If you are thinking of moving to Portugal then the likelihood is that you won’t want to leave your beloved family pet/s behind. The good new is, Portugal is relatively close to the UK, which means the move will be relatively easy and straightforward. When it comes to pets, most people would consider theirs to be a part of the family, which means there is no way that they will get left behind. Every year hundreds of cats, dogs and horses make their way to Portugal safely.

Remember that you should always keep your pets’ best interest in mind when making the decision of moving them abroad. Although a short journey, it could be stressful for your pet and when it arrives it will have to adapt to a new house, area and climate. All of which can be upsetting for them, especially if they are in their elder years. Consider if it is the best thing for them if they are old, or would they be better off staying with family or friends?

If you wish you can get your pet a European Pet Passport, which allows them to travel freely between European borders, or there is the Pet Travel Scheme which allows the pets to travel without undergoing quarantine procedures. As expected, the laws can change suddenly if there is an outbreak of disease; however this is rare and is a safety precaution. In order to enter Portugal, your pet must be micro-chipped, and this is the only official form of identification which is accepted. They will also require vet certificates and vaccinations.

There is a guide which you can purchase, published by The Portuguese Veterinary Director General (Direcção-Geral de Veterinária, DGV) which has information about the non-commercial movement of dogs and cats to Portugal. The guide will take you through all you need to know about taking animals to Portugal from EU and also non-EU countries.

As of 1st January 2012 you will find it easier and cheaper to take your pet abroad. This is when the UK joins the rest of the EU with regards to its ‘pet movement’ rules, though the UK will continue to keep its high standards of protection against animal diseases. Under these EU regulations, your pets won’t have to spend up to 6 months in quarantine, and pets moving to Australia and the US will no longer be required to have blood tests.

Providing your pet is fit and healthy and relatively young in years, then the move should be no trouble for them and they will settle into the new home in no time. Remember to keep them inside the house for the first week or so, so that they get to know that this is their home and settle in.