Official checklist for bringing your dog or cat from the USA to Portugal — step-by-step guide
Bringing your pet to Portugal is possible!
Follow this official checklist to avoid entry refusal or extra costs. Updated for 2025 by ZR Advogados with the latest requirements from Portuguese and US authorities.
Planning to relocate to Portugal with your beloved dog or cat? You're not alone. Thousands of Americans make this journey each year, and with proper preparation, bringing your furry family member is straightforward and stress-free.
This comprehensive guide covers all official requirements from Portugal's Directorate-General for Food and Veterinary (DGAV) and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA APHIS).
Before You Begin: Essential Requirements
Age Requirement
Minimum 12 weeks old on the date of rabies vaccination. Younger animals are not permitted entry under any circumstances.
Travel Companion
You (or an authorized person) must travel within ±5 days of your pet's arrival, with a maximum of 5 pets per person.
Species Allowed
Only dogs and cats are covered by this process. Special rules apply for dogs from Malaysia and cats from Australia.
Step 1: Microchip & Rabies Vaccination
The foundation of your pet's travel documentation starts with proper identification and vaccination. This step must be completed several weeks before travel to allow for the mandatory waiting period.
Important Order of Procedures
The microchip must be implanted before or on the same day as the rabies vaccination. If done in the wrong order, you may need to repeat the vaccination.
Microchip Requirements
- ISO Standard: Must be ISO 11784/11785 compliant microchip
- Timing: Implant before (or same day as) rabies vaccination
- Verification: Ensure the chip is scannable and properly registered
Rabies Vaccination Protocol
- Valid vaccine: Use only USDA-approved rabies vaccines
- Primary vaccination: Must wait 21 full days after first rabies shot before travel
- Booster shots: If given on time, no waiting period required
- Good news: Rabies antibody test (FAVN) is NOT required from the USA
Step 2: EU Health Certificate
The EU Health Certificate is the most critical document for your pet's entry into Portugal. This bilingual form must be completed by a USDA-accredited veterinarian and serves as your pet's "passport" for travel.
Timing is Critical
The health certificate must be issued within 10 days of your pet's arrival in Portugal. Don't get it too early, or you'll need to repeat the process.
Certificate Requirements
- Official Form: Use Model E9.841 for Dogs/Cats over 16 weeks
- Veterinarian: Must be completed by USDA-accredited vet
- Owner Declaration: Attach the non-commercial transport declaration (included in form)
- Download: Get the latest version from USDA APHIS
Step 3: USDA Endorsement
After your veterinarian completes the health certificate, it must be officially endorsed by the USDA. This government seal validates the document for international travel.
Endorsement Process
- Submission: Submit via VEHCS portal or overnight mail to your regional USDA office
- Fees: Pay the required endorsement fee (service dogs are exempt)
- Original Required: The ink-signed, embossed original must travel with your pet
- Processing Time: Allow 3-5 business days for return shipping
Step 4: Book Pet-Friendly Travel
Choosing the right flight can make a significant difference in your pet's comfort and the inspection process upon arrival.
Direct Flights Recommended
Flying directly to Portugal (Lisbon, Porto, or Faro) from East Coast hubs like JFK, BOS, or ATL helps avoid additional EU inspections and reduces stress for your pet.
Flight Planning Checklist
- Airline Policies: Confirm crate size requirements and breed restrictions
- Temperature Restrictions: Check seasonal temperature embargoes
- Booking: Reserve pet space well in advance (limited spots available)
- Crate Requirements: Purchase IATA-approved travel crate
Step 5: Notify Portuguese Authorities
Portugal requires advance notification of your pet's arrival. This step is mandatory and must be completed at least 48 hours before landing.
Notification Process
- Form: Complete the DGAV "Notice of Arrival – Dogs & Cats" form
- Download: English version available here
- Documentation: Include scans of health certificate, vaccination records, and flight details
- Submission: Email to your arrival airport's PEV (Traveller Entry Point)
Step 6: Veterinary Inspection on Arrival
Upon landing in Portugal, your pet will undergo a veterinary inspection. This is a standard procedure to verify all documentation and ensure your pet meets entry requirements.
Inspection Process
- Declaration: Follow signs to "Goods to Declare / Bens a Declarar"
- Documentation: Present original EU Health Certificate and vaccination records
- Inspection: Veterinarian will examine your pet and verify documents
- Duration: Typically takes 15-30 minutes if all documents are in order
Inspection Fees
Fees are payable on-site in cash or card: One pet: €42.25 · 2–5 pets: €84.50 total · Service dogs: Fee exempt
Step 7: After Arrival in Portugal
Congratulations! Your pet has successfully entered Portugal. Here's what you need to do next to ensure continued legal status and future travel within Europe.
Immediate Next Steps
- Local Registration: Register with a Portuguese veterinarian within 30 days
- EU Pet Passport: Request an EU Pet Passport for future travel within Europe
- Vaccination Schedule: Maintain current rabies boosters according to Portuguese requirements
- Important: If rabies vaccination lapses, you must repeat the 21-day waiting period for future travel
Recommended Timeline
4–6 months before
Initial Preparation
Implant microchip and administer primary rabies vaccine. This early start ensures you have time for any complications.
1 month before
Veterinary Consultation
Schedule appointment with USDA-accredited vet. Gather all prior medical records and discuss travel requirements.
10 days before
Health Certificate
Veterinarian issues EU health certificate. Submit immediately to USDA for endorsement.
3–5 days before
Final Preparations
Finalize flight booking and purchase IATA-approved travel crate. Confirm all airline requirements.
3–2 days before
Official Notification
Submit Notice of Arrival form and supporting documents to Portuguese authorities.
Travel day
Departure and Arrival
Arrive at airport 3 hours early for pet check-in. Pay inspection fee upon landing in Portugal.
Cost Breakdown
Portugal Inspection (1 pet)
€42.25 — Paid at airport upon arrival
Portugal Inspection (2–5 pets)
€84.50 total — Covers up to 5 pets traveling together
USDA Endorsement
Varies by region — Typically $38–$173 depending on certificate type
Service Dogs
Fee Exempt — Guide and assistance dogs are exempt from inspection fees
Official Resources
Expert Tips for Success
Documentation: Print two complete sets of all documents and save digital copies on your phone. Technology can fail, but paper backups ensure you're always prepared.
Airport Arrival: Arrive 2–3 hours earlier than usual to allow extra time for pet check-in procedures and any unexpected delays.
Veterinary Records: Maintain detailed records of all vaccinations and health checks. Portuguese veterinarians will appreciate complete medical histories.