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Flying with a dog or cat from Toronto to Lisbon

Portugal follows the EU's pet rules, so the paperwork is the same as for France. Lisbon is hilly and sunny, and dogs are banned from many beaches in summer, so plan your days around shade and dog-friendly spots.

Plan, then confirm. This guide sums up the official rules as we found them. Rules change, and your airline has its own. Check every step with the sources below and your airline before you book.

Your trip, step by step

  1. Before you go

    • The EU's rules for dogs, cats and ferrets from Canada: a microchip first, then a rabies vaccination at least 21 days before travel, and an EU animal health certificate signed by a CFIA-accredited vet and endorsed by the CFIA within 10 days before you arrive. Canada is on the EU's list that doesn't need a rabies blood test (check the current list). Your pet must travel with you or within 5 days of you, up to 5 pets.

  2. At Toronto Pearson

    • Pearson has pet relief areas after security in both terminals, including Terminal 1 domestic (Level 2), Terminal 1 transborder by gate F83, and Terminal 3 by gate B26 and by gate A9. There are outdoor areas before security too, such as outside Terminal 1 departures at Aisle 15.
    • Pets must stay in their carrier inside the terminal (service animals excepted). At security, tell the screening officer you have a pet. You'll carry your pet through the walk-through scanner while the empty carrier goes through the X-ray.
    • Full Toronto Pearson airport guide

  3. The flight

    • Several airlines fly nonstop between Toronto and Lisbon, including TAP Air Portugal and Air Transat. Small pets can often fly in the cabin; check each airline's weight limit and how many pets it accepts per flight.

  4. Arriving in Lisbon

    • Declare your pet at customs with the original health certificate. Lisbon airport is close to the city, so a taxi or rideshare is the easiest way in with a carrier.

  5. With your pet in Lisbon

    • In the summer bathing season many Portuguese beaches don't allow dogs. A few beaches are designated pet-friendly, such as Praia das Amoreiras in Torres Vedras, about an hour north. Leash rules and clean-up apply.
    • Monsanto Forest Park, on the city's western edge, has trails and shade.
    • Lisbon's cobbled hills get hot in summer: walk early, carry water, and check paws on hot stones.

  6. Coming home

    • Coming home, use the CFIA's online pet import tool before you leave Canada so you know what you'll need at the border. Keep your pet's rabies vaccination certificate valid for the whole trip; dogs and cats 3 months and older usually need one to come back into Canada.

Questions

Can dogs go on beaches in Portugal?

Not on many beaches during the summer bathing season. Some beaches are designated pet-friendly, with leash and clean-up rules.

What does my dog need to fly from Toronto to Lisbon?

A microchip, a rabies vaccination at least 21 days old, and an EU animal health certificate issued and CFIA-endorsed within 10 days before arrival.

Sources