Bringing Your Dog to Portugal: Ensuring Proper Registration and Licensing

Given the diverse roles that dogs serve, the registration system in Portugal is structured into different categories to reflect their specific purposes.

For example, guide dogs, which are specially trained to assist visually impaired individuals, have distinct skills and temperaments that differentiate them from companion dogs, whose main role is to offer companionship and emotional support.

To ensure accurate classification, the following registration categories exist in Portugal:

• Category A - Companion dog.
• Category B - Dog for economic purposes.
• Category C - Dog for military purposes.
• Category D - Dog for scientific research.
• Category E - Hunting dog.
• Category F - Guide dog.
• Category G - Potentially dangerous dog.
• Category H - Dangerous dog.

For Categories G (potentially dangerous dogs) and H (dangerous dogs), specific legislation applies, including Decree-Law No. 312/2003 of 17 December, Decree-Law No. 315/2009 of 29 October, Ordinance No. 422/2004 of 24 April, Ordinance No. 585/2004 of 29 May, and Order No. 10819/2008 of 14 April.

Need help with the registration process? Contact us for assistance.

Regardless of breed, a dog is classified as dangerous if it meets any of the following criteria:

• Having bitten or attacked a person.
• Having seriously injured or killed another animal outside the owner’s property.
• Having been voluntarily declared by its owner to the parish council of its area of residence as having aggressive behaviour.
• Has been deemed by competent authorities as posing a risk to public or animal safety.

Dogs classified under Category C, designated for military purposes, and for police and state security purposes, are exempt from licensing requirements. However, they must be registered and identified according to the specific regulations of the respective authorities.

To obtain a dog license in Portugal, owners must fulfil the following conditions:

• All dogs: Health booklet, up-to-date rabies vaccine, and microchip identification.
• Hunting dogs: Hunter’s license required.
• Potentially dangerous dogs: Liability waiver, criminal record certificate, civil liability insurance, physical and psychological fitness assessment, and mandatory sterilisation/castration.

Note:



• Potentially dangerous breeds or crossbreeds include Brazilian Mastiff (Fila Brasileiro), Argentine Dogo (Dogue Argentino), Pit Bull Terrier, Rottweiler, American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, and Tosa Inu.
• Sterilisation/castration is mandatory unless the animal has an LOP/Pedigree registration with the Portuguese Kennel Club.
  

The process for bringing a dog to Portugal depends on its country of origin. If the dog is coming from an EU country, its entry is regulated under the common European framework.

For long-distance relocations, engaging a Pet Transport Specialist is advisable to ensure a safe, comfortable, and stress-free journey. 



It is important to arrange the transportation of your pet well in advance, ensuring that all travel documentation, vaccination, and permit requirements are thoroughly researched to avoid any last-minute issues.

Need assistance for relocating to Portugal? Contact us for guidance.