Moving to Portugal as an American expat has been an incredible adventure for our family. The country’s relaxed pace of life, stunning landscapes, and welcoming culture make it a fantastic place to call home. 

After traveling full-time for nearly three years, our kids were ready for a pet! They had begged and begged for years. We promised that we would consider pets once we settled into our new home. Moving abroad is already a mind-bender. From renting a house to finding schools, buying a car, and buying all your furniture, you’ve got a lot on your plate!  

We moved into our home on September 1st and went to adopt a pet in November.

Side note: this may not be the best month to adopt a pet! Winter in Portugal means rain and we dealt with a lot of muddy paws in those first few weeks.

If you’re considering adopting a pet in Portugal, it pays to do your research. We didn’t do anything more than searching for a shelter on Google. There are important things to consider, such as the legalities, veterinary care, and adjusting your new pet to life in a new environment. Here’s everything you need to know about adopting a pet as an expat in Portugal.

Things To Know About Pets In Portugal

Pets are popular in Portugal and you’ll see them all over! The Portuguese like pets in general, but have vastly different methods of caring about them. Some are very hands off, to the point of abandoning them in the summers when they go on holiday (this is more of an issue outside the cities than inside). On the other side of the spectrum, you’ll see pet owners who are obsessed!

Most people land in the middle.. they are doing their best to care for their animal, if they can afford it. The wage gap in Portugal is large and minimum wage is only about 5€/hr! This alone makes owning a pet a luxury in Portugal.

Two big differences about the attitude in Portugal about pets to know (even before consider moving to Portugal):

• Dog barking is RAMAPANT in Portugal and part of the life here. There will be dogs barking at all hours, everywhere. It’s annoying, but we aren’t super bothered by it. Many are driven out of Portugal over just this. Owners don’t really care if their dog is barking.
  
  
• Picking up dog poop also seems to be optional... gross. This is especially true in Lisbon, which is FULL of dog poop! You can even find this in our post here about things that bother us about Portugal.

Why We Chose a Pet From a Shelter (Canil)

My mom worked in animal hospitals for many years and drilled something into me: there are too many pets needing a home to go and buy one from a breeder.

After several rescue animals, I know why many go to breeders! Like adopting a little human, those animals who have been in “foster care”, or a shelter, come with baggage. We’ve had several pets with baggage and it is tough. Our current dog has a lot of baggage to deal with and it makes our life harder.

However, I am glad we adopted him from the shelter. I love that we can provide a home for him when he might not have had one otherwise.

I do know that Portuguese breeders exist as one of my Portuguese friends is currently going through this process. However, I’d encourage you to also consider a shelter! Those that run and staff these shelters are giving of themselves to help these animals and it is very touching.

If you do go for a shelter, know the cost is donation only at some and minimal admin fees at others. We’ve adopted from two so far. For our dog, we donated 150€ and our cat they asked for 40€.

Where To Adopt a Pet in Portugal

Portugal has many shelters and rescue organizations dedicated to finding homes for abandoned and stray animals. Unlike the U.S., where large-scale shelters like the ASPCA or Humane Society dominate, Portugal relies heavily on independent shelters and volunteer-run organizations. Some of the best places to adopt include:

1. Animal Rescue Shelters (Canis e Gatis) – There are municipal shelters (called canis or gatis) in most towns and cities. These are often underfunded and overcrowded, so adopting from them can truly make a difference.
   
   • Example: Canil Municipal de Lisboa or Canil Municipal do Porto

2. Animal Welfare Associations – Organizations like Animalife, Associação Bianca, and Patinhas Unidas work to rehome abandoned pets. These groups provide vaccinations, spaying/neutering, and basic medical care before adoption.
   
3. Street Adoptions – It’s common to find stray dogs and cats in Portugal, particularly in rural areas. Some people choose to take in stray animals directly, but it’s essential to check with a vet to ensure they are healthy and have the necessary vaccinations. Thankfully, veterinarians are plentiful! In Lisbon, they seem to be nearly as available as grocery stores and you likely have one easily in walking distance. We do near our home in Oeiras.
   
4. Facebook Groups and Local Networks – Many expats and locals share adoptable pets through Facebook groups such as “Pets for Adoption in Portugal” or local community pages.
   
   
5. OLX Portugal – A Craigslist-style marketplace with hundreds of pets available for adoption. However, it’s also full of scams and can be difficult to navigate if you aren’t fluent in Portuguese. Always verify listings and meet in a safe location before committing to an adoption.
   

What You Need To Do Once You Adopt

Once you’ve decided to bring a furry friend into your home, there are several steps you need to take to ensure their health, safety, and legal compliance.

1. Microchipping and Registration

Microchipping is mandatory for dogs and strongly recommended for cats. Likely this will be done already for you unless you are getting a pet off the street or from a friend.

Once microchipped, the pet needs to be registered in the Portuguese pet database (SIAC – Sistema de Informação de Animais de Companhia). If your pet is not microchipped at the time of adoption, most vets can do this for around €20-€30.

2. Veterinary Care

Your new pet should see a veterinarian as soon as possible. Common veterinary services to expect:

• General health check-up – Basic examination to ensure the pet is healthy.
• Vaccinations – Dogs and cats need vaccinations for rabies, distemper, and other common diseases. Diseases in Portugal are different than in the US. For example, dogs need to wear an insect blocking collar at all times and this is sold in the grocery sotre. It blocks certian pests that come out at dawn and dusk and are dangerous to dogs!
• Parasite control – Flea, tick, and worm prevention are essential, especially for stray rescues.
• Spaying/Neutering – Many shelters already take care of this, but, if not, expect to pay around €100-€200 for the procedure.

3. Register your pet at the local Junta de Freguesia

In Portugal, dogs must be registered with the local Junta de Freguesia (parish council). You’ll need:

• Proof of microchipping
• Up-to-date vaccination records
• Payment of a small annual registration fee (typically €5-€20)

Veterinary Care in Portugal

Veterinary care in Portugal is generally more affordable than in the U.S., making pet ownership more accessible. Here’s what you can expect in terms of costs:

• Routine Check-ups – A basic vet consultation typically costs between €25-€40, significantly lower than the $50-$100 often charged in the U.S.
• Vaccinations – Rabies shots cost around €20-€30, compared to $50+ in the U.S.
• Spaying/Neutering – The cost for this procedure varies by location but ranges from €100-€200, whereas in the U.S., it can cost $200-$500.
• Emergency Care – An emergency vet visit may cost €100-€300, depending on the severity of the issue, while in the U.S., emergency visits often start at $500 and go up from there.
• Pet Insurance – While not as common as in the U.S., pet insurance is available in Portugal for as little as €10-€20 per month.

Attitude Towards Vet Care in Portugal

Portugal has a generally positive attitude toward veterinary care, though it varies between urban and rural areas. In cities like Lisbon and Porto, people are more likely to treat pets as family members and seek regular vet care. However, in some rural areas, pets (especially cats and outdoor dogs) are often seen more as working animals and may not receive the same level of veterinary attention.

In fact, it is not uncommon to see dogs chained up 24/7 outside the cities and this is heartbreaking. Expat groups are FULL of complaints against this.

Portuguese veterinarians are highly skilled, and many speak English, making it easier for expats to communicate. We went to our closest vet and love them. They are open 24/7 and prices are reasonable. They can always find someone who is very fluent in English and we find all the doctors to be incredbly caing.

Additionally, there is a strong push from animal welfare groups to improve awareness about responsible pet ownership, including sterilization and vaccinations.

If you adopt a pet in Portugal, prioritizing their healthcare will be an important part of ensuring they thrive in their new home. Many local vet clinics offer affordable and high-quality services, making it easy to keep your pet healthy and happy.

Pet Passports for Europe

If you plan to travel with your pet within Europe, you’ll need a pet passport. This document allows pets to move freely between EU countries without quarantine.

How fun that our dog also has a passport, right?! This is the document used to track his vaccinations as well.

Here’s how to get and use one:

• How to Get a Pet Passport
  
  • Visit a veterinarian who is authorized to issue pet passports. Call and ask if the vet can do this.
  • Your pet must be microchipped and have a rabies vaccination.
  • The vet will issue the passport, which includes your pet’s details, microchip number, vaccination history, and owner information.
• Using a Pet Passport
  
  • When traveling within the EU, always carry the passport.
  • Some countries require additional treatments, such as tapeworm treatment for dogs before entering certain countries like the UK or Ireland.
  • Airlines and transport companies may have additional requirements, so always check before travel.
• Cost and Validity
  
  • A pet passport typically costs between €20-€50, depending on the vet.
  • It remains valid as long as your pet’s vaccinations are up to date.

Adjusting to a New Home

For rescues, particularly strays or animals that have spent time in shelters, adjusting to home life can take time. Be patient and provide:

• A quiet space to retreat to
• Consistent feeding and walking schedules
• Socialization with people and other pets at a comfortable pace

Sadly our dog, Blitz, was severly abused and neglected before being with us. He had never:

• Seen or heard a car
• Been taught how to act around other dogs
• Heard many loud noises
• Slept in a bed
• Much, much more

Getting our dog to trust us has been a VERY long journey. He does now after three years, but it has been very gradual. We tried to do some training right away, which did teach us all some great skills, but was too soon for him trust-wise. The trainer essentially told us to come back once he did and it is someting we do need to get back to.

Challenges of Adopting a Pet in Portugal

While adopting a pet in Portugal is a rewarding experience, there are a few challenges to be aware of:

• Language Barrier – Many pet adoption agencies operate in Portuguese. Using Google Translate or seeking help from a bilingual friend can be beneficial.
  • This is also true of your pet! If they are not a puppy, they may know commands in Portuguese! Our dog was a puppy and “speaks” English. However, if anyone else tries to use commands with him in Portuguese, he’s not going to get it!
• Stray Population – Sadly, there are many stray animals, especially in rural areas. If you find an abandoned pet, it may not always be easy to determine if it’s actually stray or just a roaming neighborhood pet.
• Rental Restrictions – If you’re renting, check your lease carefully. Some landlords are hesitant about pets, particularly larger dogs. We lucked out that our landlord allowed pets, but he has done some damage to the house for sure.
• Travel Considerations – If you plan to travel frequently, having a pet may limit your ability to take spontaneous trips. Consider pet-friendly accommodations or reliable pet sitters.
  • We’ve found plenty of doggy daycare locations and used them one time. Now, we have our Ukrainian family that live with us and they pet sit for us (we are very spoiled this way). Note that these locations get booked up FAST in the popular summer months. You can find one by Googling or asking around. We asked our dog trainer for recomendations near us.

The Joy of Adopting in Portugal

Other Tips About Owning Pets in Portugal

• Know that while it is so fun to walk your dog on the beach, dogs are not allowed during the day during the summer. An easy way to know this is if there is a lifeguard on the beach, dogs are not welcome. We have googled “dog-friendly beaches” but these are mostly in the south and the section for dogs is away from the regular sections. This is due to the poop and avoiding illness in humans.

• The same goes for some parks. Our local park doesn’t allow dogs. However, you’ll see plenty walking around at night, so the rules can be confusing!

• If you rent, check your lease carefully. Some landlords allow pets but may have restrictions on size or breed. If your building has thin walls, be mindful of noise complaints from barking dogs.

• Public transportation in Portugal allows small pets in carriers. Larger dogs may require a muzzle, and some bus or train operators may have additional restrictions. Taxis and ride-sharing services like Bolt and Uber sometimes accept pets, but it’s best to confirm with the driver before booking.

• While veterinary care is affordable and widely available, many clinics close for lunch breaks or may have limited weekend hours. If you rely on English-speaking vets, research options in advance, as availability can vary by region.

• Dog ettitque is liekly going to be VERY different than what you are used to in your home country. Wipe your expectations of what others should be doing with their pets and start over 🙂

Where to Buy Common Pet Items in Portugal

Finding pet supplies in Portugal is easy, but knowing where to get specific items can save you time and hassle. Unlike in some countries where everything is in one store, pet essentials are spread across pharmacies, grocery stores, and specialized pet shops.

• Worm Pills & Medications – Deworming pills (desparasitantes) should be given every six weeks and are only available at pharmacies (farmácias). You don’t need a prescription for basic deworming tablets, but for stronger medications or flea/tick treatments, a vet prescription may be required.
• Grocery Stores – Large supermarkets like Continente, Pingo Doce, and Intermarché carry basic pet supplies, including food, treats, litter, and some grooming products. However, the selection is limited, especially for premium brands.
• Pet Stores – For a wider range of pet food, toys, bedding, and specialty items, visit dedicated pet stores like:
  • Petlandia – A great option for quality pet food and accessories.
  • Ornimundo – Found in malls, offering pet food, toys, and grooming supplies.
  • ZooPlus.pt – An online pet store with a vast selection, including specialty brands and bulk options.
  • Kiwoko – A large pet store chain with locations in Lisbon, Porto, and other major cities.
• Specialty & Exotic Pet Stores in Lisbon – If you have a unique pet, you may need a specialized store:
  • Aquaporto – Specializes in aquarium supplies, tropical fish, and exotic reptiles.
  • Zooexótico – A go-to for exotic pets like reptiles, birds, and small mammals.
  • Tiendanimal (Lisbon & Porto) – Offers specialized pet foods, accessories, and even pet grooming services.
• Online Options – Many expats prefer ordering pet supplies online for convenience. In addition to ZooPlus, websites like Amazon Spain and Miscota.pt provide a broader selection and home delivery.

Despite these challenges, adopting a pet in Portugal has been one of the best decisions for our family. Our adopted dog has been a great companion to my kids, especially after a hard day in school in Portuguese. We love walking around the neighborhood as well.

While our dog cannot go to dog parks due to his bad habits and fear, doing this can also help integrate into the local community. Walking a dog in the neighborhood opens up conversations with neighbors, and taking our pet to pet-friendly cafés and beaches has led us to discover new favorite spots.

Portugal offers plenty of opportunities to adopt a pet and provide a loving home to an animal in need. Whether you’re in Lisbon, Porto, or the Algarve, there are incredible organizations ready to help you find your perfect furry friend. Adopting is a rewarding experience, not just for you, but for the pet you bring home. So why not take the leap? Visit a shelter, meet the animals, and make a life-changing decision for both of you!

Additional Reading

Driving in Portugal: An American Expat’s Guide

Eating Your Way Through Portugal – Traditional Food You Can’t Miss!

Why Your Family Will Love Camping in Portugal