7 de November, 2024
We know that your four-legged companion is more than just a pet; they’re part of the family! That’s why traveling with a pet—whether a dog or a cat—to Portugal or any other country is an important process with many essential steps. When it comes to international pet travel, particularly by air, planning ahead is key to ensuring a smooth experience for both the pet and its owners. In this guide, we will walk you through each stage, from necessary documentation, microchipping, vaccinations, and travel carriers to boarding, so that your pet arrives safely at their destination.
To ensure a seamless pet travel experience by plane, we recommend beginning the process at least four months before your departure date. Flying with your furry friend isn’t necessarily complicated, but not being aware of the required procedures can lead to easily avoidable issues.
Sure! Atlantic Bridge has partnered with specialized companies to provide a complete, exclusive pet transport service to Europe, ensuring a worry-free journey and an unforgettable experience for the whole family. Talk to us!
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You can transport dogs, cats and ferrets under similar conditions. For other animals, please contact the airline.
Travelling ith a pet around the world involves several steps, in addition to buying a ticket.
Please note that not all airlines allow the transportation of animals. Those that do, have specific criteria to determine where the animal travels and what fees and prices are payable, based on size, weight, species and breed. Find out beforehand.
It is also important to know that airlines have limited spaces for transporting animals on each flight. Therefore, the transportation of the animal will always be subject to confirmation. Don’t leave it too late!
What documents are required for the international transportation of animals? The rules for transporting your pet may vary depending on the country of departure and destination. According to Portugal’s Directorate-General for Food and Veterinary ( DGAV ), the following documents are required to embark for Portugal:
Be sure to check the rules in your country of origin.
See how to proceed at each stage
Doesn’t your pet have a microchip? You’ll need one to travel. The microchip must be ISO 11784 and ISO 11785 standard. Approximately 1.5mm in size, it is inserted by means of an injection into the back, between the animal’s shoulder blades. In addition, the chip must be dated, signed and stamped by a veterinarian. This professional must also issue a certificate containing the date the microchip was implanted.
The microchip must be implanted (or read) before the rabies vaccination.
To guarantee your pet’s international transportation, vaccination is essential. The rabies vaccine is required annually for animals over 12 weeks old. However, if you’re going to Europe, beware: this vaccine is only valid if administered after the microchip has been implanted. Even if your pet has already been vaccinated, you’ll need to do it again. In this case, repeat the vaccination, waiting 30 days from the previous dose.
When booking the vaccination, state that it is for migration, as the vaccine must be valid in the country of destination.
One detail: get the rabies vaccine at least 30 days before the rabies serology test.
Keep a strict record of the dates, as mistakes can affect the International Veterinary Certificate.
The European Union requires all pets coming from abroad to undergo this to confirm the effectiveness of the rabies vaccine. The serology test is a blood test that identifies whether the animal has developed antibodies against the disease. An antibody level of 0.5 IU/ml or more is required.
Important to remember: the serology test can only be carried out 30 days after the rabies vaccine has been administered and must be carried out fasting for 12 hours.
This is one of the most expensive parts of the process, as the sample must be sent to a laboratory in accordance with Article 3 of Decision 2000/258/EC. See here which laboratories in the country of origin are authorized to carry out the examination required for entry into the European Union.
This stage can be waived when animal rabies has been eradicated, such as in the United States.
As soon as you get the rabies serology report, arrange your pet’s ticket and transportation box. Most airlines require you to book your pet’s flight by phone.
Important Make sure there are still places for animals on your chosen flight, and make your reservation. The boarding fee is usually paid at the time of boarding.
The dimensions of the transport box vary depending on the airline you choose. In addition, each airline has maximum dimensions allowed for both the cabin and the hold. Before buying the box, find out what the airline you are traveling with allows. This article from partner Global Pets teaches you how to measure your dog or cat and choose the best carrier for your pet.
Airlines will require the following information:
The veterinarian of the animal in question must issue, no later than 72 hours before your appointment to apply for the VCI, a health certificate for your animal with the veterinarian.
The next step on how to take a dog to Portugal is to get an International Veterinary Certificate (CVI), also known as an Animal Health Certificate, or International Zoosanitary Certificate (CZI).
The CVI is a document certifying that the animal shows no clinical signs of an infectious, contagious or transmissible disease and that it complies with all federal travel requirements. It is usually provided free of charge.
Be aware of the validity of the CVI (10 days in Brazil and 30 in the USA). For this reason, we recommend buying the ticket and the shipping box before requesting it. Another detail: A CVI is only valid for travel from the address of origin to the address of destination indicated on the CVI.
Check in your country which unit provides this document. In Brazil, it is VIGIAGRO. In the United States, it is issued by a veterinarian licensed and accredited in the State of State.
To obtain the CVI, you must present all the documents listed in the previous steps.
We’ve reached stage 7, we’re almost there!
While you’re still in your country of origin, arrange for the Notice of Arrival at Portuguese airports. The procedure involves filling in a form available on the DGAV website.
This form should be sent by e-mail to one of the Traveler Entry Points for Animal Control. A veterinarian will examine your pet on arrival in Portugal. There is a fee of 40 euros associated with the procedure.
Please note: notification is mandatory and must be sent no later than 48 hours before disembarkation. Another detail: the Travelers’ Entry Point (PEV) is usually closed in the early hours of the morning. Check the detailed information on the DGAV website.
But what about cats? Does it work the same way as with dogs? Yes, the process is similar, with the advantage that they are small and can be transported in the cabin in flexible boxes under your seat.
There will always be some variation depending on the country of destination, the type of animal, its size and the airline chosen. We’ll give you a general estimate here. The figures below are in euros.
| Service | Cost |
| Microchipping | € 30 |
| Rabies vaccine | € 40 |
| Rabies serology | € 175 |
| CVI | free of charge |
| Veterinary certificate | € 45 (Value of a veterinary consultation) |
| Transport box | Between €50 and €350 (depending on model) |
| Arrival at the airport | € 40 |
Pets do not pay a fare, but a transportation fee. The price will vary depending on the size of the pet and the distance of the flight (country of origin).
| Size | Cost* |
| Up to 8kg (transport in the cabin) | €150 (online) or €160 (counter) |
| Up to 32kg (transport in the hold) | €230 |
| Between 32kg and 45kg | €300 |
| Size | Cost* |
| Up to 8kg (transport in the cabin) | €70 (online) or €75 (counter) |
| Up to 32kg (transport in the hold) | €120 |
| Between 32kg and 45kg | €230 |
Sedation is prohibited according to animal air transport regulations. Sedatives reduce vital functions such as heart rate and respiration, which can impair the animal’s adaptation to changes in altitude and atmospheric pressure.
On most airlines, only small animals, guide dogs or emotional support dogs are allowed to travel in the cabin. Medium or large animals are assigned to the cargo compartment in the hold of the aircraft.
Maximum total weight (animal + carrier): 8kg / 17lbs
Dimensions of the space where the carrier is accommodated: 45x30xm
According to TAP Company, the combined weight (transport + animal) allowed is:
If your dog is heavier than the above limit, don’t despair. Get in touch with the airline and they will certainly have to transport it as cargo under a different regime (and at different prices).
The DGAV provides a list of dog breeds considered potentially dangerous. They are subject to specific regulations at Travelers’ Points of Entry in Portugal. In these cases, the guardian must sign a term of responsibility and notify the animal’s stay in the country.
There are also restrictions for animals (including cats) with short, flat snouts (brachycephalic). Due to their sensitivity to extreme temperatures and the risk of breathing difficulties during the flight, these animals cannot be transported in the cargo compartment.
Check with your airline for specific details.
When you arrive with your pet in Portugal, see a vet to check its health. Have their vaccinations updated (if applicable) and ask for a Portuguese vaccination card. You can also get a Pet Passport. In addition, go to the Junta de Freguesia in the neighborhood where you live to register the animal. This license needs to be renewed every year and costs €10 to create and €5 for the annual fee.
Hiring a specialized company for pet transportation, though it may come at a higher cost, offers significant advantages over direct airline services. These companies ensure that pets go through a veterinary inspection at specific cargo terminals, where their health and safety conditions are thoroughly checked, and they provide dedicated support focused on the pet’s comfort and well-being. Unlike the airline baggage transport service, which lacks adequate oversight and structure for this type of transport, air cargo services through a specialized company cover all necessary procedures, including customs clearance, airport fees, and compliance for breeds with travel restrictions. This way, hiring a specialized service allows pet owners greater peace of mind and security, knowing that every detail of the journey will be carefully coordinated to ensure the pet’s well-being.
If you want to ensure your trip goes smoothly, on schedule, and with the highest level of safety, consider hiring a specialized company to take care of this for you. Atlantic Bridge partners with pet transport specialists: Global Pets and Pet Viajante. If you’re already a client, talk to your account manager to take advantage of exclusive benefits offered by these companies. If not, fill out our form for dedicated assistance.
Now that you’re familiar with the entire pet air travel procedure, don’t think twice! Bring your four-legged friend along with you. By bringing your pet to Portugal, you’re not only adding a beloved companion to your journey but also easing the adaptation to this new phase in a different country. Together, you can explore the beauty of Europe and build a new life full of bonds and exciting adventures.
Author:
Atlantic Bridge
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