Import Rules
Pet must wait 21 full days after a primary rabies vaccination before travel.
Additional notes
Boosters given before the previous dose expires are valid immediately.
Pets arriving from within the EU need to have a valid EU pet passport. EU pet passports may only be held by owners whose main home is in the EU.
Pets arriving from high rabies risk countries need a rabies antibody blood test taken at least 30 days after vaccination and at least 3 months before entry. This does not apply to arrivals from the EU or from listed third countries, including GB.
Additional notes
Some sources state that pets arriving from 'most non-EU Countries' are subject to this requirement, in accordance with Article 37 of Regulation (EU) 2017/625.
Pet must have an ISO 11784/11785 microchip, fitted before the rabies vaccination.
Pets arriving from outside the EU must be declared at a Portuguese Traveller’s Entry Point (PEV), for a documentary and identity check. If the pet enters the EU in a different country first, the check happens at that first entry point.
Additional notes
The approved airports and ports for each country are published on the European Commission's travellers' points of entry list. Advance notification is required, as is contacting the competent authorities at the entry point on arrival.
Pet must be at least 15 weeks old to enter (the 12-week rabies vaccination minimum plus the 21-day wait).
Additional notes
Portugal does not permit the EU young-animal derogation: puppies and kittens must be at least 15 weeks old to enter, from EU and non-EU countries alike.
Pets arriving from a listed third country, including GB, need to have an Animal Health Certificate, and the pet must normally reach the EU within 10 days of the certificate's official certification. For GB pets this is the AHC issued by an Official Veterinarian in Great Britain.
Additional notes
GB AHCs and certificates issued in countries such as the USA or Canada are based on the same EU legal model and contain broadly the same required health information, but they are separate national documents issued and endorsed through different systems: an Official Veterinarian in Great Britain, a USDA-accredited vet with APHIS endorsement in the USA, a licensed vet with CFIA endorsement in Canada. The 10-day period runs from the relevant official certification. For a GB AHC that means 10 days from issue, while in the USA the accredited vet may complete the certificate up to 30 days beforehand with USDA endorsement required within 10 days of EU arrival. A new certificate is needed for each departure to the EU, but after entry it supports onward movement within the EU for up to 6 months (since 22 April 2026, previously 4 months), provided the rabies vaccination stays valid. Only a GB-issued AHC also functions as the pet's return document into Great Britain. A certificate issued in another third country should not be treated as a GB-return document.
A maximum of 5 pets per private vehicle applies for non-commercial entry to the EU (5 per person on foot).
Additional notes
Changed 22 April 2026. Exceptions apply for competitions and shows.
If someone other than the owner brings the pet, the pet must travel within 5 days of the owner and the accompanying person must carry the owner's written permission.
Meat or dairy based pet food cannot be brought in from outside the EU, apart from a limited 2kg exception for special diet food with a vet's note.
Additional notes
Buy food after arrival or carry compliant food for the journey.
Banned & Restricted Breeds
American Staffordshire Terrier
Status: A potentially dangerous breed under Decree-Law 315/2009, including crosses. The breed may enter Portugal but the owner must hold a licence from the local parish council (junta de freguesia), carry civil liability insurance, and keep the dog muzzled and on a lead at all times in public. Dogs brought from abroad must be registered in Portugal within 120 days of arrival if staying.
Exemptions: None for the public muzzle and lead duties
Dogo Argentino
Status: A potentially dangerous breed under Decree-Law 315/2009, including crosses. The breed may enter Portugal but the owner must hold a licence from the local parish council (junta de freguesia), carry civil liability insurance, and keep the dog muzzled and on a lead at all times in public. Dogs brought from abroad must be registered in Portugal within 120 days of arrival if staying.
Exemptions: None for the public muzzle and lead duties
Fila Brasileiro
Status: A potentially dangerous breed under Decree-Law 315/2009, including crosses. The breed may enter Portugal but the owner must hold a licence from the local parish council (junta de freguesia), carry civil liability insurance, and keep the dog muzzled and on a lead at all times in public. Dogs brought from abroad must be registered in Portugal within 120 days of arrival if staying.
Exemptions: None for the public muzzle and lead duties
Pit Bull Terrier
Status: A potentially dangerous breed under Decree-Law 315/2009, including crosses. The breed may enter Portugal but the owner must hold a licence from the local parish council (junta de freguesia), carry civil liability insurance, and keep the dog muzzled and on a lead at all times in public. Dogs brought from abroad must be registered in Portugal within 120 days of arrival if staying.
Exemptions: None for the public muzzle and lead duties
Rottweiler
Status: A potentially dangerous breed under Decree-Law 315/2009, including crosses. The breed may enter Portugal but the owner must hold a licence from the local parish council (junta de freguesia), carry civil liability insurance, and keep the dog muzzled and on a lead at all times in public. Dogs brought from abroad must be registered in Portugal within 120 days of arrival if staying.
Exemptions: None for the public muzzle and lead duties
Staffordshire Bull Terrier
Status: A potentially dangerous breed under Decree-Law 315/2009, including crosses. The breed may enter Portugal but the owner must hold a licence from the local parish council (junta de freguesia), carry civil liability insurance, and keep the dog muzzled and on a lead at all times in public. Dogs brought from abroad must be registered in Portugal within 120 days of arrival if staying.
Exemptions: None for the public muzzle and lead duties
Tosa Inu
Status: A potentially dangerous breed under Decree-Law 315/2009, including crosses. The breed may enter Portugal but the owner must hold a licence from the local parish council (junta de freguesia), carry civil liability insurance, and keep the dog muzzled and on a lead at all times in public. Dogs brought from abroad must be registered in Portugal within 120 days of arrival if staying.
Exemptions: None for the public muzzle and lead duties
Veterinarians
Weather & Embargo Risks
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Airline Risk | Heat Risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 15°C | 8°C | None | |
| January | 16°C | 8°C | None | |
| February | 17°C | 9°C | None | |
| February | 16°C | 9°C | None | |
| March | 19°C | 10°C | None | |
| March | 18°C | 10°C | None | |
| April | 21°C | 12°C | None | |
| April | 20°C | 12°C | None | |
| May | 24°C | 14°C | Medium | |
| May | 22°C | 14°C | None | |
| June | 27°C | 17°C | High | |
| June | 26°C | 17°C | Medium | |
| July | 28°C | 18°C | High | |
| July | 29°C | 19°C | High | |
| August | 29°C | 19°C | High | |
| August | 29°C | 19°C | High | |
| September | 27°C | 17°C | Medium | |
| September | 27°C | 18°C | High | |
| October | 22°C | 15°C | None | |
| October | 23°C | 15°C | Medium | |
| November | 19°C | 12°C | None | |
| November | 18°C | 11°C | None | |
| December | 17°C | 9°C | None | |
| December | 15°C | 9°C | None |
Rows highlighted in yellow indicate months with high embargo risk. Airlines may restrict pet travel during extreme temperatures.
Pet-Friendly Accommodation
Airbnb
Always filter for 'pets allowed'. Contact the host before booking to confirm the pet policy, size limits and any fees.
Booking.com
Filter for 'pets allowed'. Many hotels charge a per-night supplement. Call to confirm the specific policy.
BringFido
Specialist platform where every listing is pet-friendly. Reviews include pet-specific feedback.
Pestana Hotel Group
Portugal's largest chain; confirm the pet policy per hotel.
Vila Gale
Pet policy varies by property and season.
Notable Cities in Portugal (3 cities)
Lisbon
Lisbon
Faro
Faro
Popular UK pet destination, Algarve
Porto
Porto
Living with your pet in Portugal (1 city)
Lisbon & Algarve
Residents must register with DGAV (food and veterinary authority) and local câmara. Tourists: not required for short stays.
Leash laws: Dogs must be on lead in public spaces. Off-lead in open countryside generally tolerated. National/natural parks: on lead required.
Muzzle requirements: Potentially dangerous breeds require muzzle, short lead, licence, and liability insurance. List includes Pit Bull, Rottweiler, Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasileiro, Japanese Tosa.
Dog-friendly highlights
Beautiful coastal walks, vineyard visits, Alentejo countryside, very affordable dog-friendly accommodation.
Things to avoid
Extreme heat in Alentejo and Algarve interior Jul, Aug (40°C+). Leishmaniasis risk year-round in south, use Scalibor collar. Processionary caterpillars in pine forests.
Portugal has one of the highest Leishmaniasis prevalence rates in Europe. Prevention is Essential, discuss with your UK vet before travel. Scalibor collar + Advantix are recommended.
Bringing medications to Portugal (5 medications)
ACP / Acepromazine
Acepromazine
Quantity limit: Trip supply
Original packaging: Required
Declaration: Required
WARNING: Most airlines prohibit sedation. Do not sedate for air travel.
CBD Oil/Treats
Cannabidiol
Original packaging: Required
Declaration: Required
CBD legality varies by EU country. France: legal under 0.3% THC. Germany: legal. Netherlands: legal. Some countries may confiscate.
Gabapentin
Gabapentin
Quantity limit: 90 days supply
Original packaging: Required
Declaration: Required
Carry vet letter in English and local language if possible
Phenobarbital
Phenobarbital
Quantity limit: 90 days supply
Original packaging: Required
Declaration: Required
Controlled substance - declare at customs. Carry vet letter with pet's name and dosage.
Trazodone
Trazodone
Quantity limit: Trip supply
Original packaging: Required
Declaration: Required
Travelling with multiple pets (14 topics)
AHC requirements
Up to 5 pets can be listed on a single AHC (as of current DEFRA rules), provided they are not travelling for commercial purposes. However, many OVs charge per animal regardless.
2 Dogs
Up to 5 pets on one AHC. Two dogs from same household can share one certificate.
3+ Dogs
Up to 5 pets on one AHC. Same OV appointment, one certificate. Some OVs still charge per animal but only one cert needed.
Dog + Cat
Dog and cat can be on the same AHC (up to 5 pets total, non-commercial).
Key rules: Up to 5 pets on a Single AHC. This is a DEFRA rule, you do NOT need separate AHCs for each pet. However, many OVs charge per animal.
Cost implications: £100-250 for the AHC appointment regardless of whether 1 or 5 pets. Some OVs may charge extra per animal for the examination.
Tips: Book all pets in a single OV appointment. Confirm with your OV that they'll list all pets on one AHC. Max 5 non-commercial pets per certificate.
Airline cabin limits
Most airlines allow only ONE pet in cabin per passenger. Some allow one per booking regardless of passenger count.
2 Dogs
Need two passengers to bring two cabin dogs. Some airlines limit total cabin pets per flight (often 2-3 across entire cabin).
3+ Dogs
Extremely difficult by air. Max 1 cabin pet per passenger, and airlines cap total pets per flight. Some pets likely need cargo.
Dog + Cat
Same rules apply, dog in one carrier, cat in another, need two passengers.
Key rules: Call airline before booking to confirm cabin pet availability. Some flights may already have their pet quota filled. Book early.
Cost implications: Cabin pet fee applies PER animal (not per booking). Typically £40-100 per pet per flight.
Tips: If both dogs are under weight limit, book two separate passengers. If only one qualifies for cabin, consider driving instead, splitting pets between cabin and cargo is stressful for everyone.
Airline cargo limits
Airlines limit total live cargo per flight. Large dogs take up more space and weight allocation in the cargo hold.
2 Dogs
Two large dogs in cargo is feasible but must book both well in advance. Some airlines charge per crate + per kg.
3+ Dogs
Contact airline cargo department directly for 3+ animals. May need to split across flights or use a pet relocation company.
Dog + Cat
Dog and cat should be in separate crates and ideally positioned away from each other in the hold (airlines usually handle this).
Key rules: Each animal needs its own IATA-approved crate. Two crates must both fit within the cargo allocation. Book cargo space Early.
Cost implications: Cargo fees per crate: £200-600+ depending on size and route. Two large dogs = £400-1,200+ in cargo fees.
Tips: For 3+ animals, seriously consider a pet relocation company. They handle logistics, documentation, and can charter or block-book cargo space.
Animals belonging to the same family as pet travel scheme animals that do not fall inside the scheme.
Animals other than Cats, Dogs and Ferrets do not fall inside the scope of the pet travel scheme and therefore travel under their own legislaton, which for terrestrial mammals, often involves doing so under a Rabies Import Licence. being under licence means that they must go straight into a quarantine facility and cannot travel in the same vessel as other pets in their family. For example a Rabbit would travel in hold 5 of an Aircraft, whereas the Dog from that same family would be pallitised and placed in the front cargo hold of that plane.
Animals imported under a Rabies licence must travel under their own AWB.
Animals that are travelling under a rabies licence (for example if they are known to be non-compliant with the import regulations into the UK) must travel under their own individual Air Waybill (AWB), even if there are other animals from the same family or house hold carrying out the same trip.
Animals known to be non-compliant with the pet travel scheme.
Animals that are known to be non-compliant with the pet travel scheme must travel under a Rabies Import Licence.
Crate sharing
Dogs Cannot share a crate for air travel under any circumstances (IATA Live Animals Regulations). Each animal must have its own crate.
2 Dogs
Two separate crates required. Even puppies from the same litter cannot share for air travel.
3+ Dogs
Three separate crates. Consider the logistics of transporting 3+ large crates to the airport.
Dog + Cat
Absolutely separate crates. Dog and cat must never be in same crate.
Key rules: IATA regulations strictly prohibit crate-sharing for commercial air transport. No exceptions.
Cost implications: Must buy/hire separate crates per animal. IATA crates for large dogs cost £80-300+ each.
Tips: For ferry/Eurotunnel travel, dogs CAN share the car space, this is one major advantage of driving vs. flying with multiple pets.
Eurotunnel with multiple pets
Eurotunnel allows multiple pets in your vehicle. No separate pet fee, pets travel free as part of your vehicle booking.
2 Dogs
Both dogs stay in your car. Free. No additional booking required. Just present documentation for each dog at check-in.
3+ Dogs
All dogs in your car. Free. Present individual documentation for each at check-in. Staff will check each microchip.
Dog + Cat
Dog and cat both in car. Free. Separate documentation for each.
Key rules: Eurotunnel has no pet limit per vehicle. All pets travel free. Each needs their own AHC and documentation.
Cost implications: FREE. This is the most cost-effective option for multi-pet households.
Tips: Eurotunnel is the multi-pet household's best friend. No fees, no limits, no separation, no crates required (just secure in vehicle). 35 minutes and done.
Ferry with multiple pets
Ferries are generally the easiest option for multi-pet travel. Dogs stay in your car or in pet-friendly cabin/kennel area.
2 Dogs
Most ferries allow multiple dogs per vehicle with no additional documentation hassle. Pet-friendly cabins may have a 2-dog limit.
3+ Dogs
Check ferry operator for max pets per booking. Most allow 2 in a pet cabin; more than 2 may need to stay in the vehicle on car deck.
Dog + Cat
Most ferries allow dogs and cats together in the vehicle. Pet cabins typically have a limit but you can have different species.
Key rules: Check each operator's multi-pet policy. Brittany Ferries, P&O, and Dfds all have different limits for pet cabins.
Cost implications: Some operators charge per pet (£15-30 each), others per booking. Ferry pet fees are generally much cheaper than airline fees for multiple animals.
Tips: Ferry + driving is usually the best option for multi-pet households. Everyone stays together, no crate requirements (just seatbelt harnesses or car crates), and much less stressful for the animals.
Pet-friendly accommodation
Many "pet-friendly" properties have limits on number of pets. Commonly 1-2 pets max. Fees usually per pet per night.
2 Dogs
Most pet-friendly places accept 2 dogs. Always confirm in advance. Expect £10-30/night per dog surcharge.
3+ Dogs
3+ dogs significantly limits accommodation options. Self-catering cottages/villas are often best as they have fewer restrictions than hotels. Booking.com filters are unreliable for 3+ pets.
Dog + Cat
Confirm property accepts both species. Some places welcome dogs but not cats, or vice versa.
Key rules: Always phone/email directly to confirm multi-pet acceptance. Online "pet-friendly" filters rarely account for number of pets.
Cost implications: Pet surcharges add up fast with multiple animals. £20/night x 2 dogs x 7 nights = £280 extra. Factor this into budget.
Tips: Self-catering properties (gîtes, villas, cottages) are almost always better for multi-pet households. More space, fewer restrictions, lower pet fees, enclosed gardens for dogs.
Pets imported under a rabies movement licence into GB
Pets being imported into GB under a Rabies licence are not permitted to share a space with any other animal, due to the risk of rabies. This includes not being put in the same cargo hold, not being transported in the same vehicle and not sharing a kennel or container with any other animal.
2 Dogs
Animals travelling under a rabies licence must be travelled and kenneled individually.
3+ Dogs
Animals travelling under a rabies licence must be travelled and kenneled individually.
Sharing kennels / Catteries at quarantine facilities.
If pets belonging to the same family fail the pets travel scheme, or are imported under a licence, they c
Dog + Cat
Only animals of the same species can share kennels or catteries.
Sharing kennels / Catteries on arrival to BCPs
Pets belonging to the same family and AWB number can share a kennel on arrival to some UK Border Control Posts (BCPs). The number and weight of the pets that can share depends on the specifics of the kennel licencing at that place. However, if one pet fails the pet travel scheme and needs to go to quarantine, sharing a kennel might mean that the other pets must also go into quarantine with the failed pet. Pets imported under a licence are not permitted to share a kennel with pets imported under the pet travel scheme and vice versa.
2 Dogs
Upto 2 Medium Dogs of a certain weight can share a kennel at Animal Aircare Heathrow.
3+ Dogs
Up to 3 pets of the same species can share a kennel at HARC.
Dog + Cat
Only animals of the same species can share kennels or catteries.
Tapeworm treatment (return to UK)
Each pet needs their own tapeworm treatment within the 1-5 day window before UK return.
2 Dogs
Both dogs need treatment in the same window. Book a single vet appointment for both. Ensure both are stamped on their respective AHCs.
3+ Dogs
All dogs need treatment. A single appointment can cover all, but make sure vet stamps EACH AHC individually.
Dog + Cat
Both dog and cat need tapeworm treatment. Same vet, same appointment, same treatment (Praziquantel), separate AHC stamps.
Key rules: ONE missed tapeworm treatment means that specific pet is refused UK entry. The others can enter. The untreated pet faces quarantine.
Cost implications: Vet consultation abroad for tapeworm: typically €30-60 per animal. Multi-pet appointment may be cheaper per head.
Tips: Set ONE alarm for all pets' tapeworm treatment. Do them all in the same appointment. Double-check each AHC is stamped individually.