If you have a pet, I can imagine how it can be part of the family. When we're planning to move abroad, the pet must be taken in consideration. They don't need a specific visa, but to transport your kind dog you'll need to take some precautions. A recurring question from our clients who are moving to Portugal or even for a tourist is how to take a dog to Portugal. That's why we'll talk about how to bring your dog to Portugal today.

Possibilities

It's possible to carry your dog with you, however you'll have to provide some documents, vaccines, exams, and other things to be able to travel. That's why it's important to planning well the time to get everything done for your journey. In addition, you'll have to think about the plane tickets, because small dogs can go in the cabin of the plane with you, but those who have a dog of medium or large size, need to transport them in the luggage compartment.

Timing and documents

The timing will depend on each country of origin. As per our experience with some clients, it can take 6 to 8 months. One more reason to planning in accordance with the timeline of your own trip.

The documents are:

• Proof of microchip.
• Vaccination of the animal and health certificate issued by the veterinarian.
• Anti-rabies serology report issued by laboratories of your country of origin accredited in the European Union.
• International Veterinary License (CVI) issued by VIGIAGRO.
• Submission of the Arrival Report form at the destination airport in Portugal.

Flight tickets

With all the documents in hands (specially the anti-rabies serology) it's time to buy the tickets for your best friend. Besides the flight ticket, you'll need to buy a box to transport your pet. Each company has its own rules about the dimensions of the box, so you'll have to check accordingly with the company chosen.

Smalls dogs can travel on the cabin, for this they must be up to 8 kilos. Dogs up to 45 kilos need to be transported on the luggage compartment of the plane. Sometimes people don't want to transport the dog on the luggage compartment and choose to do the trip by tour ship, however most of the ship companies don't accept pets on the trip.

Restrictions

Unfortunately, we have some restriction to transport the dogs to Portugal. Please see above which dog breed has the restriction:

• Brazilian Queue;
• Argentinian Great Dane;
• Pitbull Terrier;
• Rottweiler;
• American Staffordshire Terrier;
• Staffordshire Bull Terrier;
• Inu-Grooming.

For these dogs it's necessary to sign a term of responsibility of the tutor and the notification of the animal's permanence in the country. We recommend to planning even more carefully if you have this type of dog.

Precautions after arrival

After arrived in Portugal and rented an apartment, you must go to the Parish Council "Junta da Freguesia" of your neighborhood to register your dog. This registration is like a license to have animals and must be renewed annually.

To issue or renew the registration, you must present the following documents, according to the DGAV website:

• Health Bulletin or Passport for Companion Animal, with proof of the act of medical prophylaxis declared mandatory for the year of request/renewal, issued by the Portuguese veterinarian;
• Electronic Identification Proof (Microchip);
• For dogs of breeds considered potentially dangerous, there is additional documentation;
• Tips and care for taking a dog to Portugal.

Bring your dog to Portugal is not an easy task but for sure you'll not regret.

Good luck on the journey!