Moving to Portugal with a dog or cat: rules, costs and steps
Bringing a dog or cat to Portugal is very doable — but the paperwork depends entirely on where you're travelling from, and one requirement (a blood test) can add three months to your timeline if you miss it. Pick your origin below to see the exact route, then the costs and what to do once you arrive.
What do I need? Pick where you're coming from
From within the EU — the simplest route.
- Microchip (ISO 11784/11785) — must be implanted before the rabies vaccine.
- Rabies vaccination — given after the chip; wait 21 days after the primary shot before travelling.
- EU Pet Passport — issued by any EU vet; records the chip and vaccine. This is your travel document.
- Up to 5 animals per person. No tapeworm treatment is required for Portugal.
From the UK (post-Brexit) — no more UK-issued EU passports.
- Microchip first, then rabies vaccination (wait 21 days after the primary shot).
- Animal Health Certificate (AHC) from an official vet, issued within 10 days of travel — valid for entry, then 4 months of onward EU travel.
- No rabies blood test needed (the UK is a "listed" country). No tapeworm treatment for Portugal.
From Ukraine, the US and other "unlisted" countries — this is the route with the long wait. Plan early.
- Microchip first, then rabies vaccination.
- Rabies antibody titration test — a blood sample taken at least 30 days after vaccination, analysed by an EU-approved lab.
- Wait 3 months from the date of that successful blood sample before entering the EU. (Miss this and you cannot travel — start here first.)
- Animal Health Certificate (AHC) from an official state vet, within 10 days of travel, plus the titre-test result.
What it costs (indicative)
| Item | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Microchip | €30–50 |
| Rabies vaccination | €20–40 |
| EU pet passport | €30–60 |
| Rabies antibody (titre) test | €60–90 |
| Animal Health Certificate | €100–300 |
| Flight (in-cabin → cargo) | €100–500+ |
Changing on 1 October 2026: a new certificate model
From 1 October 2026 only the new EU animal health certificate model is accepted for pets arriving from outside the Union (Regulation (EU) 2026/131, model in 2026/705). Certificates issued before that date under the old Annex IV model stay valid — the test is the issue date on the paper you already hold, not your travel date. The new model also adds a written owner declaration confirming the move is non-commercial.
The substantive requirements do not change: microchip first, then rabies vaccination from 12 weeks of age, blood sample at least 30 days later, antibodies ≥ 0.5 IU/ml, and a 90-day wait — now counted back from the day the certificate is issued, not from your flight. Full explanation and what to do this month.
Once you're in Portugal
- Register in SIAC (Sistema de Informação de Animal de Companhia) — the national pet database. A Portuguese vet updates your chip record to a Portuguese registration. Mandatory for dogs and cats.
- Dog licence at the Junta de Freguesia (parish office) — dogs must be registered locally; a small annual fee applies.
- Annual rabies booster is compulsory for dogs.
- Renting with pets can be harder — say so up front; many landlords are fine, some are not.
Planning the whole move? Build your step-by-step list with the relocation checklist, or ask our AI a specific question about your situation.
Sources
DGAV — Direção-Geral de Alimentação e Veterinária EU pet travel rules SIAC — Sistema de Informação de Animal de CompanhiaFrequently asked questions
What is the biggest mistake bringing a pet?
Do I need a rabies titer (blood) test?
How soon can a puppy travel?
Keep reading
Your dog's paperwork changes on 1 October: the 90-day count moves Bringing your dog or cat: the rabies-lapse trap that adds weeks International schools in Portugal: a directory with 2026 feesGuidance, not legal or tax advice — verify your case with official sources.