How to bring your beloved Pet to Portugal

Your adorable dog or cute cat is part of your family and therefore you worry about the process of relocating them into the country. Well, worry not! You absolutely can bring your furry friend to your new home in Portugal.

As part of the European Union, the laws and regulations for moving pets to Portugal are governed by the common framework, under which your pet must have:

• A valid European pet passport, when travelling to another EU country or an EU animal health certificate, when travelling from a non-EU country.
• A microchip, which will allow authorities to identify your pets and link them to the corresponding passports. The system will make traveling with your pets easier and will speed up the process of veterinary check-ups in your new country.
• A valid Rabies Vaccination – Pets need to be at least 12 weeks old to be given a rabies vaccination and you will have to wait 21 days before you take your pet to Portugal. Please note that when travelling from a country at risk of rabies, further rules apply.
• Received treatment against the tapeworm Echinococcus multilocularis, where necessary
• In southern Europe, diseases such as leishmaniasis are common, being recommendable the suitable vaccine.

The European pet passport is a document, which follows an EU standard model and is essential for travelling between EU countries. It contains a description and details of your pet, including the microchip or tattoo code as well as the rabies vaccination record and contact details of the owner and the vet who issued the passport. You can get a European pet passport for your dog, cat or ferret from any authorized vet.

The EU animal health certificate is another type of document, which contains specific information about your pet - identity, health, rabies vaccinations - and is based on an EU standard model. If you are travelling from a non-EU country or territory, your pet must have an EU animal health certificate endorsed by an official state vet in the country of departure not more than 10 days before your pet arrives in the EU.

Additionally, you should also attach a written declaration to your pets EU animal health certificate stating that its relocation is for non-commercial reasons. This declaration is also required if your pet is travelling under the responsibility of a person authorized by you. In this case, your pet must be reunited with you within 5 days of your relocation.

For long distance relocations, it is advisable for you to find a Pet Transport Specialist, who is an experienced animal handler and therefore will ensure your pets are comfortable, safe, and stress-free. You should ensure you are comfortable with the company you choose, by obtaining comparable quotes from several companies and carefully checking all the levels of service and cost. If you are able to, try to verify the reputation of the companies you receive quotes from and make sure you understand what is included in each quote and what will be your of own responsibility.

Pets are normally transported as “live animal” cargo and therefore, your pet will be carried in the specialist cargo hold of the plane which is heated and pressurized, and this will normally need to be booked by a specialist pet shipping company.

Pets can also be shipped to some destinations with airlines that accept them as “accompanied baggage”, but only if you travel on the same flight as your pet. This should be booked directly with the airlines, and it is usually charged as excess baggage. It is advisable to always check with the airline, if there are any conditions or restrictions applicable to your pet.

The transportation of your pet should be arranged well in advance and all travel documentation, vaccination and permit requirements should be fully researched to prevent last minute unpleasant surprises.

Moving your pet to Portugal shouldn’t bring you stress or concern if you plan ahead like every aspect of your own relocation to this country. In case you won’t be able to handle the matter yourself, there are companies that render personal services, which focus on the well-being of your beloved pets, whilst taking care of all the paperwork and keeping them safe too.

So, wherever your life sends you, take your best friend with you.