for a dangerous or potentially dangerous dog must be obtained from the junta de freguesia within 30 days of SIAC registration. Applies to dangerous or potentially dangerous dogs registered in Portugal.
    2. Licenciamento na Junta de Freguesia, checked 2 October 2026

Official fees

  • A fee is charged for the veterinary examination at the PEV: EUR 43.17 for one animal, EUR 86.34 for two or more; assistance dogs for people with disabilities are exempt. Applies to dogs and cats entering Portugal from non-EU countries, including the UK except Northern Ireland (non-commercial).
    Cães e Gatos (entrada em Portugal), checked 1 October 2026

Other conditions

  • Dogs, cats and ferrets entering Portugal from another EU member state or a third country, marked under the EU pet rules, must be registered in SIAC (the national pet database) if they stay in Portugal 120 days or more. A vet accredited in SIAC does the registration (for potentially dangerous dogs from abroad, the municipal vet), in the name of the holder shown on the pet passport or health certificate. Source: DGAV leaflet on electronic identification and registration (uploaded January 2021; it still cites Regulation (EU) 576/2013). Applies to dogs, cats and ferrets staying in Portugal 120 days or more.
    Cães, Gatos e Furões: Identificação eletrónica e Registo, checked 2 October 2026

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EU rules vs. non-EU origins

A pet entering from outside the EU needs an EU animal health certificate, completed by an official or authorised vet in the country of dispatch and endorsed by that country’s competent authority. DGAV stresses that the certificate comes from official veterinary services, not from a private clinical vet. It is valid for 10 days from issue until the checks at the point of entry.

Two groups need no certificate: a pet travelling on a pet passport issued in an Annex I country, and an EU-resident pet coming home on its EU pet passport.

Where a titre test is needed, the blood sample must be taken at least 30 days after the primary vaccination and not less than 90 days before the certificate is issued. The result must show at least 0.5 IU/ml. DGAV notes that Belarus and Russia were removed from the listed countries from 16 September 2024, so pets from both now need the test.

Young pets cannot enter Portugal from outside the EU if they are under 12 weeks old, or between 12 and 16 weeks old with a rabies vaccination less than 21 days old. DGAV restates the EU limit of up to 5 animals.

Travelling through Portugal to other EU countries

Most pets from outside the EU must enter through a travellers’ point of entry, so a pet landing in Lisbon or Porto is checked in Portugal even if it is heading elsewhere in the EU. For onward travel to other EU countries the certificate is valid for 6 months from those entry checks, or until the rabies vaccination expires if that is sooner.

The owner or authorised person must contact the PEV before arrival. DGAV asks for its arrival notice form as early as possible and at least 48 hours before arrival, sent to the PEV’s own address, because documents sent anywhere else cannot be analysed in time.

Check your landing time too. Lisbon airport’s PEV is closed from 00:00 to 06:00, and Porto airport’s from 23:00 to 07:00.

DGAV charges a fee for the veterinary examination at the PEV: EUR 43.17 for one animal and EUR 86.34 for two or more. Assistance dogs for people with disabilities are exempt.

Frequently Asked Questions

No. DGAV describes no routine quarantine for pets that meet the rules. If something is wrong, the first step is to send the animal back to its origin, so get the paperwork right before you travel.

Only if your pet comes from a country that is not listed in Annex I or II to Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/636. Pets from listed countries need no titre test; pets from everywhere else do, including Belarus and Russia since 16 September 2024. Every pet still needs a microchip and a rabies vaccination given when it was at least 12 weeks old.

Yes. Cats follow the same microchip, rabies vaccination and health certificate rules as dogs. Portugal’s extra rules for potentially dangerous breeds apply to dogs only.

From outside the EU, usually an EU animal health certificate, completed by an official or authorised vet in the country of dispatch and endorsed by that country’s competent authority. DGAV stresses that it comes from official veterinary services, not from a private clinical vet. It is valid for 10 days from issue until the checks at the point of entry, and it must travel with your written declaration that the move is non-commercial.

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  • Difficulty: Relaxed
  • Code: PT

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