So many of our clients bring their pets with them when relocating to Portugal. So not only is it a big adjustment for you, but also for your cat or dog. The process of finding a doctor, a favorite restaurant, or registering yourself locally will be similar for your pet! We wanted to put together a comprehensive post that is all about Pets in Portugal and hope it benefits all newly arrived pet owners!
Pets
Animals in Portugal are subject to legal protection. This means pets have judicial protection under the law against abuse and negligence, whereby owners found in acts of animal violence are punishable with fines or even imprisonment.
It also is established that pets in Portugal are allowed to accompany their owners into commercial establishments, which includes shops and restaurants as long as no sticker in the window/door explicitly says they do not allow pets. The law requires, however, that all pets must be secured with a short leash and not allowed to move around freely. Pet-friendly establishments are establishments that are prepared to receive pets.
Pets on Public Transport
On the metro/subway in Portugal dogs need to either be in a container or on a short leash and be wearing a muzzle. No ticket is required. If taking a bus or tram, pets need to be in an appropriate carrier, which can be carried as “hand luggage”.
Pets at the Beach
During the summer, dogs are not allowed on concession beaches (beaches with flags) but they are allowed on beaches with no lifeguard and on all beaches during the winter season. Praia do Portinho da Areia do Norte in Peniche is the first dog beach in Portugal where dogs were allowed access all year-round.
Pets at Parks
Portugal has various Parks of different sizes, and at many of them, there are sign boards with information including the rules for dogs. Also, it is common to find a pole with little plastic bags inside to throw away the poo so the park or road stays clean. Besides these large parks, there are in Portugal specific dog parks for them to make friends. These are some in the capital Lisbon area:
- Dog Park Jardim Campo Grande (Alvalade)
- Dog Park Jardim de São Bento (São Bento)
- Dog Park Jardim Fernando Pessa (Areeiro)
Licences for Pets
In Portugal, registering your pet and getting a license for him/her is compulsory and you need to do this when your pet is between 3 and 6 months old. First, you go to your vet to microchip and vaccinate your pet. Once an animal has been microchipped, the owner has 30 days to register it at the Junta de Freguesia. (Town Hall) in the area where you are currently living. The animal only needs to be registered once during its lifetime. But you have to renew your license for your pet every year for a fee (on average €20). The law requires that pets, however, must be secured with a short leash and not allowed to move around freely when in public.
Pets and Your Neighbours
If you live in an apartment in Portugal, you are only allowed to have three adult dogs and four adult cats in an apartment, both in rural and urban areas. However, you may not exceed an overall total of four pets. This can be increased if you get approval from the local authority vet and public health officer. But the main factor that determines the number of pets is the building rules.
In rural houses, you can keep up to six adult animals and possibly even more if the plot is large enough and standards of welfare for the animals are guaranteed. The owner is responsible for ensuring the well-being of the pet and for making sure it doesn’t disturb the neighbors, whether in an apartment or even on a farm in the countryside. Neighbors experiencing problems can contact the police (GNR or PSP). They can request that the owner stop the source of the noise or they will alert the council, who can issue you with a minimum fine of 500 euros.
Pet Sitter and Dog Walkers
Here you will be able to find an extensive list of sitters. Each pet sitter is verified by the website to build trust and reputation using an identification check, references, and even a criminal record check.
You can also find pet walkers here https://www.petbacker.com/s/dog-walking/lisbon–lisbon–portugal.
Veterinarians
It is always best to be prepared and know exactly where to take your best friend should an emergency ever arise.
Lisbon
Porto
24-hour Emergency Pet Hospitals in Portugal
- Lisboa: Hospital Veterinário São Bento na Rua de S. Bento 358-A.
- Porto: Veterinary Hospital of the University of Porto in Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 132.
- Faro: Go to the Veterinary Hospital of the Algarve in Avenida Calouste Gulbenkian 66.
Pet-Friendly Restaurants
There are more and more spaces where pets are well received. Instead of the routine walk, take your four-legged friend to a place designed for both you and your dog and make him happier.
Lisbon -
Nicolau Lisbon
Nicolau Lisboa Café offers everyday healthy and delicious food within a relaxed environment. For those who enjoy breakfast food at any time of the day, Nicolau is famous for it. Nicolau has branched out to other Restaurants like Amelia, Basilio, and Olivia. and are soon opening in Cascais and Porto See them online it is a treat.
Website: https://www.ilovenicolau.com/en/about-us/our-story/~
Crush Doughnuts
Amazing doughnuts next to the owner´s other restaurant Ground Burger have conquered Lisbon
Dallas Burger Joint
Burgers made with 100% grass-fed Portuguese beef, accompanied by homemade fries, milkshakes and vintage space decoration will drive you straight to the US diner.
Rebel Café
An irreverent space where you can enjoy your breakfast with your dog on a terrazzo table.
The Therapist
Located In Lx Factory, a post-industrial complex in Lisboa that features unique restaurants, bars, cafes, design houses, showrooms, coworking, and more.
The Therapist believes in functional food as a way of caring for your well-being, promoted through an inclusive, conscious, and natural kitchen.
Website: https://thetherapist.pt/
Fiammetta
They are not just a restaurant…they have a shop where you can buy more than 70 varieties of cheese and 40 varieties of charcuterie. But as well as a rich selection of olive oils, pasta, sauces, kinds of vinegar, sweets and much more.
Website: https://fiammetta.pt/
Hygge Kaffe
A space based on the well-being concept exported from Nordic countries.
Happiness and sharing with others, including your dog, is also part of their philosophy.
Locations: Rua Tomás Ribeiro 95
Farés
The Vibrant Middle Eastern Tavern.
Locations: Rua de S. Paulo 200, 1200-058 Lisboa, Portugal
ISCO
ISCO is a bakery and a bistro. Located in Alvalade, and influenced by “Fika” – the Swedish concept of a coffee break with sweets, and a chat with colleagues – not only offers a great variety of slow-rising bread but also the option to have lunch or dinner.
Locations: Rua José d’Esaguy 10D, 1700-267 Lisboa, Portugal
Kitchen Dates
A kitchen with zero waste, a restaurant that’s only using local ingredients
Everything here is consumed, reused, or transformed into compost, which then is delivered to producers.
Locations: Seminário 7A, 1600-764 Lisboa, Portugal
Porto
Boa-Bao
Boa-Bao in Porto where you and your dog can board on an unforgettable “Asian Food Journey” through China, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Taiwan, Singapore, Korea, Japan, Philippines, and even India, in a beautiful setting inspired by the Asian Saigon markets of the 1920s.
Visit us also in Lisboa, and don’t leave your best friend behind, dogs are welcome (only) in our main room and with a maximum of 5 dogs at the same time 🙂
Locations: Rua da Picaria 61, 4000 Porto, Portugal
Soundwich
Located in a country house in Parque da Cidade, Porto. Sample creations from 14 famous chefs and delight in brunches and buffets. This experience is accessible to everyone, as a “Soundwich” only costs 12 €. Dogs have their own menu.
Website: https://soundwich.eatbu.com/?lang=pt
Locations: Av. do Parque 595, 4100-376 Porto, Portugal
Lisbon Surrounding Areas
Sourdough Pizza
Here you can get authentic Neapolitan pizza in Colares.
Locations: Av. do Atlântico s/n, 2705-288 Colares, Portugal
Colares
Culto Café
The Culto Café is located a few kilometers from Lisbon. It is in this elegant yet relaxed environment that you can sample the cuisine, based on local products.Av. dos Cavaleiros de Santiago e Espada 4, 2950-317 Palmela, Portugal
Setubal
XEXEXE
100% vegan, only made of fresh & seasonal ingredients with lots of love and flavors. Dog-friendly, and eco-friendly
Locations: Grupo Desportivo dos Pescadores 1, 2825-332 Costa da Caparica, Portugal
Caparica
Dr.Bernard
Dr. Bernard is a restaurant, a surf center, and a wellness platform.
Locations: Rua Praia do CDS, Apoio Praia 11, Costa de Caparica, Portugal
Ericeira
The Capsule
A neo-bistro cuisine with an open kitchen
Locations: Rua da Fonte do Cabo 54, 2655-344
Pepe Verde
In the heart of the old town and offers a nice variety of traditional Italian pizza.
Locations: Rua Mendes Leal n.22, 2655-319 Ericeira
Should you need any help with the transfer or registration of your pet to and in Portugal, please feel free to reach out to us at: [email protected].
