Travelling within the EU with Your Pet

As a European citizen, you can travel freely with your dog, cat, or ferret to any EU country, provided your pet meets the following requirements under EU Delegated Regulation 2026/131 (the current applicable legislation for non-commercial pet movement):

• ✅ Microchip — ISO 11784/11785 compliant transponder implanted before, or at the same time as, the rabies vaccination
• ✅ Valid EU Pet Passport — issued by an authorised veterinarian, containing proof of identity, microchip number, and vaccination records
• ✅ Rabies vaccination — up to date, administered after microchipping. If your pet was vaccinated before microchipping, re-vaccination is required

Important: Microchip Before Vaccination

The rabies vaccine is only legally valid if the animal was already microchipped at the time of vaccination. If vaccinated before microchipping, the animal must be re-vaccinated. This is a requirement under EU law — please contact us before booking a rabies vaccine if your pet is not yet microchipped.

Young Animals

Puppies and kittens under 12 weeks of age cannot be vaccinated against rabies and therefore cannot hold a valid EU Pet Passport for travel. Some EU countries allow entry of young unvaccinated animals under specific conditions — contact us or check your destination country’s rules before travelling.

Travelling from Outside the EU

If you are bringing a pet into Portugal from outside the EU, the requirements are significantly more complex and vary by country. Here is a brief overview of the most common origins:

🇬🇧 United Kingdom (post-Brexit) — The UK is now treated as a third country. Your pet needs a microchip, a valid rabies vaccination, and an official health certificate issued by an official vet no more than 10 days before travel. Entry is through a designated Travellers Point of Entry.

🇺🇸 United States — Dogs travelling from the USA must have a microchip and a current rabies vaccination. Since 2024, the CDC has introduced new rules for dogs that have been in high-risk rabies countries — always verify current requirements well in advance.

🇧🇷 Brazil — Requires a microchip, rabies vaccination, official veterinary health certificate apostilled by the competent authority, and internal and external parasite treatment. Processing times can be long — start preparations at least 3 months in advance.

🇦🇺🇸🇬 Australia & Singapore — Among the strictest in the world. Both countries may require a rabies antibody titration test, mandatory quarantine on arrival, and extensive advance planning (up to 6 months or more). These destinations require a dedicated travel consultation.

Requirements for travelling to the UK, USA, Brazil, Australia, and Singapore vary significantly — book a travel consultation at least 8 weeks in advance. Our English-speaking team will prepare a full checklist tailored to your destination.

What the EU Pet Passport Contains

The EU Pet Passport is an official document issued exclusively by an authorised veterinarian. It includes your pet’s identification details (microchip number, species, breed, date of birth), your contact details, and a full record of rabies vaccinations and boosters. We can issue new passports and update existing ones.

Legislation reference: Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/131 · Regulation (EU) 2016/429 (Animal Health Law). For country-specific requirements, always consult your veterinarian before travel.