It is a sunny morning and I am sitting on a terrace in Portugal with my best four-legged friend at my feet. I remember when I first thought about this trip. It seemed like a huge task to bring a pet across borders. But I can tell you now that it is one of the best things I have ever done. Portugal is more than just a place to visit. It is a country that truly cares about animals. The law here even calls animals sentient beings now.
This means they are not just “things” or property. They have feelings and rights. This makes Dog Friendly Portugal one of the top choices for people who do not want to leave their pups behind. I want to share my journey and everything I learned so you can have the same amazing experience.
Traveling in Portugal with a dog
The journey to Portugal is the first big step you will take. It is a beautiful country but you must get there first. I found that I had many options. I could fly, drive, or even take a private jet. If you are coming from the United States, I suggest looking at a service like K9 Jets. They are aviation specialists who allow your pet to sit right in the cabin with you. No crates are needed on these flights.
Your pup sits at your feet or on the seat next to you. It is very relaxed because they use private terminals. You only need to arrive 60 minutes before the flight. Over 2,000 passengers and pets have already used this service to cross the Atlantic. It is a premium way to travel but it is a great alternative to the cargo hold. My friend Gary took his golden retriever Marley this way and said it was very comfortable.
If you prefer a regular airline, TAP Air Portugal is the national carrier. They allow small domestic dogs and cats in the cabin if they weigh up to 8 kilograms with their bag. The container must fit under the seat in front of you. If your dog is larger, they can travel in the hold as long as they weigh up to 45 kilograms. They have very specific fees for this service. Within Europe, it is about 70 to 100 Euros for a cabin pet. For the hold, it can be up to 200 Euros. You must always call the airline to book your pet ahead of time.
Cars are also a popular way to see the country. I love the freedom a car gives me. But you must follow the rules. In Portugal, animals are seen as “cargo” in traffic law. This means they can not be loose in the car. You must use a car crate, a special harness, or a safety net. If you do not do this, you might get a fine from the police. It is important to keep your driver safe from any distractions.
Important information about visiting Portugal with a dog
I spent many hours researching the legal rules. You do not want any surprises at the border. Every dog, cat, or ferret must have a microchip. This chip must follow ISO 11784 or ISO 11785 standards. If it does not, you must bring your own reader. It is also mandatory to have a rabies vaccine. The pup must be at least 12 weeks old before they get this shot. You must wait 21 days after the first vaccine before you can travel. This allows the immunity to build up.
The paperwork depends on where you are coming from. If you are from the European Union, you just need an EU Pet Passport. For those from the US, UK, or Canada, you need an EU Health Certificate. A USDA-accredited vet must sign this in the US. It is then stamped by the government. You also have to give the Portuguese authorities 48 hours of notice before you arrive. This is done by a form on their website.
Once you are in the country, you have more chores to do if you stay long. Dogs must be registered at the local town hall, which is called the Junta de Freguesia. This must happen within 30 days of arrival. You will need their health booklet and rabies certificate. There are also rules for “dangerous” breeds. This list includes Pit Bulls, Rottweilers, and several others. If your dog is on this list, you need a special license and liability insurance. They must always wear a muzzle and a short leash in public.
Health is another big concern. Southern Portugal has some diseases that are rare in other places. Heartworm is spread by mosquitoes and can be fatal. Sandflies can give your dog Leishmaniasis. There is no cure for this, so prevention is key. You should use special collars or spot-on treatments. Ticks are also very stubborn in the warm months. I check my dog every day for ticks, especially between the toes.
Dog-Friendly Cities in Portugal
Portugal has many cities that welcome pups. Lisbon is a great starting point. Many people who fly with K9 Jets arrive here. It is a busy city but it has many parks where you can walk. Cascais is another beautiful spot near the coast. I found a great coffee shop there called Unity Coffee Roasters that is very pet-friendly.
Porto is another fantastic city. It is famous for its history and its care for animals. If your pet gets sick, Porto has 24-hour emergency care at the Onevet Porto Veterinary Hospital. They can treat severe bleeding, poisoning, or bone fractures at any time. They even have separate areas for dogs and cats to keep them calm. It is good to know your pet is in safe hands.
Pinhão is a small town in the Douro Valley that I absolutely loved. It is the heart of port wine country. The views of the river are like a dream. It is very relaxed and most places allow your dog to join you. We walked through the town and everyone was very kind to my pup. Setúbal is also on the list of dog-friendly places. Capt. Tap is a spot there that people recommend for dog owners.
Dog-friendly accommodations in Portugal
I found that finding a place to stay is not hard if you plan ahead. There are many options like hostels, guesthouses, and small hotels. Along the Fisherman’s Trail, I saw many stage stops that end in villages with rooms. In Porto Covo, there is a hostel called Mute that is popular. Vila Nova de Milfontes has guesthouses like Casa Amarela.
Vacation rentals are often the best for dogs. They give you more space and a kitchen. I often use Google Maps to search for “Alojamento Local” or “Turismo Rural”. These are local lodgings and rural tourism houses. They are usually more welcoming to pets than big hotels. If you want to stay for a long time, TrustedHousesitters is a great hack. You can stay in someone’s house for free if you look after their pets. It makes long travel very affordable.
Camping is another fun choice. It adds a lot of excitement to the trip. Along the coast, there are many sites like Camping Sao Torpes in Sines. Sagres has a site called Orbitur Sagres. Salema Eco Camp is also a good one if you like nature. I suggest booking a day or two ahead during the spring and autumn. In the peak summer, you must book much earlier because things fill up fast.
Dog-friendly dining in Portugal
Dining out with my dog is one of my favorite parts of traveling. Many restaurants and shops in Portugal now allow companion animals inside. There is even a website called DogAllowed that lists these spots. I found hand-picked restaurants where dogs are welcome both outdoors and indoors.
In the Douro Valley, I had a picnic at Quinta da Roêda. They have a terrace that overlooks the vineyards. My dog was allowed to join me for the picnic. They even give you a glass of pink port wine. The only rule was that the dog could not go inside the visitor center. It was a very relaxed setting.
Many cafes and bakeries also welcome pets. Some even offer a special menu for dogs or a bowl of water. I have seen cozy bookshops and ice-cream spots that are pet-friendly too. In the Algarve, there is a shopping mall called AlgarveShopping that is pet-friendly. You can shop with your dog if you follow their rules. They have a limit of 10 pets in the building at once. You must enter through specific doors and use the lifts. Dogs are not allowed in the food court or the hypermarket. But many individual shops have signs that say they are welcome.
Dog-friendly things to do in Portugal
There is so much to see and do. Sightseeing with a dog is easy in many areas. In the Douro Valley, you can go to the viewpoint in Casal de Loivos. The hills are lined with olive trees and vineyards. It is a great place for a photo with your pup. You can also take a boat tour on the Douro river. I found a boat operator called CT Douro that allowed my pup to join. We took a one-hour trip for about 10 Euros. My dog was the star of the boat. Other passengers wanted to pet her and take pictures.
Hiking is another top activity. The Fisherman’s Trail is a 230-kilometer coastal path. It goes along epic cliffs and sandy beaches. I found it very beginner-friendly and well-marked. The sand on this trail is very gentle on dog paws. I suggest using paw wax if your dog has sensitive feet. The best time for this hike is April to June or September to October. In winter, it can be stormy, but it is still doable if you want a quiet adventure.
Swimming in the summer is a must. Wingo, a dog I know, loved the beach breaks and ocean swims. There are many swimming possibilities along the coastal trails. Just make sure the weather is not too hot for your pup. You should always carry a water filter so your dog can drink safely from streams.
Dog-Friendly Campgrounds in Portugal
Campgrounds are everywhere in the rural parts of the country. I already mentioned some along the Fisherman’s Trail. Orbitur Sitava Milfontes is a large one with many facilities. There is also Camping Milfontes and Campiférias. These sites are great because they often have other travelers with dogs.
You should know that wild camping is officially not allowed on the coast. Many hikers still find quiet spots inland or stay in backyards. I prefer staying at designated sites to follow the law. Some sites even offer bungalows if you do not have a tent. Always check if the site has rules about keeping your dog on a leash.
Dog-friendly beaches and lakes in Portugal
Portugal has a lot of coastline. You will find many sandy beaches and rugged coves. Some beaches are very easy to reach while others are tucked into the cliffs. I use the DogAllowed marketplace to find beaches where dogs can be off-leash all year round.
Lakes are less common but still beautiful. The scenery along the rivers like the Douro is breathtaking. You can sit by the water and marvel at the natural beauty. Just be mindful of the tides when you are near the ocean. At low tide, you can often walk along the sand which is easier than the dunes. At high tide, you might have to go inland.
Dog-friendly public transport in Portugal
It is very easy to get around without a car. Dogs and cats are allowed on most public transport. This includes trains, buses, and metros. On the CP trains, small pets in carriers travel for free. If your dog is larger, they must be muzzled and on a short leash. You have to buy a ticket for them on long-distance trains like the Alfa Pendular. This is usually the full price of a ticket in your class. On regional trains, it is a half fare. On urban trains in Lisbon and Porto, it is free for all pets.
Intercity buses also allow small dogs. They must be in a washable and watertight container. The container can not be larger than 35 by 40 by 26 centimeters. You must buy a separate ticket for your pet and they must stay on the floor. Muzzling is not always mandatory on buses, but it is a good idea to check with the operator.
For flying, I already mentioned TAP and K9 Jets. Other airlines like Air France and Lufthansa also allow dogs under certain conditions. Cheap airlines like Ryanair and EasyJet do not allow pets at all unless they are guide dogs. Always visit your vet to confirm your dog is healthy enough for a flight.
Practical tips for dog friendly travel in Portugal
I want to end with some tips that helped me a lot. First, always carry your dog’s health documents. No ticket can be issued for a train if you do not have their vaccination record. It must include their electronic ID code.
Second, watch out for autonomous machines. I read that dogs can be scared of delivery robots and drones. They might bark or freeze when they see them. Some drones are even seen as territorial threats by animals. If you see a robot dog or a drone, keep your pup close.
Third, take care of their feet. The sand is soft but it can get hot in the summer. Use paw wax or hikers’ wool if they get sore. It is also good to have a simple first aid kit. If there is an emergency, do not try to fix everything yourself. Contact a vet like the one in Porto immediately.
Fourth, be a good guest. Always clean up after your dog. AlgarveShopping provides free waste bags at their Meeting Point. CP trains require your carrier to be made of resistant and washable material to avoid soiling the vehicle. If we all follow the rules, Portugal will stay a paradise for pets.
Fifth, think about the weather. Portugal is very dry from April to October. Refill your water bottles in every village. Tap water is usually fine but it might have chlorine. A filter will help you and your dog stay healthy.
Traveling with my dog in Portugal was an adventure I will never forget. It requires some planning but the reward is worth it. I saw storks nesting on sea stacks and ate delicious sweet potatoes in small villages. My dog was by my side through it all. It truly is a place where you can enjoy time together everywhere. I hope this guide helps you plan your own perfect trip. Portugal is waiting for you and your pup. Safe travels!
FAQ
Is Portugal very dog friendly?
I found that Portugal is extremely welcoming to pets because the law now recognizes animals as sentient beings with legal rights. This cultural shift means you can enjoy many public spaces and services with your dog by your side.
What is the most dog friendly city in Portugal?
Lisbon and Porto are the top choices for many travelers. I noticed that Porto is especially prepared for pets with its 24-hour emergency veterinary care, while Lisbon offers a vast network of pet-friendly parks and cafes.
Can you travel with a dog to Portugal?
You can certainly bring your dog if you follow the strict health rules. Your pup must have a microchip, an up-to-date rabies vaccine, and the correct EU paperwork from your home country.
Is Lisbon a dog friendly city?
Lisbon is very accommodating to dogs and has many dedicated “open spaces”. I spent many afternoons in the city’s parks and even found several unique shops that let my dog walk right in with me.
Can dogs go in restaurants in Portugal?
Dogs can go inside many restaurants and shops now because of a 2018 law. I always check for a sign on the door or use the DogAllowed website to find places where pups are welcome both indoors and on the terrace.
Are dogs allowed on beaches in Portugal?
Dogs are allowed on many beaches, especially those that are non-concessioned or off the beaten path. I found that some spots even allow dogs off-leash all year round, which was a highlight for my pup.
Is TAP Portugal dog friendly?
TAP Air Portugal is very pet-friendly and allows small dogs in the cabin for a fee of about 70 to 100 Euros. For larger dogs, they provide safe transport in the hold as long as the pet weighs less than 45 kilograms.
Is Porto, Portugal dog friendly?
Porto is an excellent city for dog owners. It provides great peace of mind because the Onevet Porto Veterinary Hospital offers intensive care 24 hours a day for any accidents or illnesses.
Does Ryanair allow dogs to fly?
Ryanair does not allow any pets to fly on their planes. The only exceptions they make are for officially trained guide dogs.
Is TAP pet friendly?
TAP is a great option for pet travel. I recommend calling them early because they limit the number of pets on each flight to ensure everyone stays comfortable.
Concluding Words
I believe that Dog Friendly Portugal is a top-tier destination for any pet owner who wants a stress-free adventure. The country has truly transformed its laws to treat animals as sentient beings, which opens up so many doors for dining and transport.
From the high-end comfort of K9 Jets to the rugged beauty of the Fisherman’s Trail, I found that my dog was a welcome guest everywhere we went. You must simply prepare your paperwork and health checks in advance to avoid any trouble at the border.
Plan your visit today to see storks nesting on sea cliffs and to share a glass of port wine with your best friend by your side. Portugal is a place where you can finally enjoy time together everywhere.
