Professional Pet Shipping to Portugal
Fully Managed, USDA-Compliant Pet Relocation Services to Portugal & the European Union.
We coordinate every step — from veterinary paperwork in the U.S. to customs clearance and post-arrival care in Portugal.
Expert Insights: Pet Shipping to Portugal
Our Portugal Pet Relocation Services
- Complete door-to-door coordination from the United States to Portugal
- USDA-endorsed EU health certificate preparation
- Microchip and rabies compliance verification
- Customs clearance and airport handling in Portugal
- Direct coordination with licensed Portuguese veterinarians
- Dedicated relocation specialist assigned to your move
Portugal Pet Import Requirements
Required Documentation
- ISO-compliant microchip implanted BEFORE rabies vaccination
- Valid rabies vaccination administered after microchip implantation
- USDA-endorsed EU Health Certificate
- No rabies titer test required for entry into Portugal
The 5-Day Entry Rule
- Pet owners must enter Portugal within five (5) days of their pet’s arrival. This regulation is strictly enforced by Portuguese authorities.
- Travel dates must be carefully coordinated in advance.
Microchip Compliance & Common Errors
Microchip accuracy is critical for EU entry approval.
- Minor typographical discrepancies may result in verification by border officials.
- An incorrect or mismatched microchip number can result in a mandatory 21-day quarantine and revaccination.
- Microchip must be scanned and verified before all documentation submission.
Airline Restrictions for Brachycephalic (Flat-Faced) Breeds
- French Bulldogs
- English Bulldogs
- Pugs
- Boston Terriers
- Persian Cats
- Boxers
Flight Preparation Guidelines
- Sedatives are strictly prohibited. Airlines will not accept pets that have been tranquilized.
- Crate training prior to travel is strongly recommended.
- Place a familiar blanket or item with home scent inside the crate.
Seasonal Travel Advisory (June – September)
Temperatures in Lisbon frequently exceed 35°C (95°F) during summer months.
Airlines may suspend pet transport during extreme heat conditions.
Recommended shipping period: October through May.
Post-Arrival Veterinary Support in Portugal
- Comprehensive wellness examination
- Vaccination schedule alignment with Portuguese regulations
- Microchip verification and EU compliance confirmation
- Guidance for long-term pet residency in Portugal
We Coordinate Relocations To:
Relocating to Portugal with Your Pet?
Contact us today for a customized relocation plan tailored to your pet and travel timeline.
Relocating Pets to Portugal
Depending on the time of year and/or overall workload, relocating pets to Portugal typically takes a pet relocation service a minimum of 2 weeks.
AE Pets will require at least 21 days from hire – late Fall, Winter and Spring – and at least 30 days during Summer and early Fall (about July 1 to Sept 30). Portuguese requirements, along with most every other European countries’ requirements (excluding the United Kingdom & Norway), are identical.
Blood Tests
One of the nice things about relocating your pets to Portugal is that there are no required blood tests prior to entry. While other countries often require a series of tests that have to be meticulously timed, luckily for you and your pet, Portugal isn’t one of them.
Current Required Bloodwork For Dogs
- None
Current Required Bloodwork For Cats
- None
Vaccinations
Almost as good as the blood work, the only required vaccine prior to leaving for Portugal for cats and dogs is a rabies vaccine. The rabies vaccine must be done at least 21 days prior to departure and after the microchip.
Current Required Vaccinations For Dogs
- Rabies
Current Required Vaccinations For Cats
- Rabies
Microchip & Pet Passport
All Cats and Dogs are required to have a microchip for traveling to Portugal. The microchip must also be administered prior to or during the time in which they receive the rabies vaccine. Pet Passports are NOT required but can be used in place of the USDA signed health certificate if it is up-to-date.
What is an EU Pet Passport?
It is a document issued by an official veterinarian in a European Union (EU) Member State (country within the EU) or other designated country that contains official health information related to a specific pet. Click here for more information on the EU Pet Passport.
Paperwork & Permits
Prepared by a USDA-accredited -Veterinarian and endorsed by a local USDA-APHIS office, unless you have an EU Pet Passport. No permits are required when relocating your pets to Portugal. All customs clearing paperwork is cleared at the final destination.
Veterinarian Credentials
Our coordinators have a ton of USDA accredited veterinarians that we trust and have worked with before to ensure your pet gets all of the proper paperwork and treatments required for travel. There are credentials required and you’d be amazed how many times someone’s family vet doesn’t have the proper credentials to ensure your pet has everything they need for travel. Only one visit is required 7-8 days prior to departure.
Quarantine and Layovers
Fortunately for your pets, there is no quarantine period assuming all paperwork is ready to go upon arrival. Depending on the time of year and available flight routes, there may be a short layover in another EU country.
More Information About The EU Pet Passport
*An EU Pet Passport cannot be obtained in the U.S.
*Pet Passports issued to residents of the United Kingdom (other than Northern Ireland) are no longer valid for entry into the EU.
If your pet’s move is a non-commercial move (i.e., no more than 5 pets, the pet is not being transferred to a new owner or sold, and the pet is moving within 5 days before or after the owner or designated person*) and the rabies vaccination recorded in the EU Pet Passport is still valid and was recorded by an EU veterinarian, the pet will only need the EU Pet Passport to travel back to the EU.
If the rabies vaccination recorded in the EU Pet Passport has expired and the pet requires revaccination in the U.S. or was already revaccinated while in the U.S., then the Pet Passport is void. You will need to obtain an EU Health Certificate issued (completed and signed) by a USDA Accredited Veterinarian and endorsed (counter-signed and stamped) before the pet leaves the U.S.