Bringing Your Pet to Portugal

No. Portugal does not require quarantine for dogs, cats, or ferrets entering from the United States, as long as your paperwork is complete and your pet meets all requirements (ISO microchip, valid rabies vaccine at least 21 days old, USDA-endorsed health certificate issued within 10 days of travel). Pets that arrive with missing or incorrect paperwork may be held at the Veterinary Border Inspection Post until corrected or, in rare cases, denied entry.

Plan for at least 4 weeks from start to finish if your pet is already microchipped and up to date on rabies. Starting from scratch (microchip, then rabies vaccine, then 21-day waiting period, then vet exam, then USDA endorsement), plan for 6-8 weeks to be safe. Many people underestimate the USDA APHIS endorsement timing, which can take 3-5 business days after your vet issues the certificate.

An ISO microchip is one that meets international standards 11784 and 11785. These are the only microchips Portuguese and EU authorities can reliably scan. Many US vets implant non-ISO chips (often 125 kHz or AVID encrypted). If your pet has a non-ISO chip, you have two options: have an ISO chip implanted (safe — pets can carry multiple chips), or bring your own universal scanner and provide it to border officials. Implanting an ISO chip is cheaper and less stressful.

Do not travel. Portugal and the EU treat a lapsed rabies vaccination as if the pet were never vaccinated. Your pet will be required to restart the 21-day waiting period after a new vaccination. This is one of the most common reasons for denied entry. Check your rabies expiration date at least 60 days before travel and book a booster well before the expiration.

Yes, if your pet (including carrier) is under approximately 17 lbs / 8 kg, most airlines flying direct routes to Portugal allow in-cabin pets. TAP Air Portugal, United, and Delta all offer in-cabin pet transport on transatlantic flights. Larger pets must fly as checked baggage or cargo. Always book the pet spot separately when booking your own ticket — most airlines limit 2-6 in-cabin pets per flight.

Portugal does not have an outright breed ban, but seven breeds are classified as 'potentially dangerous' and require additional steps upon arrival: Brazilian Mastiff, Dogo Argentino, Pit Bull Terrier, Rottweiler, American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, and Tosa Inu. Owners of these breeds must obtain a license from their local parish council within 30 days of arrival, carry liability insurance (€50,000 minimum), and always leash and muzzle the dog in public. Regular pet import requirements are otherwise the same.