Pet Transport from Portugal to Australia
Moving a dog or cat from Portugal to Australia is a significant process, but Portugal's DAFF Group 2 status (rabies-controlled) means Portuguese pets are exempt from the RNATT titre test, saving months compared with pets from higher-risk countries. You still …
The Portugal to Australia import process
Every step must be completed in sequence. A single missed deadline can add months to your timeline. We own the entire process.
Responsible: Veterinarian
Responsible: Veterinarian
Responsible: Owner or agent
Responsible: Owner or agent
Responsible: Owner or agent
Responsible: Owner
Responsible: DGAV-authorised official veterinarian
Responsible: Airline cargo
Responsible: DAFF / MARS
What your pet needs to enter Australia
Every item must be verified before your pet can board. We track each one against current standards.
What this route typically costs
Critical points
All pets must arrive at Melbourne International Airport (MEL). No other Australian airport accepts international pet imports.
Portugal is DAFF Group 2 (no titre test). Confirm this classification is current at agriculture.gov.au before booking.
Quarantine fee must be paid before release. Budget AUD 1,877+ per pet.
Health certificate valid for 10 days from issue. A rebooked flight requires a new certificate.
Approved carriers for this route
Not all airlines accept live animals. We book only with carriers that handle live animal cargo correctly.
Does my pet from Portugal need a titre test for Australia?
No. Portugal is DAFF Group 2 (rabies-controlled), and Group 2 countries are exempt from the RNATT. The titre test, which requires a blood draw at least 28 days after vaccination plus a mandatory waiting period, is not needed for Portuguese-origin pets.
What is still required: ISO microchip before any vaccination, current rabies vaccination within its validity period, DAFF import permit via BICON, quarantine booking at Mickleham, cargo to Melbourne, and the official DGAV health certificate in DAFF’s required format. Source: DAFF, agriculture.gov.au/biosecurity-trade/cats-dogs (2026).
How do I ship my pet from Portugal to Melbourne?
There is no direct Portugal-to-Melbourne passenger flight. Emirates via Dubai (from Lisbon) is the most commonly used routing for Portuguese pets heading to Australia. Qatar Airways via Doha and Singapore Airlines via Changi are viable alternatives. TAP Air Portugal connects from Lisbon to European hubs for onward cargo arrangements.
All airlines carry pets as manifest cargo only. Book eight to twelve weeks ahead. Routes via the Gulf are subject to summer heat embargoes. All pets must arrive at Melbourne International Airport (MEL). No other Australian airport accepts international pet imports.
What is the DGAV's role in the export process from Portugal?
The DGAV (Direcao-Geral de Alimentacao e Veterinaria) is Portugal’s Directorate-General for Food and Veterinary, responsible for animal health certification for exports. The official export health certificate must be issued by a DGAV-authorised official vet in the format DAFF requires for Portuguese-origin Group 2 animals.
The certificate is valid for ten days from the date of issue. From 1 October 2026, the new EU export format under EU Regulation 2026/131 applies. Confirm the current required template with your official vet and DAFF before booking. Source: DGAV, dgav.pt (2026).