I recently took a trip to the sunny hills of the Portuguese capital. My dog came with me. Pet Friendly Travel in Lisbon, Portugal is an adventure you will never forget. The city has tiles on the walls. The streets have stones. The air smells like salt and sweet pastries. I wanted to share my story with you. You might want to take your furry friend on a tour here soon.
Is Portugal dog friendly? Yes. The people are very relaxed. They love animals. Is Lisbon dog friendly? Also yes. You will see dogs in the narrow streets of the Alfama quarter. You will see them in the large parks. However, you must know the rules before you go.
First of all, I had to plan the trip carefully. Travel to Portugal with a dog requires a lot of paperwork. You cannot just jump on a plane. I learned that the hard way.
The Big Move: Preparation and Paperwork
You must get your pet ready for the border. A microchip is the first step. It must follow the rules of the European Union. A rabies vaccine is the next step. You must do this after the microchip. If it is the first shot, you must wait 21 days before you travel.
I live in a country outside the European Union. Therefore, I needed an EU animal health certificate. A vet in my home country signed it. I also had to send an email to the Lisbon airport authorities. I did this 48 hours before we landed. This is a rule. Do not forget it.
Additionally, I had to pay a fee at the airport. The cost was €40.52 for my one dog. If you have two dogs, you pay €81.04. The vet at the airport checks the papers and the animal. They are very professional.
Later, I looked into the best way to fly. Some people use cargo. Others use a private jet. A company called K9 Jets offers shared private flights. You sit with your dog in the cabin. No crates are used on these flights. It is a premium choice. It costs around $11,850 per seat for one person and a large dog.
On top of that, the flight is very quiet. The dogs usually sleep because of the white noise from the engines. The crew loves pets. They even give gifts to the pups.
Gradually, I realized that some dogs cannot fly easily. Large dogs often go into the cargo hold of a regular plane. The hold is climate controlled. However, it can be stressful for the animal. I chose a flight where my dog could stay in a carrier under the seat.
Finally, we reached the city. The sun was bright. The hills were steep. My dog wagged his tail at the first sight of the River Tagus.
Finding a Place to Sleep: Pet-Friendly Hotels
I needed a place to stay. I found that a pet-friendly hotel Lisbon search takes time. Only 11 percent of hotels in the city allow pets. That is only 83 hotels out of a total of 728. You must book your room early.
I looked at the Hotel Star Inn Lisbon Aeroporto. It has a rating of 9.2 out of 10. They give you food and water bowls for your dog. They even have spots for service animals. Similarly, the Meliá Lisboa Aeroporto is a luxury spot. It has a spa and pools.
If you want to stay in the city center, try the Heritage Avenida Liberdade. It is a boutique hotel with a lot of history. It has a rating of 9.8. Another great choice is the Corinthia Lisbon. It has a large garden view. They also provide water bowls.
On the contrary, I chose a lovely Airbnb on the outskirts. It had a large backyard. My dog loved the grass. Plus, the price was lower than the fancy hotels.
Also, some hotels offer extra services. The Vintage Hotel & Spa provides pet-sitting and grooming. This is great if you want to visit a museum for a few hours.
Moving Around the City: Trains and Metros
Lisbon is a city of hills. You will get a workout. However, you can use public transport. Pet Friendly Travel in Lisbon, Portugal includes the trains and metros.
The Comboios de Portugal (CP) trains are very handy. Small pets in a box travel for free. Large dogs must have a short leash. They must also wear a muzzle. You must carry their vaccination record too.
On urban trains in Lisbon, dogs travel for free. On regional trains, you pay half the price of a ticket. On the fast Alfa Pendular trains, you pay a full-price ticket for the dog.
Additionally, the metro is easy to use. Dogs must be on a short leash and have a muzzle. You do not need a ticket for the dog on the metro. But you must keep them off the seats.
The famous Tram 28 is a different story. You can only take a pet if it fits in a carrier that counts as “hand luggage”. The trams are often very crowded. I do not recommend them for big dogs.
Similarly, the buses have the same rule. Only pets in carriers can go on board. If you want to go further, like to the Algarve coast, you can use the Rede long-distance buses. Small dogs in cages are allowed there with a pet ticket.
Dining with Your Best Friend: Restaurants and Cafes
I love the food in this city. I wanted to try the famous Pastéis de Belém. It is a sweet tart with cream. The line was long. I had to leave my dog outside for a minute to buy a box. Then we ate them in the park across the street.
Dog-friendly restaurants Lisbon are more common now. Before the year 2017, dogs were not allowed inside. Now, the law has changed. Owners can decide if they want dogs inside their cafes.
I found a place called Time Out Market Lisbon. It is a huge food hall. Generally, pets are not allowed inside the main building. However, there is outdoor seating where they are welcome. It is a great spot to sit and watch people.
Additionally, some places are very pet-focused. A website called DogAllowed lists many spots. Some bars even have a special menu for dogs. They might offer snacks or a bowl of water.
First of all, you should always ask at the door. Use the phrase “Pode entrar com cão?” It means “Can the dog enter?” The staff is usually very friendly.
Parks and Green Lungs: Time to Play
Lisbon has beautiful green spaces. Pet Friendly Travel in Lisbon, Portugal is not complete without a walk in the park.
The Parque Florestal de Monsanto is the “green lung” of the city. It has many forest trails. There is a lot of natural shade. I went there early in the morning for the cool air. It also has a dog park.
Another great spot is the Jardim do Campo Grande. It has a proper dog run with fences. You can see agility equipment there too. Later, we sat at the Linha d’Agua terrace for a drink.
The Parque Eduardo VII has the best views of the city skyline. It has wide lawns for a walk. If you stay late, use a LED light on your dog’s collar for safety.
On top of that, the Jardim da Estrela is one of my favorites. It is a romantic park with duck ponds. The peak “dog hour” is early morning and late afternoon. It is a great place to meet local dog owners.
Finally, I suggest the Ponte Ciclopedonal do Trancão. It is a 6km boardwalk near the river. You can see flamingos there if you are lucky. But there are no water fountains. You must bring your own water bottle.
Sun, Sand, and Sea: The Beaches
I wanted to see the ocean. Dog friendly beaches Lisbon can be a bit tricky to find. You must know the difference between “concessioned” and “non-concessioned” beaches.
Concessioned beaches have lifeguards and beach beds. Dogs are usually banned there during the summer season. This season starts around Easter and ends in October.
However, non-concessioned beaches are different. If there are no signs that say “no dogs,” you can usually play there all year.
I visited Praia da Ursa near Sintra. It is a hidden gem. You have to hike for 30 minutes to get down to the sand. The path is steep and rocky. Small dogs might need to be carried. But the view is magnificent. There are zero facilities there. You must bring water and an umbrella.
Dog-friendly beaches Portugal are becoming more popular. There is a dog beach in Peniche called North Sand Portinho Beach. It is north of Lisbon. Another one is Coral Beach in the north.
Additionally, I went to Costa da Caparica. It is south of the river. It is known as one of the best beaches in Europe. There are sections where dogs can frolic in the surf.
Later, we took a train to Cascais. It is a beachside suburb. Dogs travel for free on the train there. We walked along the coastline to the Boca do Inferno. It is a natural sea arch. My dog loved the sea breeze.
Health, Safety, and Special Events
Safety is very important when you travel. I found a great vet hospital called AniCura Restelo Hospital Veterinário. They have a 24-hour emergency service. They also offer grooming and dental care.
In Portugal, you must worry about some diseases. One is Leishmaniosis. It comes from sand flies. My dog got a vaccine for it at a local vet. I also bought heartworm medicine. These are vital for your pet’s health.
If you visit in February, check out the PET Festival Lisbon. It happens at the FIL in Parque das Nações. You can see training demonstrations and grooming competitions.
First of all, you can bring your dog to the festival. But you must show their papers. They need a microchip and a valid rabies shot. The entry fee is around €12 for an adult.
Additionally, the festival has “worlds” for different animals. There are areas for cats, birds, and even fish. It is very loud and crowded. Therefore, I recommend going early in the morning.
FAQ
Is Lisbon, Portugal dog friendly?
Yes, the Portuguese capital is a very relaxed place for travelers and their pets. Truth is, it combines a lively city vibe with historical charm and lovely beaches. Is Lisbon dog friendly? It is ideal for active families who want to explore narrow, cobbled streets by foot.
Are dogs allowed on public transport in Lisbon?
Yes, Pet Friendly Travel in Lisbon, Portugal is easy because most forms of public transport allow dogs. You must keep your dog on a short leash and have them wear a muzzle. Smaller pets can travel in a carrier box as hand luggage.
Are dogs allowed in restaurants in Portugal?
Yes, the law changed in 2017 to allow dogs inside restaurants and cafes. Owners have the final choice to permit pets as long as they stay away from food prep areas. Dog-friendly restaurants lisbon often have outdoor terraces where your dog is always welcome.
Can you travel to Portugal with a pet?
Yes, you can travel to Portugal with a dog if you follow the EU rules. Your pet needs a microchip and a valid rabies vaccine. You must also have an EU animal health certificate or a pet passport.
Are dogs allowed in stores in Portugal?
Yes, you can find many pet-friendly shops in the city. This includes cozy bookshops and even some ice cream spots. It is a great way to strengthen the bond with your loyal companion.
Can I take my dog to Portugal by car?
Yes, a superb network of new motorways allows for trouble-free motoring. Traffic congestion is rarely a problem except during major holiday periods. This makes it a cool choice for a road trip with your pup.
Are dogs allowed on beaches in Portugal?
Yes, but there are some rules you should know. Dogs are usually banned on “concessioned” beaches with lifeguards during the summer season. However, dog-friendly beaches Portugal like North Sand Portinho Beach allow pets all year.
How can I travel with my pet?
You can choose between flying, driving, or taking a ferry. Some airlines allow small dogs in the cabin, while larger dogs go in the cargo hold. A shared private jet service like K9 Jets is a premium option where dogs sit by your feet.
What is the cheapest way to get around Lisbon?
Urban trains in Lisbon are the best choice because dogs travel for free. The metro is also free for pets. You do not need a ticket for your dog on these services.
Can dogs ride on trains in Portugal?
Yes, can dogs ride on trains in Portugal? Absolutely. Small pets in carriers travel for free on most trains. Large dogs on a leash must pay a fare on regional and fast trains.
Can I bring a pet on the bus?
Yes, but local buses in Lisbon usually only allow pets in carriers that count as “hand luggage”. Long-distance Rede buses allow small dogs in crates if you buy a pet ticket.
Are Porto and Fi dog friendly?
Yes, Porto is one of the most dog friendly cities in Portugal with pet-friendly terraces and trains. FIL (Lisbon Exhibition and Congress Centre) hosts the PET Festival. This indoor event allows you to bring your pet if they have a microchip and valid vaccines.
Can dogs travel on buses in Portugal?
Yes, domestic long-distance buses often allow small pets in an appropriate cage. You must purchase an animal ticket for them to ride in the passenger area.
Which airline can I take my dog on?
TAP Air Portugal is a popular choice for pet owners. AeroMexico also provides pet transport services. For a stress-free trip, K9 Jets offers cabin travel for dogs and cats.
Is Tap Portugal pet friendly?
Yes, they are a pet-friendly airline. They allow pets under 10 kg in the cabin for a fee of around €100. Larger dogs must travel in the freight or cargo hold.
Is Portugal very dog friendly?
Yes, is portugal dog friendly?
It certainly is. People are very relaxed and animals are treated like members of the family. You will find many parks and cafes that welcome your furry friend.
What can I not bring to Portugal?
You cannot bring dangerous dog breeds on public transport. This list includes the Pit Bull Terrier, Rottweiler, and American Staffordshire Terrier. You must also avoid bringing animals without up-to-date health papers.
Which country is the most dog friendly?
Italy and France are often ranked as the most dog-friendly countries in Europe. However, Portugal is catching up quickly with its new laws for restaurants and beaches.
Can dogs go in restaurants in Portugal?
Yes, they can. Since 2017, the law allows pets inside as long as the owner of the cafe agrees. Look for the DogAllowed sign at the entrance.
How do I travel with dogs?
First of all, use a secure crate for long journeys. You should also prepare all health documents 10 days before you leave. Additionally, bring a travel water bottle to keep them hydrated.
Concluding words
Pet Friendly Travel in Lisbon, Portugal is a wonderful experience for any animal lover. The city offers free travel for dogs on urban trains and the metro. You can stay in a pet-friendly hotel Lisbon like the Heritage Avenida Liberdade or a cozy Airbnb.
dog friendly beaches lisbon and beautiful parks like Monsanto provide plenty of space for exercise. Always remember to carry your pet’s vaccination records and follow local rules for muzzles and leashes. With good planning, your Portuguese holiday will be a success.
