Importing Your Pet to Portugal

Portugal is an EU member state and uses the EU Pet Travel Scheme. For pets coming from another EU country or a country listed under EU regulations, the process is relatively smooth. For pets from outside the EU, the process is more involved.

Portugal does not require mandatory quarantine for pets arriving from EU-listed countries. Pets from non-listed countries may face more detailed checks including potential quarantine. The microchip, vaccination, and health certificate requirements follow the EU standard.

For most English-speaking countries (UK, USA, Canada, Australia), the process involves a valid EU-format health certificate, rabies vaccination proof, and in some cases a titre test. UK pets specifically need an AHC (Animal Health Certificate) following Brexit.

EU rules vs. non-EU origins

Portugal follows EU pet import rules administered by DGAV (Direção-Geral de Alimentação e Veterinária). For pets from EU/EFTA countries with an EU pet passport, entry is straightforward. For pets from listed countries (UK, USA, Canada, etc.), an AHC or equivalent is required, endorsed by the origin country’s official authority.

For pets from non-listed countries, a rabies titre test result and a 3-month waiting period after the successful test date are required before the pet can enter Portugal. Contact DGAV directly to confirm the current listing status of your origin country.

Travelling through Portugal to other EU countries