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Pet Transport to Portugal Made Easy

Planning to relocate to Portugal from South Africa with your furry friends? Keringa-Petwings is here to simplify the pet transport process, ensuring you meet all the necessary regulations and travel requirements with ease. Rest assured, we’ll guide you every step of the way to make your pet’s journey as smooth and stress-free as possible.

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Pet Transport to Portugal

Moving pets to Portugal can be daunting without professional assistance due to the intricate regulations and necessary documentation, such as vaccinations, microchipping, and health certificates. Moreover, understanding airline policies and ensuring your pet’s comfort and safety during the journey can be quite overwhelming without expert help.

  • Veterinary Health Certificates

    Your pet will need a health certificate stating that it is fit and healthy to travel. This certificate should be valid for at least 10 days from the date of issue by the vet until the date of travel. A new health certificate is required each time your pet travels. This certificate should include:

    • Proof of rabies vaccination.
    • Results of antibody and blood tests.
    • Confirmation of tapeworm treatment for dogs.

  • Blood Tests, Microchipping, and Vaccinations

    • Rabies Neutralising Antibodies Titration Test: Required before entry into Portugal. This test must be done by an authorised vet and completed at least 31 days after the rabies vaccination. Travel can only be completed 90 days after the blood draw date.
    • Microchipping: Your pet must be microchipped before any annual vaccinations. Only a registered veterinarian can implant the microchip and administer vaccinations.
    • Vaccinations: A valid rabies vaccination is required upon arrival; it must be administered more than 21 days but not older than 11 months before entry and recorded in your pet’s vet book. Pets arriving at or departing from Keringa Kennels require Nobivac Kennel Cough, Bronchicine or Pneumodog (dogs).
      • Dogs should be vaccinated against distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus, adenovirus and parainfluenza.
      • Cats should be vaccinated against feline panleaukemia (distemper), viral rhinotracheitis calicivirus, pneumonitis and leukaemia.

  • Documentation for Pet Travel to Portugal

    As the pet’s owner, you must complete a written declaration stating that your pet is being transported for non-commercial purposes. Your pet must also possess a pet passport or a Common Veterinary Entry Document, which verifies that your pet has received the necessary vaccinations and has undergone a veterinary examination. Additionally, a health certificate confirming your pet is fit and healthy to travel is required.

  • Customs Clearance & Quarantine

    For all pet travel exports to Portugal, SARS customs clearance is required. You must provide proof of this clearance to the airline along with your pets on their departure date. Keringa-Petwings will handle the entire customs clearance process for you, ensuring all export requirements are fully met. Typically, your pet won’t need to be quarantined upon arrival in Portugal, provided all health and documentation requirements are satisfied. It is advised that your pets arrive at their destination during the week and preferably during normal office hours. This will ensure timely clearance through Customs and the presiding State Vet while avoiding additional charges. Commercial shipments will attract Customs VAT and possibly additional clearance charges. Where applicable and unless stated otherwise, the consignee is responsible for import permit application and clearance at destination.

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Pet Transport to Portugal FAQs

Yes, your pet is eligible to travel to Portugal as long as it meets all the necessary health and documentation requirements, including vaccinations, microchipping, and health certificates.

  • Veterinary Health Certificate: Valid for at least 10 days from the date of issue by the vet until the date of travel.
  • Rabies Vaccination: Proof of rabies vaccination administered more than 30 days but not older than 11 months before entry.
  • Rabies Neutralising Antibodies Titration Test: Completed at least 31 days after the rabies vaccination and 90 days before travel.
  • Microchipping: Your pet must be microchipped before any annual vaccinations.
  • Tapeworm Treatment: Required for dogs.

Common pets, such as dogs, cats, and ferrets, can be transported to Portugal. Other pets may have specific requirements or restrictions.

To travel to Portugal, your pet must have a microchip that meets the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) guidelines, which means it can be read by most scanners worldwide. If your pet’s microchip cannot be scanned upon arrival, immigration officials may not be able to verify their identity and could deny entry. If your pet is denied entry due to an unreadable microchip, you may need to arrange for their return to the originating country, potentially at significant cost. 

Yes, pets are provided with food and water during their journey. It’s important to check with the airline for specific policies regarding pet care during the flight.

Portugal bans the import of certain dog breeds that are considered potentially dangerous. These breeds include:

  • American Staffordshire Terrier
  • Brazilian Fila
  • Dogo Argentino
  • Pit Bull Terrier
  • Rottweiler
  • Staffordshire Bull Terrier
  • Tosa Inu
  • Wolf Hybrids (unless 5 generations removed from their wild pedigree).

The same restrictions apply to the following cat breeds:

  • Bengal cats (unless 5 generations removed from their wild pedigree).
  • Savannah cats (unless 5 generations removed from their wild pedigree).


Please note – certain airlines may have their own restrictions regarding the transport of specific breeds, especially brachycephalic (short-nosed) breeds. These breeds include the Persian, Exotic Shorthair, and British Shorthair cats as well as French & English Bulldogs, Pugs, and Boxer dogs.

  1. Portuguese Customs (Alfândega):
  2. Portuguese Ministry of Agriculture:
  3. Portuguese Embassy or Consulate in South Africa:
  4. Keringa-Petwings:

Airline requirements for pet travel to Portugal may vary, but generally include using an airline-approved pet carrier, providing proof of vaccinations and health certificates, and adhering to specific check-in procedures. It’s important to check with the airline for their specific policies and requirements.

To ensure your pet’s comfort during the flight, use an airline-approved pet carrier that is well-ventilated and spacious enough for your pet to move around. See more about our Luxury Pet Transport Containers here. Include familiar items like a blanket or toy to reduce stress. Make sure your pet is well-hydrated and has had a light meal before the flight.

Ensure your pet has access to water during the journey and provide familiar items like toys or bedding to reduce stress. Avoid feeding your pet a large meal right before travel to prevent motion sickness.

Portugal Pet Transport Reviews