The blue tiles. The smell of the river. My best friend by my side. These are the things I remember most about my trip. Pet Friendly Travel in Porto, Portugal is a dream for people like us. We love to explore, but we do not want to leave our dogs at home. I recently took my dog to this magical city. I learned so much. Porto is a city of hills, bridges, and history. It is also a place where people adore dogs. In fact, almost half of the people in Portugal have a pet. There are more than 4 million pets registered in the country. This makes the country a true pet friendly Porto paradise.
Many people ask me: is porto portugal dog friendly? The answer is a big yes. You will see dogs in parks, on terraces, and even on some trains. Pet friendly tourism is a growing thing here. Establishments now have the power to decide if dogs can come inside or not. This started with a new law in 2018. It has made pet friendly destinations like this much easier to visit. You should know that Porto is the second largest city in Portugal. It has a small population of about 238,000 people, but it feels big and lively.
Can I Take My Dog to Portugal?
First of all, you need to plan. You might wonder, can you bring pets to portugal? You certainly can, but there are rules. These rules protect everyone. I had to make sure my dog met all the European Union travel standards. If you come from an EU country, you need an EU Pet Passport. Your vet must give you this before you travel. It shows the health and vaccine history of your pet.
However, the rules are a bit different if you come from outside the EU. You will need an Official Health Certificate. This certificate is valid for 4 months after it is issued. You must get it within 10 days of your arrival. Additionally, you must tell the port of entry that you are coming. You should do this at least 48 hours before you land.
One major rule is the 5-animal limit. You cannot enter with more than five pets for non-commercial reasons. Plus, your pet must be at least 12 weeks old to enter the country. Pregnant pets are not allowed either. You must also arrive within 5 days of your pet. If you wait longer, the government thinks you are a business. This means extra fees and more trouble.
The Importance of Microchips and Vaccines
Your dog needs a microchip. This is not a choice. It must be an ISO-compliant microchip. The chip must meet ISO standards 11784 and 11785. I made sure my vet checked this twice. If the chip is hard to read, the border guards might refuse your dog. Also, you must put the chip in before the rabies vaccine.
The rabies vaccine is the most important one. You must wait at least 21 days after the shot before you travel. Some countries are not rabies-free. If you live in one of those, your dog needs a titer test. This test proves the vaccine worked. You must do this test 30 days after the vaccine and 3 months before you enter the EU. It is a lot of work. But it is worth it to have your buddy with you.
How Can I Take My Dog on Holiday to Portugal?
Later, you must decide how to travel. Most people choose to fly. TAP Air Portugal is a popular choice. They allow cats and dogs in the cabin if they are small. Your pet and the carrier must weigh 8 kg (17 lbs) or less. The carrier must be soft and fit under the seat. Larger dogs must go in the hold of the plane.
Lufthansa and Air France are also great for pets. Lufthansa has amazing facilities for animals. They even have an “Animal Lounge” in Frankfurt. On the contrary, Ryanair does not allow pets at all. They only allow service dogs. Therefore, you should check with your airline before you book a seat.
Transporting a pet can be expensive. A ticket for a dog can cost between $200 and $1,000. It depends on the size of the dog and the distance. A cat is a bit cheaper, usually between $150 and $700. I always recommend that people book as far in advance as possible. Space for animals is limited on every flight.
Arrival at Porto Airport
Finally, we landed at the Francisco de Sá Carneiro Airport. This airport is about 15 km from the city center. It is a busy place. If you arrive between 11 pm and 7 am, the pet entry point is closed. I planned my flight to arrive during the day.
We had to find a way to our hotel. Uber Pet is a wonderful option in Porto. You can choose the pet option in the app. Bolt drivers also often accept dogs. I always send a message to the driver first. It is the polite thing to do. Similarly, the Metro line E connects the airport to the city. Small dogs in carriers travel for free on the Metro.
Finding Pet Friendly Hotels in Porto Portugal
Where you stay matters a lot. I looked for pet friendly hotels in porto portugal for a long time. There are many great spots. The Yeatman Hotel is a luxury choice in Vila Nova de Gaia. They welcome pets in rooms. They even provide food and water bowls. Additionally, they offer pet-sitting services. This is perfect if you want to visit a museum for an hour or two.
NH Collection Porto Batalha is another top choice. It is in a central location. If you are on a budget, look at the Moov Hotel Porto Norte. It is pet-welcoming and costs less. Ibis Porto Gaia is also a reliable choice. They have a review rating of 8.8. They even have a garden area where your dog can relax.
For a very special stay, look at Forte de Gaia. It has a perfect review rating of 10.0. They make you feel very comfortable. They have an outdoor pool and are close to many wineries. I found that most places are happy to host well-behaved dogs. Always confirm the pet policy before you pay.
Getting Around the City of Bridges
Porto is a city of hills. The streets are often steep and made of cobblestones. This can be hard on your feet and your dog’s paws. Is portugal dog friendly when it comes to transport? Mostly, yes. But you must follow the rules.
On STCP buses, small dogs must be in carriers. Larger dogs need a leash and a muzzle. They must also stay on the floor so they do not bother other people. On urban trains, pets travel for free if they are in a box. For larger dogs, you might need to buy a ticket. Owners must always have the dog’s vaccination card and license handy.
I used the Gaia cable car to avoid the hills. It costs about €6 for a one-way trip. The best part is that dogs of all sizes travel for free on the cable car. The views are incredible. Another great option is the Guindais funicular. It connects the Ribeira area to the higher part of the city. It costs €3.50 per trip. Small dogs can go on it without a carrier.
Exploring the Best Parks and Walks
Every dog needs a place to run. Porto has some beautiful green spaces. Parque da Cidade is the largest urban park in Portugal. It has trails and even goes all the way to the beach. I loved walking there in the morning. Jardins do Palácio de Cristal is another must-see spot. It has shaded paths and peacocks. The views of the city are breathtaking.
Picoutos Park Dog Park in Leça do Balio is a great place to meet locals. It is a fenced space with obstacles for dogs to play on. I also visited Quinta do Covelo. It is a natural park where dogs can roam freely in safe areas. My dog made so many friends there.
Gradually, we made our way to the Foz do Douro. This is where the river meets the Atlantic Ocean. The seaside walk is perfect for sunsets. Just remember that dogs are not always allowed on the beaches in the summer. From October to April, the rules are much more relaxed. Praia da Aguda is a known pet-friendly spot during the off-season.
Dining Out: A Pet Paradise
One of my favorite things was eating out. Pet friendly porto has a wonderful food scene. Many restaurants with terraces are happy to have your dog. I had a great lunch at Mercearia do Miguel. The staff was so kind to my dog. They even gave him some water.
Boa-Bao is a famous Asian restaurant in Porto. They are very pet-friendly. I also enjoyed Soundwich in the city park. They actually have a special dish for dogs that costs about €4.50. This is a huge plus. Hard Rock Cafe Porto is another reliable spot. They treated my dog like a rock star.
If you like craft beer, visit A Fábrica Da Picaria. They have a terrace where dogs are welcome. For breakfast, I recommend Fabrica de Nata. You can try a pastel de nata for just €1. On top of that, you can get a coffee for very little money. It is a great way to start the day.
Sightseeing with Your Furry Friend
We did a lot of sightseeing. The Ribeira district is full of life. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site. We walked along the river and looked at the colorful houses. I also took a sailboat cruise on the Douro River. It was a 2-hour trip. They offer port wine tastings and the boat is pet-friendly. My dog loved the breeze on his face.
The cruise goes under the Dom Luís I Bridge. This bridge is the symbol of Porto. It was built between 1881 and 1886. The upper deck is 391 meters long. Walking across it gives you the best views of the city. Just be careful because it can be very windy up there.
I also visited the São Bento Train Station. The inside is covered in beautiful blue tiles. It is one of the most beautiful stations in the world. We also saw the Clérigos Tower from the street. It is 70 meters tall and was finished in 1920.
One place we could not go inside was the Lello Bookstore. It inspired the Harry Potter books. The line to get in is always very long. Tickets cost about €8 to €12. Since dogs are not allowed, I stayed outside while my partner went in. It is a tiny but stunning place.
A Quick Trip to Vila Nova de Gaia
We spent a day across the river in Vila Nova de Gaia. This is where the port wine cellars are located. There are around 60 port houses in this area. I visited Croft for a tasting. I paid €5 for a 10-year-old tawny port. My dog sat quietly on the terrace with me.
We also walked to the Monastery of Serra do Pilar. It has a circular shape and sits on a hill. It was declared a World Heritage Site in 1996. The walk along the Gaia riverside promenade is very pet-friendly. You get a perfect view of Porto from across the water.
If you have a car, you can visit the Gaia Biological Park. It is the largest park in the city with 35 hectares. It has a 3 km walkway where you can see many plants and animals. It is a peaceful escape from the busy city streets.
Essential Rules and Etiquette
I want everyone to have a good time, so please follow the rules. Dogs must always be on a leash in public. You must carry waste bags and clean up after your pet. If you do not, you could face a fine of €150. It is just not worth the risk.
Certain breeds are seen as “potentially dangerous” in Portugal. These include Pit Bulls, Rottweilers, and the Tosa Inu. If you have one of these dogs, you must use a short leash and a muzzle. You also need a special license and liability insurance. Some of these breeds are even banned from entering the country for residency.
Always carry your dog’s passport and vaccine records. I keep a digital copy on my phone too. It is also a good idea to have a collapsible water bowl. The sun in Porto can be strong, even in the winter. Temperatures can reach 40°C in August. I prefer to visit in the spring or autumn when it is cooler.
Safety and Health in Porto
Porto is generally a very safe city. I never felt scared walking with my dog. However, you should watch out for pickpockets in crowded areas like the Ribeira. Also, be careful on the steep stone stairs. They can be slippery when it rains.
If your dog gets sick, do not worry. Porto has excellent vets. I saw the Onevet Porto Veterinary Hospital. They have specialists in many areas like cardiology and dermatology. They are open 24 hours a day. This gave me a lot of peace of mind.
I also suggest getting pet travel insurance. It is not very expensive. You can find plans for as little as €1.50 per day. It covers vet bills and even damage to your hotel room. It is a smart investment for any pet poradda trip.
FAQ
Is Porto pet friendly?
Yes, Porto is a very pet-friendly city with a relaxed vibe, welcoming locals, and many outdoor spaces for furry companions. It is considered a perfect destination for those who do not want to leave their best friend behind.
Is Porto a dog friendly city?
Yes, Porto is highlighted as one of Portugal’s most dog-friendly cities, offering many parks, riverside strolls, and pet-welcoming services like hotels and grooming.
Are dogs allowed on public transport in Porto?
Yes, dogs are allowed on public transport under specific conditions. Small dogs in carriers or backpacks generally travel for free, while medium and large dogs must be on a short leash and wear a muzzle.
Are dogs allowed in restaurants in Portugal?
Yes, since 2018, establishment owners in Portugal have the right to decide if dogs are allowed inside their premises. Even if not allowed indoors, many restaurants allow dogs on their outdoor terraces or “esplanadas”.
How can I travel to Portugal with my dog?
You can travel to Portugal by air, sea, or car. Most commonly, travelers use airlines like TAP, which allows small pets in the cabin and larger pets in the hold, provided you meet entry requirements such as microchipping and rabies vaccinations.
Which city is the most dog friendly?
While both Lisbon and Porto are highly rated for pet travel, Porto is specifically described as one of the most dog-friendly cities in the country due to its compact, walkable nature and many green spaces.
Can dogs go on beaches in Portugal?
Yes, but there are restrictions. Some beaches are specifically designated as dog-friendly, while others allow pets only during the off-season, typically from October to April.
What is the cheapest way to get around Porto?
Walking is the most cost-effective way to get around as the city center is compact. Using the Metro or public buses with an “Andante” card is also a budget-friendly alternative to taxis or Ubers.
Can we take dogs on a ferry?
Yes, ferries connect Porto to Vila Nova de Gaia, and boat travel is a recognized method for transporting animals, especially larger ones like horses during international relocation.
Concluding words
Porto is a magical and highly accommodating destination for travelers with pets, offering a blend of historic charm, scenic riverside walks, and dedicated dog parks like Parque Canino da Seara.
While the city is very pet-friendly, owners must follow specific regulations, including ISO-compliant microchipping, rabies vaccinations, and using leashes or muzzles on public transport. With a wide range of pet-welcoming hotels, restaurants, and guided tours, Porto provides a safe and enjoyable environment for a complete family vacation with your furry friend.
