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Chapter 11 of 21

Pets & Animals

EU Pet Passport, SIAC & veterinary

Pets & Animals

EU Pet Passport, SIAC & Veterinarian

This chapter is for informational purposes only. Always consult a professional.

Sources: dgav.pt | gov.pt

Traveling from the EU

  • Microchip (ISO 11784/11785) — for rabies vaccination
  • Rabies vaccination — 21+ days old, within booster period
  • EU Pet Passport — from an authorized veterinarian
  • Maximum 5 pets per person

Registration in Portugal

  • Dogs: SIAC registration via veterinarian (€10-€20) + dog license at the Junta de Freguesia (€5–€15/year, mandatory)
  • Cats & ferrets: SIAC registration via veterinarian

Veterinary Fees (indicative)

TreatmentCost
Consultation€25–€50
Vaccination€30–€60
Dog sterilization€100–€250
Cat sterilization€80–€150
Emergency consultation€50–€100

WARNING: Processionary Caterpillars

Processionary caterpillars (processionaria) are EXTREMELY DANGEROUS for dogs. January-April, near pine trees. They cause necrosis of the tongue/throat. Rinse the mouth with water (DO NOT rub) and go IMMEDIATELY to the veterinarian. Can be fatal.

Seasonal Dangers for Pets

PeriodDangerPrevention
Jan-AprProcessionary caterpillarsAvoid pine trees, muzzle
Mar-NovTicksTick collar + regular checks
Apr-OctLeishmaniasisScalibor collar + vaccination
Jun-SepHeat stressNo walks 12:00-16:00
All yearPoisoned baitLeash in unknown areas

Leishmaniasis — Serious Disease

Leishmaniasis is a parasitic disease transmitted by sandflies that is endemic throughout Portugal. It is chronic and can be fatal if untreated. Prevention: • Scalibor collar (replace every 5-6 months) • Leishguard vaccination (annual) • Keep indoors at dusk (sandflies active) • Annual blood test at veterinarian Treatment: lifelong if infected. Costs: €50-€100/month for medication.

Common Mistakes

  • Rabies vaccination expired — Check booster date before departure.

  • Not registering with SIAC — Mandatory for all pets.

  • Skipping leishmaniasis prevention — Endemic in Portugal. Scalibor collar + vaccination.

  • Ignoring processionary caterpillars — Deadly hazard January-April. Avoid pine trees.

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Glossary
  • NISS (Social Security Number)

    The Portuguese social security number. You need your NISS if you plan to work in Portugal or start as a freelancer. It is also required for access to certain social benefits and allowances.

  • SEF/AIMA (Immigration Service)

    The former Portuguese immigration service SEF was replaced by AIMA in 2023 (Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum). AIMA handles residence permits, visa applications and all immigration matters. Wait times can be long, so start your application early.

  • IRS (Personal Income Tax)

    Portuguese personal income tax. The IRS return is filed annually between April and June. Rates range from 14.5% to 48% depending on income. Tax residents must declare their worldwide income.

  • ISV (Vehicle Registration Tax)

    Tax when registering or importing a vehicle in Portugal. The ISV amount can be substantial, especially for older or polluting vehicles. EU citizens who relocate may be eligible for exemption under certain conditions.

  • CPCV (Promissory Purchase Agreement)

    The preliminary purchase contract when buying property in Portugal. Upon signing you typically pay a 10-20% deposit (sinal). If the buyer withdraws, they lose the deposit; if the seller withdraws, they must repay double the amount.

  • CertidĂŁo de Teor (Property Registry Extract)

    An extract from the Portuguese property registry at the ConservatĂłria. The CertidĂŁo de Teor shows who owns a property and whether there are mortgages or liens on it. Always check before purchasing a property.

  • Junta de Freguesia (Parish Council)

    The local administrative body at neighborhood level, comparable to a Dutch district council. At the Junta de Freguesia you can request an Atestado de ResidĂŞncia (proof of residence) among other things. It is often your first point of contact for local matters.

  • ConservatĂłria (Registry Office)

    The Portuguese registry office for property and civil status. At the ConservatĂłria, property transfers, marriages and births are registered. For property purchases, registration at the ConservatĂłria do Registo Predial is mandatory.

  • TĂ­tulo de ResidĂŞncia (Residence Permit)

    The Portuguese residence permit card, comparable to a Dutch residence permit. After approval of your visa application, you receive a TĂ­tulo de ResidĂŞncia allowing you to legally live and work in Portugal.

  • Multibanco

    The Portuguese payment network and ATM system. Multibanco is not only used for cash withdrawals, but also for paying bills, taxes and even concert tickets. It is an essential part of daily life in Portugal.

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