Pet Transport from Portugal to Canada
Moving a dog or cat from Portugal to Canada is one of the more straightforward international pet moves. Canada does not require quarantine, titre tests, or import permits for personal pets from Portugal. The main requirement is a valid rabies vaccination …
The Portugal to Canada import process
Every step must be completed in sequence. A single missed deadline can add months to your timeline. We own the entire process.
Responsible: Licensed veterinarian in Portugal
Responsible: Owner or vet
Responsible: Owner or agent
Responsible: Owner
Responsible: Owner
What your pet needs to enter Canada
Every item must be verified before your pet can board. We track each one against current standards.
What this route typically costs
Critical points
Rabies vaccination certificate must be in English or French. Portuguese-only certificates are refused at the Canadian border.
TAP Air Portugal is the most direct carrier from Lisbon to Toronto and Montreal, but book early: pet cabin and cargo spaces fill quickly on transatlantic summer routes.
Approved carriers for this route
Not all airlines accept live animals. We book only with carriers that handle live animal cargo correctly.
What does Canada require for pets arriving from Portugal?
For personal pets over three months of age, Canada requires a valid rabies vaccination certificate in English or French under the Health of Animals Regulations (SOR/91-525). The certificate must identify the animal, be signed by a licensed vet, and specify the vaccine’s validity duration.
No titre test, quarantine, or import permit is required. No formal DGAV export health certificate is required by CFIA for personal pets from Portugal. Source: CFIA, inspection.canada.ca (2026).
Can my pet fly direct from Lisbon to Canada with TAP?
Yes. TAP Air Portugal operates direct flights from Lisbon (LIS) to Toronto (YYZ) and Montreal (YUL). Small pets (typically under 8kg including the carrier) may travel in the cabin on TAP transatlantic routes. Larger pets travel as cargo. TAP’s transatlantic routes are popular in summer and pet spaces fill early; book well in advance.
The direct routing eliminates the stress of a connection for your pet and reduces the complexity of cargo arrangements. Confirm TAP’s current cabin pet policy for the specific flight and season before booking, as policies can vary.
Does the rabies certificate need to be in English for Canada?
Yes. The CFIA requires the rabies vaccination certificate to be in English or French. Portuguese vets typically issue in Portuguese. Ask your vet to include English notation on the certificate, or obtain a certified English translation before departure. A Portuguese-only certificate will be refused at the Canadian port of entry.
Portugal’s large community in Canada means many IPATA-registered agents in Lisbon and Porto are experienced with the Canada documentation requirements and can help ensure your paperwork is in order.