Moving to Lisbon With Our Dogs

A Real Expat Guide From Turkey (Before the Move)

When we chose Lisbon, we weren’t just choosing a city.

We were choosing a slower pace of life , for ourselves and for our dogs.

But alongside the excitement, one question stayed with us throughout the entire planning process:

Can you really fly to Lisbon with dogs without turning the move into a traumatic experience?

We haven’t moved yet.
In January, we will take our dogs with us from Turkey to Lisbon.

This guide is based on everything we have prepared, researched, confirmed with veterinarians, airlines, and official authorities, and what we already know about how Lisbon works with pets.

We’re sharing this before the move , because this is exactly the information we wished we had when we started.

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Why Lisbon Works So Well for Dogs (Even Before You Arrive)

Lisbon isn’t just “pet-friendly” on paper.

Even from visits, conversations with locals, and daily observation, a few things stand out immediately:

• Dogs are everywhere ; calm, social, and welcome

• Walking is part of daily culture

• Many cafés leave water bowls outside

• Veterinarians are accessible and well-reviewed

• The city naturally encourages outdoor life

For expats planning to arrive with dogs, this matters more than regulations alone.

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Entry Requirements: What Portugal Will Ask From Us

Portugal follows the EU Pet Travel Scheme, and Lisbon applies it very consistently.

Coming from Turkey, we are preparing four essential requirements:

🐾 Microchip

• ISO-compliant

• Implanted before rabies vaccination

💉 Rabies Vaccination

• Given after microchipping

• At least 21 days before entry

📘 Vaccination Record

Clear documentation showing:

• Microchip number

• Vaccination dates

• Validity period

🧾 EU Veterinary Health Certificate (CVI)

• Issued in Turkey

• Approved by the Ministry of Agriculture

• Valid 48–72 hours before entry

📌 Rabies titer test
→ In most direct Turkey → Portugal cases, this is not required, but we still confirmed this with our vet and airline.

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Arriving at Lisbon Airport With Dogs (What We’re Expecting)

This is the part that worries most people , and it worried us too.

Based on official guidance and real arrivals shared by other expats:

• No quarantine

• No extra inspections if documents are correct

• No prolonged questioning

Documents are typically checked before boarding, meaning arrival in Lisbon is usually calm and fast.

For a city this busy, the process is known to be surprisingly smooth.

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Flying to Lisbon: Cabin or Cargo?

This depends on your dog’s size and airline policy.

• Small dogs may travel in the cabin

• Larger dogs travel in the live animal cargo hold, which is:

  • Pressurized

  • Temperature-controlled

  • Regulated under IATA standards

Lisbon routes are commonly used for pet transport, especially with airlines experienced in animal travel.

What matters most isn’t where they travel — but how well they’re prepared.

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How We’re Preparing Our Dogs (Not Just for the Flight)

Our focus is routine, not perfection.

• Crates are becoming familiar, safe spaces

• Walk routines stay consistent

• Energy stays calm

We are not planning to use sedatives. Most veterinarians strongly advise against them due to breathing risks at altitude.

Familiar smells, calm voices, and predictability work better.

Dogs don’t understand visas or borders.
They understand your emotional state.

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Lisbon Neighborhoods We’re Focusing On (Dog-Friendly)

Based on research, expat feedback, and how the city is structured, these areas stand out:

• Campo de Ourique – flat, walkable, local life

• Alcântara / Ajuda – quieter, more space

• Estrela – parks, slower pace

• Monsanto area – green, ideal for long walks

Lisbon’s hills can be intense — choosing the right neighborhood makes daily life much easier for both humans and dogs.

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What We Expect From Daily Life With Dogs in Lisbon

From everything we’ve learned so far:

• Dogs are treated as family, not obstacles

• Veterinary care is modern and accessible

• Groomers and pet shops are easy to find

• Walks are social, not rushed

Lisbon doesn’t expect perfection from dog owners.
It expects responsibility — and then allows space for real life.

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Final Thought

We’re not writing this after the move.

We’re writing it during the preparation, while everything is fresh, real, and honest.

In January, we’ll take our dogs with us to Lisbon , and we’ll update this guide with what actually happens next.

If you’re preparing for the same journey:
You’re not late.
You’re not behind.
And you’re definitely not alone.