Living in Portugal has been an eye opening experience as a dog owner. Europe is renowned for being dog friendly, so it’s no surprise that we often get asked, is Portugal dog friendly too?
The experience you have in Portugal with a dog as a tourist will vary depending on what breed you have, but overall we’ve found Portugal to be quite open when it comes to how dog friendly it is.
Let’s take a look at what makes Portugal dog friendly, travel tips for visiting Portugal with a dog, and discuss some of our personal opinions on the topic after living here for 2 years.
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Can You Bring A Dog To Portugal?
If you’re from another EU country, bringing your pup into Portugal won’t be an issue providing you have an EU Pet Passport.
These passports are issued by your local vet and typically really easy to get. Lilly’s cost her (or us, whatever) €25 when we were preparing to visit the UK with her.
You’ll also need to make sure your dog is microchipped and up to date on their rabies vaccines. These are standard pet entry requirements for travelling around the EU.
If you’re travelling from outside of the EU, you’ll be required to register your dog’s arrival at least 48 hours before you’re due to arrive. You can get more details about this process on the Government Website, it seems fairly easy to do providing you’re organised.
Dogs And Public Transport In Portugal
We’ve spent most of our time road tripping around Portugal, so public transport isn’t something Lilly has experienced much of.
That said, Portugal is dog friendly in the sense that they are allowed on trains and buses. Unlike neighbouring Spain where it’s much harder to travel on public transport with a dog.
In Portugal, it isn’t restricted by the size of the dog either, but they are required to wear a muzzle. Even the smallest dogs. You’ll likely see people travelling without them, but be aware that it is a legal requirement.
I actually quite like this law and believe all dogs should be muzzle trained for situations where they might be uncomfortable.
For travelling with a dog on a train in Portugal, small dogs are allowed as long as they’re in a travel crate/bag. Any dog that doesn’t fit in a bag must wear a muzzle.
The only exception to this are the inter-Europe trains where only small, crated, dogs are allowed.
On all public transport dogs must be kept on a short lead and under control.
Note: You must always have your dog’s ID or vaccination documents on you when travelling around Portugal. Not just when using public transport or crossing borders.
Whether a ticket is required for dogs on public transport in Portugal very much depends on the operator. It’s best to ask when booking your tickets, or before boarding.
Taking Your Dog To Lunch
We’ve been pleasantly surprised with how dog friendly Portugal is when it comes to dining out with Lilly.
Up until 2018, it was illegal for dogs to enter an establishment that serves food.
This law has since been changed and it’s now down to each individual restaurant or cafe to decide whether they want to allow inside dining with dogs. Although with the Portuguese weather, we’ve never needed to test this as we always opt for outdoor dining.
We’ve travelled all over Portugal with Lilly and not once have we been turned away from outside seating with her, or been made to feel uncomfortable for having her here. Most will offer a bowl of water for her too.
My best piece of advice is to always ask, even for outside seating, whether it’s ok that you have a dog. I find they really appreciate it, and will often pick a nice quiet spot for you too when they have dogs allowed.
Lilly at our local cafe
Dog Friendly Accommodation In Portugal
Trying to find dog friendly accommodation in Portugal as a resident (ie. long term rentals) is much harder than finding holiday accommodation. Landlords in Portugal are really hesitant to open their homes to people with pets, which is understandable I guess.
As a tourist, you won’t have that same issue as there’s an increasing number of hotels and B&Bs in Portugal that allow dogs.
Like in France, you’ll likely have to pay a small fee. This can be anywhere from €2 to €4 per night. World’s apart from the £25 per night on top of the room fee for Lilly in the UK.
We mostly use Booking.com when looking for pet friendly accommodation, purely because they make it easy to filter the results.
Airbnb is another good option and will give you options with a yard too, especially if you’re staying out of the cities.
If you already have accommodation booked, make sure you’re fully prepared. Here are 10 things you need to know about staying in a hotel with your dog!
Portugal Dog Laws
An important thing to note is that Portugal, like many other countries, has a dangerous dogs list, also called a restricted breeds list.
The current dogs on this list include:
- Rottweiler
- Staffordshire Bull Terriers
- Pit Bulls
- Dogo Argentino
- Fila Brasileiro
- American Staffordshire Terrier
- Tosa Inu
This includes mix breeds that include any of the above.
If you’re visiting for less than 4 months they must be muzzled, on a short lead at all times and not let loose in yards that are not fully contained. You must have liability insurance for them too.
If you’re visiting Portugal for longer than 4 months you are required to register them on the SIAC database (via your local Portuguese vet) and obtain a licence to own the dog.
People staying longer must also undergo training with the local GNR (a branch of Portuguese Police) so they can be confident that you know how to handle your dog, and it’s advised the dog undergo training with one of their recommended trainers.
🐾 Don’t get caught out on your trip. Here’s everything you need to know about planning a road trip with your dog
Lilly at a dog friendly hotel
Dog Friendly Things To Do In Portugal
Now, I’ll preface this by saying Portugal isn’t as dog friendly as Italy. There are still a lot of attractions here that don’t allow dogs inside. Including popular things like Sintra Palace.
However, that doesn’t mean there’s nothing for you to do with your pup.
Here are some of our favourites:
Head To The Beach
If you’re travelling Portugal with a dog in winter, know that almost every beach across the country is dog friendly.
In summer, dog friendly beaches in Portugal get a bit restricted but there’s still a surprising amount.
Whether you’re visiting the Algarve, or spending a few days in Porto, you’re never far from a beach you can all enjoy together.
A couple of our favourites are Beach Pedrógão, about 45 minutes north of Nazare and Praia do Salgado, 15 minutes south of Nazare.
Spend the day in Aveiro
We absolutely love day trips to Aveiro. A short drive from Porto, it’s a must, with or without your dog.
Whether you want to do a spot of shopping in the open air shopping mall, eat at a cafe, or take a historic river cruise, your pup will be able to join you every step of the way!
Wander Around Porto
Porto is another place we’re obsessed with. Steeped in history and endless amounts of options for good food, it’s a city we could walk around for ages.
It’s surprisingly dog friendly too!
Aside from the expected cafes and restaurants, many of the things to do in Porto are dog friendly. Including a selection of the port wine cellar tours which are good choice for rainy days with your pup, and Douro River Cruises.
There’s also ample green space and quiet spots dotted around Porto that offer a nice place to unwind and let your pup relax away from the hustle and bustle of city life. If they’re anything like Lilly, I’m sure they’ll appreciate seeing a pigeon or two too!
Discover Sintra
This was the first city we took Lilly to, and we were pleasantly surprised by how many of the things to do in Sintra, Lisbon were dog friendly.
This includes the Moorish Castle, Lagoa dos Mosqueiros, Tivoli Palácio de Seteais and of course São Martinho.
It’s worth noting that Pena Palace and Quinta da Regaleira are not dog friendly, so if they’re key things you want to do while you’re in Sintra you’ll want to consider accommodation that allows you to leave your pup at home alone (hotels usually don’t)
Lilly in Sintra
Soak Up The Sun in Nazare
I know we’ve already talked about Portugal’s dog friendly beaches but a trip to Nazare with Lilly was one of our favourite things to do in Portugal, so it would be silly to not include it!
You’ll be spoilt for choice with places to eat in Nazare that allow dogs, and if walking up the beach isn’t enough for you the funicular that takes you to the top of the cliffs is also dog friendly. Meaning you can admire the view from São Miguel Arcanjo Fort. Especially if you’re visiting in the big wave season.
Lilly at a beach near Nazare
Discover Monsanto
If you want to see a really unique village while travelling Portugal with a dog, a trip to Monsanto will tick that box for you.
Named Portugal’s most portuguese village, Monsanto is a stone village almost trapped in time. Peppered with walking tracks around the hills, you and your dog will really enjoy exploring thie quirky piece of Portuguese history.
It was also used as a film location of Game of Thrones, so you’ll be able to boast that your dog’s been on a film set too ;)
Tips For Travelling Portugal With A Dog
While we strongly believe Portugal is dog friendly, after living here for two years there are a few things we think you should be aware of if you plan to bring your own dog here.
There’s A Lot Of Strays
Stray dogs are very common in Portugal, more so in the rural areas where there are fewer rescue centres, but it’s still present and can be more obvious when you’re travelling with a dog, opposed to without one.
Lilly was a stray who followed us home from a walk, so we have absolutely no issue with strays and feel really strongly about helping them, but it can certainly change the way you travel when you have one of your own.
In smaller rural towns, you might even come across sorry looking dogs wandering the streets who do have an owner, they’re just left to roam freely. Some won’t bother you, some might not like you being on their street.
Baby Lilly on night one with us
Always Carry Their ID
I mentioned this briefly before but you should always have their ID on you when out in public. This can be either your EU pet passport, health certificate or EU vet vaccination booklet.
We’ve never been asked for it, but I believe there are fines if you are asked and can’t show it. More so in the case of if something happens with/to your dog I think.
Have Insurance
I’m sure most people already have pet insurance but make sure it covers you for Portugal (and other parts of the EU).
Portuguese vet care is really cheap compared to the UK (trust me, Lilly’s tested it on multiple occasions) but insurance just offers that other safety layer.
Even though Lilly isn’t a restricted breed, we still have liability insurance. Not that I think she’ll ever hurt someone but again, it’s good to have just in case and also protects us in case she damages someone’s property. Again, highly unlikely.
We hope this guide has given you a clearer picture of what to expect when bringing your dog to Portugal. From stunning beaches to pet-friendly spots, Portugal is truly a great holiday destination for dog lovers. If you’re planning to travel with your pup and you’re coming from the UK, make sure to check out our EuroTunnel with Dogs post for everything you need to know about crossing the channel smoothly with your furry companion!
Read More Posts On Dog Friendly Travels;
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Is Portugal Dog Friendly
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Essential Packing List For Travelling With Your Dog
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Best Dog Friendly Beaches In Portugal
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How To Plan A Road Trip With Your Dog
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How To Find Accommodation With A Dog Without The Stress!
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How to Make Staying in Hotels With A Dog Easy and Enjoyable
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Processionary Caterpillars And Dogs – The Hidden Danger
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