If you’re planning to move to Portugal with your pet, you need to be aware of the rules and regulations for importing pets into the country. This article provides information on importing pets to Portugal, including restrictions, vaccination requirements, paperwork, quarantine, licensing, and relevant government websites.
Restrictions on importing pets to Portugal
Portugal allows the import of pets, but there are specific regulations and requirements to ensure the safety of the country’s flora and fauna. Dogs, cats, and ferrets are the only species allowed to be imported into Portugal as pets. Other species such as rodents, reptiles, and primates are prohibited.
Vaccination Requirements
All pets imported to Portugal must have a valid health certificate, which includes vaccination requirements. Dogs and cats must be vaccinated against rabies at least 21 days before entering Portugal. Additionally, dogs must be vaccinated against distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis, and parvovirus, while cats must be vaccinated against feline viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, and panleukopenia.
Furthermore, all pets must be microchipped and have a valid EU pet passport. The pet passport must include information on the pet’s vaccinations, identification, and health status.
Application procedure and paperwork
To import a pet to Portugal, you must follow specific procedures and complete the required paperwork. The first step is to obtain an EU pet passport from an authorized veterinarian in the country of origin. The pet passport includes information on the pet’s vaccinations, identification, and health status.
Once you have obtained the EU pet passport, you must ensure that your pet meets all the requirements, including vaccination, microchipping, and testing. You must also obtain a veterinary health certificate from a government-approved veterinarian in the country of origin.
Furthermore, all pets must undergo a mandatory inspection by a government-approved inspector upon arrival in Portugal. The inspector will verify the pet’s paperwork and may require additional documents or inspections, depending on the circumstances.
Quarantine Requirements
If your pet meets all the import requirements, there is no mandatory quarantine period for dogs, cats, and ferrets entering Portugal from EU member states or listed third countries. However, if your pet is found to have an infectious disease upon arrival, the Portuguese authorities may order a quarantine period.
International travel schemes for pets
Portugal is part of the European Union (EU), which means that pets imported from other EU member states or listed third countries can travel freely within the EU using an EU pet passport. Additionally, Portugal recognizes the PETS travel scheme in the UK, which allows pets to travel between the UK and EU member states using an EU pet passport.
If you are traveling from a non-EU country, you should check with the Portuguese authorities for the specific requirements and procedures.
Licensing Requirements
In Portugal, there is no specific license requirement for owning a pet. However, if you own a dog, you must ensure that they are registered with the local government and have a dog tag. Additionally, certain dog breeds are subject to specific regulations and restrictions.
It is essential to check with the local authorities in your area for the specific regulations and requirements.
Relevant Government Websites
The General Directorate of Food and Veterinary (DGAV) is the primary government agency responsible for regulating and overseeing the import of pets to Portugal. The DGAV provides useful information and guidelines on the requirements and procedures for importing pets to Portugal.
The DGAV website includes information on vaccination requirements, paperwork, quarantine, permits, and other regulations. You can also find information on the specific requirements for importing dogs, cats, and ferrets.
To access the DGAV website, visit https://www.dgv.min-agricultura.pt/portal/page/portal/DGV/home.
In conclusion, importing your pet to Portugal can be a straightforward process if you follow the regulations and requirements. Dogs, cats, and ferrets are the only pets allowed to be imported into Portugal, and they must have a valid EU pet passport, be microchipped, and have a valid health certificate.
Vaccination requirements include rabies, as well as additional vaccinations for dogs and cats. The application procedure involves obtaining an EU pet passport, a veterinary health certificate, and undergoing a mandatory inspection upon arrival.
There is no mandatory quarantine period for pets arriving from EU member states or listed third countries, but pets must be inspected for infectious diseases. Portugal is part of the EU and recognizes the PETS travel scheme in the UK.
There is no specific license requirement for owning a pet in Portugal, but certain dog breeds are subject to specific regulations and restrictions.
The DGAV is the primary government agency responsible for regulating and overseeing the import of pets to Portugal. The agency provides useful information and guidelines on the requirements and procedures for importing pets to Portugal.
By following the regulations and requirements, you can ensure the safe and comfortable travel of your pet and enjoy your new life in Portugal.
