What It's Really Like to Relocate Your Dog to Portugal

Moving to the Algarve is exciting, and for many of us, that includes our four-legged family members. But what does relocating your pup to Portugal actually look like?

From paperwork and travel logistics to pet-friendly life in the Algarve, here's your complete guide (with just enough lightness to keep tails wagging).

Entry Requirements: Jumping Through Paperwork Hoops

Bringing a dog into Portugal is far simpler than many imagine, provided you follow the rules.

Here are the facts:

• Microchip Every dog, cat or ferret entering Portugal must be microchipped with an ISO 11784/11785 compliant 15-digit chip. If your pet has an older or non-compliant chip, you'll need to either bring your own scanner or arrange with your vet to update the microchip before travel. The chip is the foundation of identification—it links all vaccinations and health certificates directly to your pet.

  
  

• Rabies Vaccination A valid rabies vaccination is essential, and it must be given after the microchip has been implanted. Pets need to wait at least 21 days after the jab before they are eligible to enter Portugal. If you're traveling with young dogs, note that puppies cannot usually be vaccinated until 12 weeks of age, which means they won't be able to travel before around 15 weeks of age.

  
  

• Pet Passport or Health Certificate What paperwork you'll need depends on where you're traveling from.

  • If you're coming from within the EU (including Northern Ireland), a valid EU Pet Passport will suffice.

  • From the UK, you'll need an Animal Health Certificate (AHC), signed by an official vet no more than 10 days before arrival.

  • From the US or other non-EU countries, you'll require an EU Health Certificate issued by a USDA-approved (or equivalent) vet.

  • Travelers from “non-listed” or higher-risk countries may also need a rabies titre blood test, carried out at an EU-approved laboratory at least 30 days after vaccination. In most cases, this adds a three-month waiting period before your pet can travel.

    
    

• Entering Portugal Pets should arrive via an official EU point of entry. Lisbon, Porto, and Faro airports all have the correct facilities, and you must declare your animal at customs on arrival. This is usually a quick process if your paperwork is in order.

  
  

• Breed Restrictions Portugal restricts the entry of some so-called “dangerous breeds” unless you can provide full pedigree documents and supporting paperwork. Restricted breeds include the Pit Bull Terrier, Fila Brasileiro, Dogo Argentino, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Rottweiler, and Tosa Inu. Cross-breeds with these types may also face entry issues, so check carefully before planning travel.

  
  

• Maximum Number of Pets You can travel with up to five animals under the standard rules. The only exceptions are when you are attending a competition, show, or sporting event, in which case you'll need to provide official proof of participation.

The Travel Itself: Logistics of the Long Walk Home

Traveling with a dog can feel overwhelming, but it's really a matter of planning. If your pup can fly in-cabin, a cozy carrier and calm demeanour go a long way.

For larger dogs, an IATA-approved crate ensures safety and compliance, with ventilation and secure latches. Check with your airline for specific size and weight requirements, and aim to avoid sedatives—altitude can make them risky.

If you're relocating from nearby in Europe, driving overland is a calm, stress-minimizing option, allowing comfort breaks and familiarity. If you can’t do the journey yourself, then there are plenty of trusted Pet Transport companies out there, such as Euro Pet Transport Ltd or Portugal Pet Relocation.

Most dogs adapt quickly—after all, the journey ends in a place made for lazy beach strolls and longer tail wags.

Food, Supplies & Vet Care: Settling Into the New Routine

Once in Portugal, you'll find pet essentials are surprisingly easy to source. Supermarkets and local pet stores offer trusted brands, and veterinary clinics are well-equipped and professional.

Two big named pet stores through the Algarve are Tibi and Caovivo. They stock the largest range of dry dogs food, wet food and some even have frozen raw food options.

Transitioning your dog's diet can be seamless with a bit of preparation: bring along their usual brand, stock up enough for the first few weeks, and then explore nearby shops for similar alternatives. When you find a suitable replacement (if they do not offer the usual brand your dog eats), then start to introduce the new food with the old over the period of at least a week, putting less of the old food in each time. This is the best method to ensure your furry friend doesn’t get an upset stomach.

Vaccinations, annual check-ups, grooming, even the odd pet-sitting or walking service—these are widely available, especially around the central and western Algarve.  We personally find that vet fees are considerably less than they are in the UK. A standard check-up fee is usually around 35€.

Before long, you'll be settled in with work-life outings that include visits to dog parks, walks along the Ria Formosa, and even leisurely café visits together.

Pet-Friendliness in the Algarve: In Shops, Restaurants and Public Spaces

The Algarve is charmingly welcoming to dogs. Most restaurants offer outdoor seating, and many cafes will happily let your pup join you, especially when the weather is fine. Some venues even invite furry companions inside during cooler months (but it’s best to check ahead).

Public spaces, from parks to many beaches, are open to dogs, especially in the off-season. Most concession beaches (so beaches with the sun loungers) ban dogs from as early as June through to mid-September. A good alternative are venturing to lakes such as at Almodôvar, or shady streams, such as that at Fonte Benemola.

You also have dog-focused cafes & play-parks such as Dungle Club, and Woof Land at Mar Shopping.  Even public transport is more flexible than in some neighbouring countries—trains and buses often allow well-behaved dogs.

Of course, it's polite to leash your dog (and perhaps muzzle if a larger breed) and carry poop bags (though you will find many of the larger towns like Lagos, Loule, Vilamoura, Albufeira etc, offer free poo-bags throughout the town in dispensers), but overall, you'll find locals grow fond of your four-legged presence. The community attitude is warm, relaxed, and inclusive, making it easy to feel at home—and so is your pup.

Dog-Friendly Rentals: Finding Your Home Together

Whether you're browsing for a holiday rental or a long-term home, the Algarve has plenty of pet-friendly options. Many Airbnbs and long-term rentals openly welcome dogs, though of course it does restrict the search somewhat.

For short-term, we know a handful of hotels which will accept well behaved dogs, though I personally find when renting with my two dogs, that an Airbnb usually gives us the best overall experience. You can now filter your search on Airbnb to show only pet-friendly options which saves you a lot of time (though do read the ‘Rules’ section as often it can be limited to one pet, or up to a specified KG).

Long-term rentals can be found through joining Facebook Groups such as ‘Long Term Rentals Algarve’ and writing a little Advert about you and your family and what you are looking for in a property. Its helpful if you can identify an area you wish to live, though try to avoid stating your budget (but be mindful that you will get a large range of properties sent to you). A picture of your dog may get your Ad noticed and get more targeting pet-friendly options offered to you. OLX and Idealista are other sites to look at too. Be wary that some properties are listed as long-term but require you to leave between the months of June-September (as they rent to tourists in the summer and make more money). The summer months are the hardest for you to find long-term rentals options so plan your move either side of this and ensure your lease keeps you covered year-around (if this is what you want).

The Final Note: Why Relocating Your Dog Should Feel Exciting, Not Stressful

Of course, relocating your dog involves paperwork, planning and a few logistical concerns. But the upside is so worth it. Portugal—and the Algarve in particular—is exceptionally pet-loving.

And remember, relocating your doggo doesn't happen in isolation. We're here to help with your move, your searches, and even acclimatise your dog's life in the Algarve once it's official.

Because here, at The Buyer’s Agent Algarve we're all about making relocation seamless, peaceful, and filled with wagging tails.

If you are looking to buy a property in the Algarve to suit the whole family, then we would be happy to help. As fellow Pawrents we understand the needs of having easy accessible walks on the doorstep, friendly welcoming neighbourhoods, and close enough to services such as vets & pet stores.

Get in touch with us at richard@thebuyersagentalgarve.com