Travelling with your pet

Car, train, plane and borders: documents, microchip, rabies vaccine and comfort during the trip.

What to do, step by step

1. 1Within the EU, dogs, cats and ferrets need a microchip, a valid rabies vaccine (given at least 21 days before the first trip) and an EU pet passport issued by the vet.
2. 2Some countries (Ireland, Malta, Finland, Norway, United Kingdom) require a tapeworm treatment days before; outside the EU rules vary — confirm with DGAV and the embassy weeks ahead.
3. 3Car: harness seat belt or a secured carrier, stops every two hours, never leave the animal in the car in the sun. Car sickness: travel on a light stomach and talk to the vet.
4. 4Train and coach: check the carrier rules (size, muzzle, ticket). Plane: book early, an approved carrier and get the animal used to it weeks before.
5. 5Bring water, the usual food, leash, bags, a blanket that smells of home and the medication; update your contact in SIAC before leaving.

Useful contacts

• DGAV — Direção-Geral de Alimentação e Veterinária

  National veterinary authority: animal welfare, registration, travel.
  Open
• SIAC — Sistema de Informação de Animais de Companhia

  Mandatory registration of dogs, cats and ferrets; microchip lookup.
  Open

• Heatwave: protecting your pet from the heatWalks, water, shade, hot pavement and the car: the rules for days of extreme heat.
• Fireworks and thunderstormsNew Year, summer festivals and storms: how to reduce fear and prevent escapes.

General information, with no legal or veterinary value. In an emergency call 112 or a vet right away; always confirm procedures with the official bodies.