Pet transport from Spain to Portugal and Portugal to Spain

Pet transport from Spain to Portugal or from Portugal to Spain is straightforward because both countries are members of the European Union. The EU Pet Travel Scheme applies, making the process uniform and relatively simple. Here are the key steps and considerations:

Your pet must be microchipped with an ISO-compliant chip. The rabies vaccination must be administered on the same day or after the microchip implantation.

There is a mandatory 21-day waiting period after the primary rabies vaccination before your pet can travel between Spain and Portugal. If your pet’s most recent vaccination is a booster given without a lapse in coverage, the 21-day wait does not apply.

Rabies vaccinations valid for 1, 2, or 3 years are accepted in both countries. Other vaccinations are not required for entry but are strongly recommended to safeguard your pet’s health, especially if it will be boarded or come into contact with other animals.

Travel Requirements: Pets must travel with their owner or a designated person authorized by the owner. If a designated person travels with the pet, this must occur within 5 days of the owner’s movement. Transport outside this 5-day window may be classified as commercial, triggering stricter requirements.

Additional Notes: In Spain, dogs must be registered in the local municipal registry where the owner resides. In Portugal, dogs must be registered with the Junta de Freguesia (parish council) of the area of residence. Both countries also require compliance with national or municipal rules concerning dog ownership and identification if the animal is staying long-term.

You can find more info on our Pet Travel Checklist page if you need it.

If you'd like to book a trip for your pet, please feel free to reach out to us using the form below.