Pet Travel Help Sheet: Flying to Portugal with Animals (D7 Visa Group)
Website: live-long-prosper.com | Facebook Group: Move to Portugal D7 Visa
This guide helps members prepare pets (dogs, cats, etc.) for flights to Portugal. Always verify latest rules with airlines, Portuguese authorities (DGAV), and your vet. Rules change!
1. EU Pet Passport or Health Certificate
- EU citizens: Get an EU Pet Passport from your vet.
- Non-EU (e.g., USA, UK): USDA/APHA-endorsed Health Certificate (valid 10 days from vet exam to EU entry).
- Microchip (ISO 11784/85), rabies vaccine (21+ days before travel, booster current), tapeworm treatment (dogs, 24–120 hrs before arrival if from certain countries).
2. Airline Booking & Policies
- Call airline early (not just online). They’re usually very helpful on the phone.
- Confirm cabin vs. cargo (size/breed limits).
- Ask for exact document list and email submission process.
- Popular airlines to Portugal (LIS/OPO):
- TAP Air Portugal: Pets in cabin (≤8kg), cargo for larger. Email pets@tap.pt.
- United/Lufthansa/Delta: Similar rules; call pet desk.
- Fees: $125–$500+ one-way.
3. Service Dogs
Service dogs fly free in cabin (any size) with proper documentation.
Required:
- DOT Form (U.S. departures): download here.
- Proof of training (vest not enough).
- Email forms to airline 48+ hrs in advance.
Note: Emotional Support Animals (ESAs) no longer exempt—treated as pets.
4. Crate & Prep
- IATA-approved crate (cargo pets).
- Water bottle, absorbent pad, “LIVE ANIMAL” stickers.
- No food 4–6 hrs before flight; light walk before check-in.
5. Portugal Arrival
- Fly into LIS or OPO (official pet entry points).
- Present docs at customs red channel.
- DGAV link: dgav.pt
6. Pet Quarantine Rules
Portugal is pet-friendly and does not impose quarantine on dogs, cats, or ferrets that meet all import requirements. This applies to both EU and non-EU travelers as of 2025.
| Case | Quarantine? |
|---|---|
| Compliant pets | No |
| Missing/invalid docs | Yes (at your expense, €500+), return, or euthanasia |
| Birds (non-compliant) | Minimum 30-day quarantine |
| Exotic pets | Permit + possible quarantine – contact DGAV |
Breed Restrictions: Pit Bull, Rottweiler, Staffordshire, etc. banned for stays <4 months. For D7 (long-term), get Licença Especial (see Section 8).
7. Detailed DGAV Notice of Arrival Process
The Notice of Arrival (Aviso de Chegada) is mandatory for non-commercial import of dogs, cats, and ferrets. Submit to avoid delays/fines.
Step-by-Step:
- Find Your PEV:
- Lisbon (LIS): dgav.divv.lisboa@dgav.pt | +351 217 505 000
- Porto (OPO): dgav.divv.norte@dgav.pt | +351 225 019 700
- Full list: DGAV PEV List (PDF)
- Download Form: DGAV – Entrada em Portugal (search "aviso de chegada" if link moves).
- Submit: Email form + scans to PEV 48+ hrs before arrival. Subject: “Notice of Arrival – [Name] – [Date]”.
- At Airport: Red channel → present originals + printed confirmation. Inspection: 10–30 mins. Free if compliant.
After Entry: Register pet in SIAC within 48 hrs at any vet.
8. D7 Visa-Specific Pet Requirements
The D7 Visa adds no extra import rules—follow DGAV entry (Sections 1,5–7). But post-arrival registration is mandatory.
Within 30–90 Days:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| SIAC Registration | At any vet. Bring DGAV Notice + docs. Cost: €5–€15. Get SIAC card. |
| Dangerous Breeds | Apply for Licença Especial at city hall within 30 days. Need: pedigree, sterilization, insurance, criminal record. |
| Municipal Pet Tax | €5–€30/year. Pay online (e.g., Lisbon). |
SEF/AIMA: Pets not discussed, but bring SIAC card. Rental contract must allow pets.
Bottom Line: Enter legally → register in SIAC → handle breeds → done. No visa delay.
