How do you bring pets to Portugal in 2026?

For non-commercial travel of dogs, cats, or ferrets from another EU country, DGAV expects an ISO-compatible microchip, a valid rabies vaccination recorded after the chip was implanted, and an EU pet passport issued in the owner's name. The chip-before-vaccine order matters: a rabies shot given before the microchip can invalidate the travel pack even if the passport looks filled in.

From outside the EU (including most UK routes), you normally need an official health certificate from the competent authority in the departure country, not only a private vet letter. DGAV pages list rabies timing, antibody-titre cases for higher-risk origins, and transit declarations when required. Read the live DGAV route for your species and origin rather than copying a friend's checklist from another year.

Airline pet holds, crate sizes, and temperature embargos are separate from Portuguese border rules. Confirm the carrier's live-animal policy and Portugal arrival airport handling before you buy tickets.

Dogs, cats, and ferrets that remain in Portugal for 120 days or more must be registered in SIAC (Sistema de Informação de Animais de Companhia, the national companion-animal database). A SIAC-accredited veterinarian registers the animal in the name that appears on the EU passport or health certificate. You then receive a DIAC (Documento de Identificação de Animal de Companhia). An EU passport alone does not replace SIAC once the stay threshold applies.

Some municipalities and juntas de freguesia also handle dog licensing or potentially dangerous dog rules after you settle. Ask the parish where you live rather than assuming Lisbon and a rural Alentejo freguesia use the same counter process.

Housing is the other hard gate. Many Portuguese leases and condominium rules restrict pets or limit size and number. Confirm the clause in writing before you ship the animal; daily life tradeoffs are covered in dog-friendly Portugal and rent in Portugal. Keep pet paperwork with the rest of your moving file.