The short answer
Your dog needs an ISO microchip, a rabies vaccine given after the chip and at least 21 days before you land, and the new EU health certificate from a USDA-accredited vet, endorsed by USDA APHIS within 10 days of arrival. Portugal also wants written notice to DGAV 48 hours before you land. Start 3 to 4 months ahead.
Your timeline
| When | What to do |
|---|---|
| 3–4 months before | Check the microchip is ISO (usually 15 digits). Book flights and reserve the pet space in writing. |
| At least 21 days before | Rabies vaccine, given after the microchip is scanned. A vaccine given before the chip doesn't count. |
| 6 weeks before | Buy an IATA-compliant crate and start crate training. |
| 10 days before | Vet visit: a USDA-accredited vet fills in the EU health certificate, then USDA APHIS endorses it. Portugal needs the original, ink-signed certificate, so allow time for it to be posted back. |
| 48 hours before | Send the arrival notice to DGAV, Portugal's veterinary authority. |
| Arrival day | Carry the endorsed certificate, the signed owner declaration and every rabies certificate. |
Get these dates for your move
Enter your arrival date and your dog. Pawperwork works out every deadline and flags anything that would get you turned away.
The mistakes that get dogs turned away
Vaccine before the microchip. It doesn't count. Your dog needs a new vaccine after the chip, then another 21-day wait.
Certificate endorsed too early. The USDA endorsement must fall within 10 days of arrival. Book the vet appointment early, because slots fill up.
Only a scanned copy of the certificate. Portugal needs the original with ink signatures.
Dog plus crate too heavy for the airline. Weight limits include the crate. TAP takes up to 32 kg in the hold on US routes.
Mismatched microchip numbers. One wrong digit across your documents is enough for a problem at the border.
Which airlines take dogs from the US to Portugal
Weights are dog plus crate. Rules change often, so confirm with the airline in writing before you pay.
| Airline | Cabin | Hold (with you) | Bigger dogs |
|---|---|---|---|
| TAP Air Portugal | Up to 8 kg, soft carrier | Up to 32 kg on US routes | TAP Air Cargo |
| Iberia (via Madrid) | Up to 8 kg | Up to 45 kg; no snub-nosed or listed dangerous breeds | Cargo |
| Air Europa (via Madrid) | Up to 8 kg | Up to 50 kg, crate with metal door | Cargo |
| Delta | Small pets under the seat | Not for the public | Delta Cargo, through a pet shipping agent |
| American | No cabin pets across the Atlantic | No | Cargo only |
| United | Confirm your route | No | No cargo for the public |
Breeds Portugal treats as potentially dangerous
Fila Brasileiro, Dogo Argentino, Pit Bull Terrier, Rottweiler, American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Tosa Inu, and crosses of these. They can enter, but you sign a declaration at the airport, and after arrival you need local registration, a muzzle in public and insurance.
From my own moves
Paulino, founder of Pawperwork
[YOUR STORY: two or three sentences about a real moment from one of your moves, such as the crate that broke or the airline that couldn't take your dog, and what you'd do differently.]
Questions people ask
How far ahead should I start planning?
3 to 4 months. The rabies vaccine needs at least 21 days, the certificate has a 10-day window, and pet spaces on flights sell out.
Does my dog need a rabies blood test?
No. The US is a listed country for EU pet travel, so no blood test is needed from the US.
Can my dog fly in the cabin?
Only small dogs: most airlines allow about 8 kg including the carrier. Larger dogs go in the hold or as cargo.
Do I need to tell Portugal before I arrive?
Yes. Send written notice to DGAV at least 48 hours before you land.
What about my cat?
The same EU rules apply to cats: microchip, rabies vaccine, the health certificate and USDA endorsement.
Rules checked 23 October 2026
Ready to plan your dog's move?
Free, dated checklist for your exact dates, pets and airline.
Sources: USDA APHIS, pet travel from the US to Portugal · TAP · Iberia · Air Europa · Delta. Pawperwork gives general information, not veterinary or legal advice. Official vets, USDA APHIS, DGAV and your airline have the final say.