New rules for non-commercial movement of pet dogs and cats coming from European Union Member States, coming from non European Union countries or reintroduced after a stay abroad in non European Union countries
(Application of regulation (EC) No 998/2003)
I – Coming from EU Member States
1. Dogs and cats entering Portugal from other EU Member States, will be subject to presentation of a passport, issued by a veterinarian authorised by the competent authority, indicating the data giving the owner’s name and address, and certifying:
a. that the animal is identified either:
i. by a microchip – complying with ISO Standard 11784 or Annex A to ISO Standard 11785, otherwise, the owner must provide the necessary means for its reading;
ii. or by a clearly readable tattoo – allowed only by a transitional period (until 3.7.2011).
b. a valid anti-rabies vaccination/revaccination2), carried out when the animal was at least three months old, in accordance with the recommendations of the manufacturing laboratory, with an inactivated vaccine of at least one antigenic unit per dose (WHO standard).
2. Dogs and cats until 3 months old which have not yet a valid anti-rabies vaccination, will be allowed into Portugal if,
a. accompanied by their mothers, on whom they are still dependent, which shall travel covered by a passport accomplishing the predicted on point I.1;
b. however, pet animals coming from Ireland, Malta, Sweden and United Kingdom, may not be accompanied by their mothers, as long as they will travel covered by a passport according to the conditions stated on point I.1.a), and have stayed in the place of origin since birth.
3. On the expedition of those pet animals to other Member States, provisions of point I.1 applies, except for Ireland, Malta, Sweden and United Kingdom, for which there are specific conditions. The authorities of these countries should be consulted for each case.
II - Coming from non EU countries or reintroduced after a stay abroad in those countries3)
1. Pet animals coming from non EU countries, will be subject to the presentation of a Health Certificate 4),5), issued/endorsed by the Official Veterinary Authority of the country of origin, certifying:
a. identification, according to the system defined on I.1.a).
b. a valid anti-rabies vaccination2), according to the provisions of I.1.b).
c. a neutralising antibody titration at least equal to 0,5 IU/ml, performed in an approved laboratory 5), carried out on a sample taken by an authorised veterinarian at least 30 days after anti-rabies vaccination and three months before being moved.
2. However, for pet animals coming from,
a. Andorra, Switzerland, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Norway, San Marino, and Vatican City State, 6) or from,
b. Ascension Island, United Arab Emirates, Antigua and Barbuda, Netherlands Antilles, Argentina, Aruba, Barbados, Bahrain, Bermuda, Canada, Chile, Fiji, Falkland Islands, Hong Kong, Croatia, Jamaica, Japan, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Cayman Islands, Montserrate, Mauritius, New Caledonia, New Zealand, French Polynesia, Saint Pierre et Miquelon, Russian Federation, Singapore, Saint Helena, Taiwan, United States of America, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Vanuatu, Wallis and Futuna, Mayotte, the antibody titration test referred in point II.1.c) above is not required.
3. It’s not allowed the entry of these animals, until three months old which have not yet a valid anti-rabies vaccination, except for animals coming from countries listed in point II.2 above accompanied by their mothers on whom they are still dependent, which shall travel in accordance with the legal conditions.
4. The conditions for the return of pets to Portugal after a stay abroad outside the European Union, may be simplified. For the purpose, further information should be requested about the procedures to be carried out before the departure of the animal.
5. Dogs and cats coming from Malaysia (Peninsula) and cats coming from Australia are subject to specific safeguard measures and the Direcção Geral de Veterinaria must be consulted in these cases. For dogs coming from Australia, point II.2.b) above applies.
Notes:
1) Accompanying their owners or a natural person responsible for such animals on behalf of the owner, and not intended to be sold or transferred to another owner.
2) According to the Decision 2005/91/EC, the anti-rabies vaccination shall be considered as valid 21 days after completion of primary vaccination or immediately after revaccination, as long as the protocols and the validities periods required by the manufacturer shall be respected.
3) Valid for 5 or less animals. If there are more than 5 pets, Direcção Geral de Veterinária should be contacted.
4) The health certificate must be accompanied by original or certified copies of documentation related to vaccination and, if it is the case, serological test.
5) The health certificate and the list of approved laboratories may be obtained on the EU Commission website: http://ec.europa.eu/food/animal/liveanimals/pets/approval_en.htm
6) The veterinary authorities of the countries mentioned on II.2.a), may opt for the use of a passport in accordance with the model established by Decision 2003/803/EC.