Bring your furry family members to Portugal with confidence. We handle EU pet passport requirements, health certificates, microchip verification, and airline coordination so your pets travel safely.
Good news for US pet owners: Portugal does NOT require a rabies antibody titer test for dogs and cats coming from the United States. The US is classified as a "listed country" with adequate rabies controls.
If relocating from a non-listed country (much of Asia, Africa, South America), a titer test is required at least 30 days after vaccination and 3 months before travel. Contact us for guidance.
Tell us about your pet(s): breed, age, weight, current vaccination status, and travel date
We create a personalized checklist with exact requirements and deadlines for your situation
Guide you through vet visits; review documents before USDA submission
Airline booking assistance, carrier requirements, and Portugal arrival procedures
Pets under 8kg (17.6 lbs) including carrier can fly in-cabin on most airlines. TAP Air Portugal, Delta, United, and others allow cabin pets.
Medium pets travel in pressurized, climate-controlled cargo hold as checked baggage. Available on select airlines and routes.
Large dogs or multiple pets travel as air cargo. Requires IATA-compliant crate and specialized pet transport booking.
Flat-faced breeds (bulldogs, pugs, Persian cats) have airline restrictions. We help find pet-friendly carriers and routes.
Documentation guidance
Full coordination service
Door-to-door service
What's not included: Veterinary fees ($100-300), USDA endorsement fee ($38), airline pet fees ($125-500+ depending on route and cabin/cargo), and crate purchase (unless White Glove). Government and airline fees are paid directly by you. We handle the coordination and paperwork.
Yes! Dogs and cats from the US can enter Portugal with proper documentation. You'll need an ISO microchip, current rabies vaccination, and a USDA-endorsed health certificate. Since the US is a "listed country," no rabies titer test is required.
Start at least 30-60 days before your travel date. The rabies vaccine must be given at least 21 days before travel, and the health certificate/USDA endorsement process takes 1-2 weeks. More time is better, especially if your pet needs a new microchip or vaccine.
If your pet (including carrier) weighs under 8kg (17.6 lbs), most airlines allow in-cabin travel. TAP Air Portugal, Delta, United, and others accept cabin pets. Larger pets must travel as checked baggage or cargo. Breed restrictions may apply—brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds have limited options.
At Lisbon, Porto, or Faro airport, you'll proceed to the customs area with your pet. Have all original documents ready. An EU health certificate (Annex IV) will be issued upon entry, which serves as your pet's "EU passport" for travel within the Schengen zone. In practice, most arrivals are processed quickly without extensive inspection.
Yes, you can bring up to 5 pets per person for non-commercial purposes. Each pet needs its own documentation. Airlines may have limits on how many pets can fly in-cabin per flight—cargo may be required for multiple or larger pets. We offer discounts for multiple pets.
Birds require CITES permits and additional health testing. Reptiles have strict import controls and may be prohibited. Rabbits and ferrets have simpler requirements similar to dogs/cats. Contact us for guidance on non-dog/cat pets—each species has different rules.
Not immediately. Upon EU entry, you'll receive an EU health certificate that allows travel within the Schengen area. After establishing residence in Portugal, you can get an official EU Pet Passport from a Portuguese vet, which makes future EU travel easier.
Don't leave your furry family behind. We'll handle the paperwork so you can focus on the move.
Dogs • Cats • Birds • Other pets by request