Pet Travel Requirements for Portugal - Dangerous/potentially dangerous dog breeds

Vaccinations

Description:

Rabies vaccination is mandatory for entry from non-EU countries. Requirements follow EU rules referenced by DGAV.

Pet must be identified with a microchip before (or on the same day as) rabies vaccination.
Primary rabies vaccination can be given from 12 weeks of age.
Entry is permitted only after 21 days have passed from the primary vaccination.
If coming from a country not listed by the EU as rabies-controlled ("non-listed"), a rabies antibody titration test (≥ 0.5 IU/ml) is required: the blood sample must be drawn at least 30 days after vaccination, tested in an EU-approved laboratory, and a 90-day waiting period after the blood draw must elapse before entry.
Practical minimum age to arrive from listed countries is about 15 weeks (12 weeks + 21 days). From non-listed countries, the serology and 90-day wait make the minimum age later.
Additional origin-specific health conditions apply for dogs from peninsular Malaysia and cats from Australia (check DGAV guidance).

Certifications

Description:

An EU animal health certificate for non-commercial movement from a non-EU country is required. DGAV notes a new EU certificate model applies from 22-04-2026, with a transition period until 31-03-2027 for certificates issued before 01-10-2026.

Obtain the correct EU animal health certificate issued by the competent authority/official veterinarian of the country of departure.
Travelers from the United States must use the USDA APHIS EU certificate package and obtain USDA endorsement.
Carry supporting documents (proof of microchip, rabies vaccination, and—if required—rabies antibody titration test results).
Present the animal and documentation at a designated Travellers’ Point of Entry (PEV) upon arrival in Portugal.

Microchip

Pets must be identified with a compliant ISO 11784/11785 microchip implanted before or on the same day as rabies vaccination.

Origin Requirements

No origin-specific requirements for this pet.

More Info

Pre-notification (Aviso de chegada)

Advance notice to a designated Travellers’ Point of Entry is required.

Email the PEV at least 48 hours before arrival using the DGAV "Aviso de chegada" process for dogs and cats.
Confirm the PEV’s opening hours when sending the pre-notification.

Veterinary check and fees at PEV

Official veterinary controls are performed at the Travellers’ Point of Entry.

Present the pet and documents for inspection at the PEV.
Fees are charged for the veterinary check (DGAV example figures: €42.25 for one animal; €84.50 for two or more).
Guide/assistance dogs are exempt from these fees.

Certificate model change (2026)

DGAV indicates the EU updated the pet health certificate model effective 22-04-2026, with a transition period.

Use the new EU model from 22-04-2026.
Certificates issued before 01-10-2026 may be used during a transition period ending 31-03-2027.

Special origins

Certain origins have extra health conditions.

Dogs from peninsular Malaysia and cats from Australia must meet additional conditions set by the EU/DGAV. Check the latest DGAV guidance before travel.

Import-Specific Links

DGAV – Dogs and Cats: entering Portugal from a non‑EU country DGAV – Aviso de chegada (Dogs and Cats) DGAV brochure – Cães, Gatos e Furões (E à chegada a Portugal?) DGAV – Travellers’ Points of Entry (contacts) USDA APHIS – Pet travel from the U.S. to Portugal

Official Source(s)

DGAV – Dogs and Cats: entering Portugal from a non‑EU country DGAV – Aviso de chegada (Dogs and Cats) DGAV – Pet Birds: entering Portugal from a non‑EU country DGAV – Aviso de chegada (Birds) DGAV – Other companion animals (not dogs/cats/birds) DGAV – Aviso de chegada (Other animals) DGAV – Intra‑EU pet travel (EU to Portugal) DGAV – FAQ “Vai viajar?” DGAV – Entry of dangerous/potentially dangerous dogs gov.pt – Termo de Responsabilidade (dangerous/potentially dangerous dogs, stays under 4 months) USDA APHIS – Pet travel from the U.S. to Portugal

Vaccinations

Description:

Pet birds from non‑EU countries must comply with EU avian‑influenza risk‑mitigation measures as recognized by DGAV.

Birds must comply with one or more permitted options (for example: pre‑departure isolation, vaccination, quarantine, and/or testing) as set by EU rules and accepted by Portugal.
Pre‑travel coordination with the competent authority and your veterinarian is needed to select and document the permitted option.

Certifications

Description:

An official EU health certificate for pet birds is required for entry from non‑EU countries.

Obtain the EU pet bird health certificate issued by the competent authority/official veterinarian of the country of departure.
For travelers from the United States, use the USDA APHIS certificate package and obtain USDA endorsement.
Present the bird and certificate at a designated Travellers’ Point of Entry (PEV) in Portugal.

Microchip

Not specified.

Origin Requirements

No origin-specific requirements for this pet.

More Info

Pre-notification (Aviso de chegada)

Advance notice to the PEV is required for pet birds.

Email the PEV at least 48 hours before arrival using the DGAV "Aviso de chegada" process for birds.
Confirm the PEV’s opening hours when sending the pre-notification.

Conservation permits (if applicable)

Some species may require additional permits due to conservation status (e.g., CITES). DGAV indicates the nature conservation authority (ICNF) may be involved.

Verify whether the species is subject to CITES or other conservation controls and secure any required permits before travel.

Veterinary check at PEV

Official veterinary controls are performed at the Travellers’ Point of Entry.

Present the bird and documents for inspection at the PEV.
Fees may apply according to DGAV.

Import-Specific Links

DGAV – Pet Birds: entering Portugal from a non‑EU country DGAV – Aviso de chegada (Birds) DGAV brochure – Aves de Companhia (E à chegada a Portugal?) DGAV – Travellers’ Points of Entry (contacts) USDA APHIS – Pet travel from the U.S. to Portugal

Official Source(s)

DGAV – Dogs and Cats: entering Portugal from a non‑EU country DGAV – Aviso de chegada (Dogs and Cats) DGAV – Pet Birds: entering Portugal from a non‑EU country DGAV – Aviso de chegada (Birds) DGAV – Other companion animals (not dogs/cats/birds) DGAV – Aviso de chegada (Other animals) DGAV – Intra‑EU pet travel (EU to Portugal) DGAV – FAQ “Vai viajar?” DGAV – Entry of dangerous/potentially dangerous dogs gov.pt – Termo de Responsabilidade (dangerous/potentially dangerous dogs, stays under 4 months) USDA APHIS – Pet travel from the U.S. to Portugal

Vaccinations

Not specified.

Certifications

Description:

Entry of companion animals other than dogs, cats, ferrets, and birds requires prior authorization from DGAV. Conditions are species‑specific and handled case‑by‑case.

Request authorization from DGAV in advance and provide species details and itinerary.
Comply with any species‑specific health and documentation conditions set by DGAV.
Obtain any required official health certificate as instructed by DGAV.
Present the animal and authorization at a designated Travellers’ Point of Entry (PEV).

Microchip

Not specified.

Origin Requirements

No origin-specific requirements for this pet.

More Info

Pre-notification (Aviso de chegada)

Advance notice to the PEV is required for these species as well.

Email the PEV at least 48 hours before arrival using the DGAV "Aviso de chegada" process for other animals.
Confirm the PEV’s opening hours when sending the pre-notification.

Conservation permits (if applicable)

Some species may be subject to CITES or other conservation controls; the nature conservation authority (ICNF) may be involved.

Verify CITES status and secure any required permits before travel.

Import-Specific Links

DGAV – Other companion animals (not dogs/cats/birds) DGAV – Aviso de chegada (Other animals) DGAV – Travellers’ Points of Entry (contacts)

Official Source(s)

DGAV – Dogs and Cats: entering Portugal from a non‑EU country DGAV – Aviso de chegada (Dogs and Cats) DGAV – Pet Birds: entering Portugal from a non‑EU country DGAV – Aviso de chegada (Birds) DGAV – Other companion animals (not dogs/cats/birds) DGAV – Aviso de chegada (Other animals) DGAV – Intra‑EU pet travel (EU to Portugal) DGAV – FAQ “Vai viajar?” DGAV – Entry of dangerous/potentially dangerous dogs gov.pt – Termo de Responsabilidade (dangerous/potentially dangerous dogs, stays under 4 months) USDA APHIS – Pet travel from the U.S. to Portugal

Vaccinations

Not specified.

Certifications

Description:

For entry from non‑EU countries without commercial purpose and with a stay under 4 months, the owner/keeper must sign a Termo de Responsabilidade (statement of responsibility), per government guidance.

Complete and sign the Termo de Responsabilidade before entry for stays under 4 months.
These conditions are in addition to the general dog entry requirements (microchip, rabies vaccination, health certificate, and any required rabies serology).

Microchip

Same identification requirements as for dogs entering Portugal (microchip prior to rabies vaccination).

Origin Requirements

No origin-specific requirements for this pet.

More Info

Entry controls

DGAV provides specific entry guidance for dangerous or potentially dangerous dogs.

Pre‑notify the PEV at least 48 hours before arrival.
Present the dog and documents at a Travellers’ Point of Entry (PEV).

Import-Specific Links

DGAV – Entry of dangerous/potentially dangerous dogs gov.pt – Termo de Responsabilidade (stays under 4 months) DGAV – Travellers’ Points of Entry (contacts)

Official Source(s)

DGAV – Dogs and Cats: entering Portugal from a non‑EU country DGAV – Aviso de chegada (Dogs and Cats) DGAV – Pet Birds: entering Portugal from a non‑EU country DGAV – Aviso de chegada (Birds) DGAV – Other companion animals (not dogs/cats/birds) DGAV – Aviso de chegada (Other animals) DGAV – Intra‑EU pet travel (EU to Portugal) DGAV – FAQ “Vai viajar?” DGAV – Entry of dangerous/potentially dangerous dogs gov.pt – Termo de Responsabilidade (dangerous/potentially dangerous dogs, stays under 4 months) USDA APHIS – Pet travel from the U.S. to Portugal

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Pet Travel Concierge

Portugal

Dangerous/potentially dangerous dog breeds Regulations

Vaccinations

Certifications

Microchip

Origin Requirements

More Info

Pre-notification (Aviso de chegada)

Veterinary check and fees at PEV

Certificate model change (2026)

Special origins

Import-Specific Links

Official Source(s)

Vaccinations

Certifications

Microchip

Origin Requirements

More Info

Pre-notification (Aviso de chegada)

Conservation permits (if applicable)

Veterinary check at PEV

Import-Specific Links

Official Source(s)

Vaccinations

Certifications

Microchip

Origin Requirements

More Info

Pre-notification (Aviso de chegada)

Conservation permits (if applicable)

Import-Specific Links

Official Source(s)

Vaccinations

Certifications

Microchip

Origin Requirements

More Info

Entry controls

Import-Specific Links

Official Source(s)