Bringing your furry family to Portugal

PORTUGAL DOG TRAVEL TIMELINE (From the USA)

2–3 Months Before Travel

Microchip First

• Get your dog microchipped with ISO 11784/11785 compliant chip (15-digit).

• Make sure it’s scanned before any new rabies vaccine.

Rabies Vaccine (if needed)

• Must be given AFTER the microchip is inserted.

• Must be at least 21 days old on the day you enter Portugal.

• If your dog is already chipped and up to date—great! Just double-check the dates and vet records.

Choose Airline & Book Flight

• Pick a pet-friendly airline. If your dog is small, ask about in-cabin options.

• Book your own ticket first, then call the airline to add your pet.

• Note: Some airlines have limited pet spots per flight.

• If flying cargo: confirm with the airline’s live animal cargo department.

30 Days Before Travel

Schedule Vet Appointment

• Book a visit with a USDA-accredited vet for 7–10 days before departure.

• Tell them you need the EU Health Certificate for Portugal (non-commercial travel).

Order IATA-Compliant Crate (If Needed)

• If your dog is flying in cargo, make sure the crate meets airline and IATA specs.

• Let your dog start sleeping and relaxing in the crate daily.

7–10 Days Before Travel

Vet Visit for EU Health Certificate

• The vet will fill out the EU Non-Commercial Health Certificate.

• They’ll also include rabies vaccine info and microchip number.

Get Certificate Endorsed by USDA

• Mail or take the form to your USDA APHIS office for endorsement.

• Find yours here: USDA Endorsement Offices

• Include:

• Health Certificate (signed by vet)

• Rabies certificate

• Microchip info

• Payment form (about $38–$173 depending on services)

1–3 Days Before Travel

Confirm Airline Pet Booking

• Call and re-confirm your pet is booked—especially for cargo.

Prep Travel Gear

• In-cabin: soft carrier, pee pad, collapsible water bowl, calming aid (if approved by vet).

• Cargo: approved crate, absorbent bedding, secure water bottle, food taped on top.

Travel Day

Arrive Early

• In-cabin: arrive at least 3 hours early for international check-in.

• Cargo: drop-off often required 4–6 hours before departure at a special cargo facility.

Documents in Hand

• Originals + copies of:

• EU Health Certificate

• Rabies certificate

• Microchip details

• Airline confirmation for pet

• Your passport

Arrival in Portugal

• Enter via Lisbon, Porto, or Faro (airports with pet inspection services).

• Go through customs (usually they’ll just check the paperwork).

• If traveling with your dog on the same flight, you should clear through easily.

The average pet relocation cost from the USA to Portugal varies depending on the dog’s size, departure/arrival cities, and whether you do it yourself or use a professional service.

Here’s a breakdown of the typical costs:

AVERAGE PET RELOCATION COSTS (USA → PORTUGAL)

DIY Option (You Handle Everything)

Item Cost (USD)

Airline Pet Fee (In-Cabin) $125–$300

Airline Pet Fee (Cargo/Checked) $300–$1,000+IATA-

Approved Crate $75–$300

Microchip (if needed) $25–$75

Rabies Vaccination $25–$50

Vet Visit for EU Health Certificate $100–$300

USDA Endorsement of Certificate $38–$173 (varies by number of animals)

Total (Small Dog In-Cabin)$400–$800

Total (Large Dog in Cargo)$700–$1,500

Most budget-conscious people going DIY spend $600–$1,000 total.

Using a Pet Relocation Company

Service Cost (USD)

Small Dog (In-Cabin Assistance) $1,500–$2,500

Medium to Large Dog (Cargo) $2,500–$5,000+

Door-to-Door Full-Service $4,000–$7,000+

Services usually include:

• Paperwork + USDA processing

• Crate & equipment

• Flight booking

• Airport transfers (pick-up/drop-off)

• Customs clearance in Portugal

These services are pricey but useful for busy people, complex itineraries, or nervous flyers.

MONEY-SAVING TIPS

• Book a direct flight or minimal-stop route to reduce pet stress.

• Choose an airline with good pet cargo reviews (like Lufthansa or KLM).

• If you're confident with paperwork, do it yourself and save thousands.

HOW PET RELOCATION COMPANIES SHIP DOGS

1. Booking & Planning Stage

• They start with a consultation to gather:

• Your travel plans (dates, destinations)

• Dog’s size, breed, age, vaccination records

• Your budget and comfort level

• Then they map out a custom travel plan, including:

• Route options (minimizing layovers/stress)

• Airline selection (e.g. Lufthansa, KLM, TAP, etc.)

• Flight crate sizing & requirements

2. Vet Work & Paperwork

• They’ll guide or arrange:

• Microchipping

• Rabies vaccination (in proper sequence)

• EU Health Certificate filled out by a USDA-accredited vet

• USDA APHIS endorsement (they can handle the logistics)

• If needed, they can coordinate the vet appointment and even attend with your dog.

3. Travel Crate Prep & Training

• They provide an IATA-compliant crate or advise you on the exact type needed.

• Many offer crate training tips or arrange crate acclimation boarding to help your dog feel safe.

• Crate is labeled with all travel/animal info and comes with:

• Absorbent bedding

• Water/food dishes

• Your dog’s name + documents attached

4. Pre-Flight Logistics

• Some offer door-to-door pickup, or you may take your dog to a designated pet travel center or cargo terminal.

• They arrange:

• Dog's check-in at the cargo facility

• Walks, potty breaks, and care pre-flight

• Your dog is checked in at a live animal cargo area, not through passenger check-in.

5. Flight Time

• Your dog travels in the climate-controlled, pressurized cargo hold, specially designed for animals.

• They are loaded last and offloaded first to minimize stress and