Portugal has become one of the most popular destinations for relocation and long-term stays for Americans and Canadians. The good news for dog parents is that it’s genuinely dog-friendly. Cafés let dogs curl up under the table, trains and metros welcome leashed pups, and cities like Lisbon and Porto are walkable, green, and full of other dog owners. Bringing your dog along is absolutely doable; it just takes some paperwork, planning, and for the days you don’t want to lug a crate through the airport, a little help from Lisbon’s growing pet gear rental scene.
This guide walks through everything:
Before You Go: Portugal’s Entry Requirements for Dogs
Portugal follows EU pet travel rules (Regulation (EU) No 576/2013), and the United States and Canada are both classified as “listed third countries,” which puts them on the easier side of the process. Here’s what your dog needs, in order.
Microchip first. Your dog must have an ISO 11784/11785-compliant microchip, implanted before or on the same day as the rabies vaccination. Most microchips used in the US and Canada already meet this standard, but double-check with your vet.
Rabies vaccination. The vaccine must be given after the microchip (or on the same day), by a licensed vet, when your dog is at least 12 weeks old. There’s a mandatory 21-day waiting period after a first-time vaccination before your dog is allowed to travel. If your dog is current on a booster within its existing vaccine’s validity window, the 21-day wait doesn’t apply again.
No rabies titer test needed — because the US and Canada are listed as third countries, you can generally skip the blood antibody test that’s required for pets coming from non-listed countries. Confirm this with your vet, as country classifications are reviewed periodically.
EU Health Certificate. Issued and endorsed by an accredited (USDA- or CFIA-authorized) vet within 10 days of travel, using the official Annex IV template. It confirms the microchip, vaccination history, and that the trip is non-commercial.
Notify Portugal 48 hours before arrival. This is the step most first-timers miss. Because you’re arriving from outside the EU, you (or your airline) must email your pet’s documentation to the Border Inspection Post (Ponto de Entrada de Viajantes) at your Portuguese port of entry at least 48 hours in advance. For Lisbon Airport, the form and contact details are on the DGAV (Directorate-General for Food and Veterinary) website. Expect a veterinary exam fee on arrival — historically around €42 for one pet and roughly €85 for two or more. However, you should confirm current pricing before you fly, as fees are adjusted periodically.
Age minimum. Puppies must be at least 15 weeks old (12 weeks for vaccination, plus the 21-day wait) before they’re allowed to enter.
Household limits. You can bring up to five pets under the non-commercial travel rules when travelling with the owner (Portugal’s general household limit is three dogs and four cats, or six pets total, before you’d need a special municipal license).
A quick note on breed restrictions: Portugal classifies Pit Bull Terriers, Staffordshire Bull Terriers, American Staffordshire Terriers, Rottweilers, Dogo Argentinos, Fila Brasileiros, and Tosa Inus as “potentially dangerous” breeds. Owners of these breeds need a special license and liability insurance, and must keep the dog leashed and muzzled in public, and these breeds are barred from Portuguese public transport entirely.
Flying to Portugal With Your Dog
TAP Air Portugal is the natural choice for direct flights from several US and Canadian gateways, and its pet policy is fairly typical for a European carrier.
In the cabin: Dogs and cats up to 8 kg (about 17 lbs), including the carrier, can fly in the cabin on eligible flights if they’re at least 12 weeks old. The carrier must fit under the seat in front of you and stay within roughly 45 x 30 x 23 cm (18″ x 12″ x 9″), with enough room for your dog to stand, turn, and lie down.
In the hold (checked baggage): Larger dogs travel as checked baggage in a hard-sided, airline-approved crate, generally up to 32 kg combined weight (pet + crate) on flights touching the US, and up to 45 kg on most other routes.
As cargo: Dogs over the checked-baggage weight limit, or travelling unaccompanied, go through TAP Cargo, typically for combined weights up to 100 kg.
Whichever option applies to your dog, book the pet space as early as possible, ideally when you book your own ticket. Remember that airlines cap the number of animals per flight. Expect an additional charge per pet, per flight (this varies significantly by route and cabin, so get a quote directly from the airline when you book).
A few practical notes that come up again and again from owners who’ve made this trip:
- get your dog comfortable in the travel crate weeks in advance
- freeze a water dish so it melts slowly during the flight instead of spilling,
- attach a printout of your health certificate and contact info to the outside of the crate in case it gets separated from you during handling.
If your dog is a larger breed that can’t fly in-cabin and you’d rather avoid cargo altogether, specialised pet relocation services and a small number of charter operators can transport bigger dogs directly, though at a significantly higher price than a standard flight.
After You Land
Registering Your Dog in Portugal
If you’re relocating rather than just visiting, there’s a bit of local paperwork once you’re settled.
Within 30 days of arrival, register your dog at the Junta de Freguesia, the local parish council office for your area. Bring the microchip certificate, vaccination record, rabies certificate, and proof of your address. Registration renews annually, and there’s a small municipal licensing fee.
If you’re only visiting for a short trip, you can skip this step. It applies to residents, not tourists passing through.
Getting Around Portugal With Your Dog
Portugal’s public transport is considerably pet-friendly, which makes it easy to explore without renting a car.
Trains (Comboios de Portugal): Small pets in a carrier travel free. Larger dogs on a short leash and muzzle can also travel. It’s free on urban lines in Lisbon, Porto, and Coimbra, half-price on regional and inter-regional trains, and full fare on the premium Alfa Pendular and Intercidades services. Carry your dog’s vaccination card or pet passport.
Lisbon Metro: Dogs need to be in a carrier or on a short leash with a muzzle. No ticket is required for the dog, but keep vaccine records handy.
Buses and trams (Carris, including the famous Tram 28): Only pets that fit in an approved carrier small enough to count as hand luggage are allowed.
Long-distance coaches (Rede Expressos): Small dogs in a carrier (max roughly 35 x 40 x 26 cm) can ride in the passenger cabin with a paid animal ticket. Handy for trips down to the Algarve.
Remember that the seven restricted breeds listed above are not permitted on any Portuguese public transport, regardless of whether they are muzzled or leashed.
Dining, beaches, and sightseeing: Restaurants and cafés in Portugal can choose to allow dogs inside, though plenty still keep pets on the terrace only. Always ask before you sit down. And check out this handy map of dog-friendly restaurants. Most beaches ban dogs during the official bathing season (roughly Easter through October). They’re specifically designated dog beaches or unsupervised, non-concessioned stretches of sand. A handful of dedicated dog beaches, including:
- Praia Velha near Lisbon,
- Praia do Bela Vista in Caparica,
- Portinho Beach in Peniche
- Coral Beach in Viana do Castelo
have opened in recent years. Palaces and formal gardens (Sintra’s Pena Palace among them) generally don’t allow dogs, so plan an alternative for those stops.
Renting Dog Gear in Lisbon: Skip the Extra Baggage
One of the more useful things to know before your trip is that you don’t have to fly your dog’s entire kit in a suitcase. Rent Anything (this is us 👋) has a great range of dog gear to make your trip much easier.
Items you can rent and have delivered to your hotel, Airbnb, or even the airport include:
- Pet strollers — for older dogs, small breeds, or anyone doing serious sightseeing on Lisbon’s hills and cobblestones
- Pet crates, in both medium and large sizes, for house-training, travel days, or giving your dog a familiar den in a new apartment
- Pet beds, food and water dishes, and feeding mats
- Car seat covers and car barriers — genuinely useful if you’re renting a car to explore the Algarve, Alentejo, or Douro Valley
- Pet carriers and safety ramps, plus portable fencing and pet stairs.
Everything is cleaned and delivered on a schedule you choose. Once your reservation is coming to an end, we pick up the items. You can pack a carry-on instead of checking a second bag full of dog gear.
Best Places to Stay in Portugal With Your Dog
Here’s a cross-section, from budget-friendly to five-star, across the regions dog owners most often visit.
Lisbon
- Four Seasons Hotel Ritz Lisbon — Dogs and cats up to 7 kg are welcome with no pet fee, and every stay includes a “Pawprint Welcome Kit” with a bed, blanket, bowls, treats, and toys.
- The Lumiares Hotel & Spa (Bairro Alto) — One dog or cat up to 15 kg per room, apartment-style suites, and a welcome kit with bed, bowls, and organic snacks (€30/night pet fee).
- Palácio do Governador — A historic palace hotel taking pets up to 10 kg, with a welcome kit and admission form required at check-in (€25/night).
- LX Hostel — A genuinely budget-friendly option: dogs of any size stay free in designated rooms, with a dog bed and bowls provided.
- Moxy Lisboa Oriente — Any size dog welcome for €20/night, bowls provided.
- Beyond hotels, dozens of pet-friendly apartments and guesthouses across neighborhoods like Alfama, Chiado, and Parque das Nações allow dogs of any size for no extra fee — often the easiest and cheapest way to have a proper home base with a dog in tow.
Sintra & Around Lisbon
- Penha Longa Resort (Sintra) — One dog per room up to 25 kg, with bedding sets, a choice of bed sizes, even a small tent for smaller pets, and a complimentary 30-minute dog walk through guest relations (€125 for stays up to 7 nights, plus a refundable €175 deposit).
Porto & the Douro Valley
- The Largo (Porto, Baixa district) — Small boutique hotel that welcomes trained dogs under 10 kg into communal areas including the restaurant and bar, with handmade bowls and bathroom amenities, no pet fee.
- The Rebello — One pet up to 15 kg, in-room bowls, treats, and a pet basket (€30/night).
- Six Senses Douro Valley — Dogs up to 7 kg stay free and can access most public areas; larger dogs are welcome in terrace suites (from €250 cleaning fee for dogs 8 kg+).
- Hilton Porto Gaia — Dogs and cats up to 20 kg with proof of vaccination (€30/night, refundable €100 deposit).
Alentejo
- Herdade da Malhadinha Nova (Relais & Châteaux, Beja) — Rural luxury estate that treats pets like proper guests, with a welcome bed, toy, and food bowl (€100/night, refundable €300 deposit).
- L’AND Vineyards — Bowls and treats provided, with dog walks around the vineyard, lake, and eco-trail (€25/night).
- Sublime Comporta — Bed, bowls, and treats, with pets welcome on a leash in most communal dining areas (€50 per stay).
Algarve
- Conrad Algarve (Quinta do Lago) — Up to two pets per room, max 30 kg each (€50/night).
- Kimpton Atlântico — Relaxed, no-fee pet policy in the true Kimpton style.
- Viceroy at Ombria Algarve — Dogs and cats up to 30 kg, comfortable bed and bowls provided (€50/day, capped at 7 days).
Azores & Madeira
- Santa Bárbara (Azores) — Pets up to 20 kg, one per villa, with bed, bowls, and a dog toy (€75 per stay).
- Reid’s Palace, A Belmond Hotel (Madeira) — A genuinely dog-spoiling stay: an extra bed, bowls, a daily chef-prepared pet meal, and access to garden walks, a doggy pool, grooming, and even pet fitness sessions (€35/day).
Whichever property you choose, always confirm the pet policy and fees directly before booking — weight limits, deposits, and “communal area” rules vary a lot even within the same city, and can change season to season.
Quick Packing and Planning Checklist
- EU Health Certificate (issued within 10 days of travel) and rabies vaccination record
- Microchip certificate showing ISO 11784/11785 compliance
- Confirmation email from your 48-hour advance notification to the Portuguese Border Inspection Post
- Airline pet reservation confirmation and carrier that meets your airline’s exact dimensions
- A collapsible water bowl and a small supply of your dog’s regular food (Portugal has good pet stores, but it’s smart to bridge the first few days)
- A leash and muzzle — required on public transport even for well-behaved, unrestricted breeds
- If relocating: proof of address for Junta de Freguesia registration within 30 days of arrival
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my dog need to be quarantined in Portugal?
No. Portugal doesn’t require quarantine for dogs arriving with the correct microchip, rabies vaccination, and health certificate from a listed country like the US or Canada.
Can I bring more than one dog?
Yes, non-commercial travel rules generally allow up to five pets per traveling owner. Portugal’s general household limit for residents is three dogs (six pets total) before a special municipal license is required.
Do dogs need a ticket on Portuguese trains and the Lisbon Metro?
Small pets in carriers usually travel free; larger leashed, muzzled dogs are free on urban and Lisbon-area lines and discounted or full-fare on long-distance trains, depending on the service.
Are dogs allowed on Portuguese beaches?
Not on supervised “concessioned” beaches during the official summer bathing season (roughly Easter to October). Non-supervised beaches and a small but growing number of dedicated dog beaches allow dogs year-round.
Where can I rent a stroller or crate for my dog in Lisbon instead of packing one?
Rent Anything in Lisbon is the most established option, offering delivered-and-collected pet strollers, crates, beds, car seat covers, carriers, and bundled gear packages.
About Rent Anything
This article is published by Rent Anything. Here is what the service is, in case you arrived here from a search.
What is Rent Anything?
Rent Anything is a short-term and mid-term equipment rental service operating in Lisbon, Paris and Disneyland Paris.
Equipment rental refers to paying a daily rate for an item you use and then hand back, rather than buying it or carrying it with you. A mid-term rental means that the booking runs for weeks or months rather than days. Five ranges are stocked: baby and children's gear, mobility equipment, remote-work tech, home and living, and travel and outdoors. In short, you travel light and it is waiting when you arrive.
How does renting work?
Four steps: browse the catalogue, book your dates, take delivery or collect, then return the item at the end.
Rates are quoted per day and fall the longer you rent, because every product carries a rate ladder, also known as pricing tiers, rather than one flat price. For example, a week costs less per day than a weekend does. A minimum rental period refers to the shortest booking an item accepts, and it is stated on that item's own page beside its live availability. According to our own how-it-works guide, there is no deposit at any point. Therefore the figure shown for your dates is what those dates cost, not a starting price. Source: How it works.
Where do you deliver?
Across Lisbon, Paris and Disneyland Paris, including the Lisbon and Paris airports and the Lisbon Cruise Terminal.
Delivery refers to us bringing the item to where you are staying - hotels, Airbnbs, serviced apartments and private residences - rather than you finding a depot. Specifically, it is priced from the distance between our warehouse in that city and the address you give, so the fee appears at checkout. In addition, free cancellation means that a booking can be cancelled at no charge up to 24 hours before it starts. Simply put, you book the address you are staying at and we handle both ends. Source: Frequently asked questions.
In summary
Key takeaways
- Equipment rental in Lisbon, Paris and Disneyland Paris, delivered to where you are staying.
- Per-day rates that fall with length. No minimum period, no deposit.
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start date.
- Everything is cleaned and sanitised between rentals.
Live prices and availability for any single item are on its own page. Source: the full catalogue.
Renting this in Lisbon
Pet gear is rented by the day in Lisbon, so it does not have to come in the hold.
What we rent for travelling with a dog
Lisbon cobblestones are hard on older dogs, and a hire car needs a seat cover.
Each price above is a total for the shortest stay we can book, not a daily rate to multiply, and the rate per day falls the longer you rent. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before, and no deposit.
