Taking a pet from the United States to Portugal

What this destination requires

If only transiting the EU on the way to another country, non-commercial dogs, cats, ferrets, and birds may not need an EU health certificate (per EU 2026/131 Article 5).

Transiting the European Union Under EU Regulation 2026/131 Article 5, non-commercial dogs, cats, ferrets, or birds transiting the EU on their way to another country may not need an EU health certificate.

Only pets that meet the criteria for non-commercial movement qualify for this exemption.

If the pet is traveling unaccompanied, they must have a commercial health certificate and are not eligible for the transit exemption.

Read the source

This page summarises the USDA APHIS page Pet Travel From the United States to Portugal. That page is the authority; read it in full before you travel.

Open the APHIS page for Portugal →