Pets and Animals
- Bringing in domestic Pets to Portugal
- New legislation for circulation of dogs, cats and ferrets in Portugal
- Keeping Horses in Central Portugal
- SOS animal
Bringing in Domestic pets to Portugal
The following information concerns people wishing to bring their animals to Portugal.
The climate in Mediterranean countries is usually warmer than the U.K. therefore, the risk of infectious diseases and parasites is greater. Imported animals are particularly vulunerable as many of these diseases do not exist in the animals country of origin.
To avoid these risks we recommend that your dog should be vaccinated against Parvovirus, Distemper, Hepatitis and Leptospirosis. Do not forget that the vaccines are only effective 21 days after injection.
Parasites include fleas, ticks, flies and mosquitoes - these can transmit diseases like Leishmaniasis and Heartworm. These parasites tend to affect dogs more than cats. To prevent Leishmaniasis there is a collar called Scaliborâ„¢ that repels the mosquito Flebotomo, the transmitter of this disease. There are two other products against the mosquito bite, the Pulvex Spot On and Advantix. Both these products protect against ticks and fleas too. Remember to always read the packaging/instructions for these products to have the best effectiveness against the various parasites.
To prevent Heartworm, there are products capable of killing the Microfilarias circulating in the blood, before they grow into adults, like Heartguard, Milbemax and Interceptor. However, if your animal already has this disease application of the product could be fatal. Consult you vet before using these products.
The necessary vaccines for those who have cats, need to prevent Panleukopenia, Calicivirus infection, Chlamydiosis, Rhinotracheitis and Leukemia. It is necessary to apply a product, once a month, against fleas and ticks. Also try to avoid contact with street cats as the incidence of AIDS and leukemia in these animals is high (there are no vaccines or treatments for feline AIDS)
Cats that have no contact, with any other cats, can be vaccinated against Panleukopenia, Calicivirus infection and Rhinotracheitis only.
Your animals will need an annual booster vaccination to remain protected.
If your animal has visited Portugal or lives here permanently, it will need to be de-wormed every 3-4 months, with branded wormer. Usually this is in the form of a tablet, which is crushed and given to the animal in it's food. One dose, then the same is repeated in 15 days. Try to ensure that the product you use also prevents Tapeworm.
Concerning hygiene and alimentation, the same applies as in any part of the world. It is better to give dry food rather than left overs or tinned food. This is because, due to high temperatures, decomposing occurs more quickly and promotes the growth of bacteria.
Never give raw meat to cats as it increases the risk of contamination by Toxoplasmosis.
Bath your animals frequently and check them for small injuries and/or grass seeds, brambles or thorns which can become lodged in their ears or feet and lead to infection.
If you have any doubts or questions contact your vet or write to caofraria@gmail.com 966926376
Dra. Cristiane Lima, Veterinary Surgeon
EN17 - Vila Nova de Poiares Portugal
Legislation for circulation of dogs, cats and ferrets in Portugal
Entrance of dogs, cats and ferrets into Portugal without commercial intentions from within the European community
It is necessary a passport completed by a qualified veterinarian, who also certifies the presence of a microchip or tattooing containing the relevant data of the owner.
The passport includes details that the animal has been vaccinated against rabbis when more than 3 months of age.
If the animal is younger than 3 months and without anti-rabies vaccine it can still come into Portugal as long as its mother who does have a passport and the anti-rabies vaccine.
Animals with less than 3 months and without anti-rabies vaccine coming from Ireland, Malta, Sweden and the U.K. can travel without the company of the mother, as long as the passport is valid and they were born in the country of origin. Dogs, cats and ferrets from non-EU countries
The following rules apply to pet dogs, cats and ferrets entering the European Union (except the United Kingdom, Ireland, Malta and Sweden) from non-EU countries:
The animals must have an electric transponder or clearly readable tattoo to identify them. Dogs, cats and ferrets must be vaccinated against rabies.
Dogs, cats and ferrets crossing an EU border must be accompanied by a standard certificate which identifies the animal, gives the owner's name and address, and certifies that the animals was vaccinated against rabies.
The first vaccination is valid 21 days after the vaccination protocol has been finished.
Animals entering the European Union from a country that is not on the list below must undergo a blood test that provides evidence of the animal's vaccination against rabies.
The blood sample must be taken by an authorised veterinarian at least three months before the date of EU entry, and must have a satisfactory result.
Keeping Horses in Central Portugal. Sandra's Experience
Our adventure started with 4 horses, my sister's 21 year old arab was with us but he developed a serious colic before we boarded the ferry. He had to be taken to Bristol veterinary university for an operation which he survived, thank goodness, and he is still alive and happy today in Brighton at the age of 32 years old. He had a full veterinary check before we left and he was not prone to colic, so I would have to give a word of warning to anyone thinking of moving an older horse.
The other 3 horses, a thoroughbred, an arab, and a welsh cob, settled really quickly and happily, they are still with me today, all in their 20s, in full health and still working.
We arrived in Portugal in November, so the weather was cooler, similar to a cool English summers day, the main shock for the horses( and us) was that the flies really bite!! They are horrid and must be the only thing that I don't like about Portugal, or any warmer climate when you throw animals into the picture!
Central Portugal has not in the recent past, had a history of horses. The area was pretty ignorant to the needs of horses, but it is changing very fast. We now have good specialist Vet's and good Farriery. We can get hay and although my supplier still insists that hay is for sheep and straw is better for horses, he does supply me with excellent quality hay, often better than I had in England because the weather is more stable at the harvesting time of year.
I was speaking to my Vet recently and he said that more and more people (mainly us fussy foreigners) are asking for physiotherapists, dentists, and other specialist horse people. At the moment they are pretty thin on the ground, but it is only a matter of time........
In general, my horses say that they miss the big open grass fields of England to have a good gallop, but they like the milder winters. Although a lot of the tracks are stoney and rough even my thoroughbred copes really well. I think we tend to molly-coddle our horses in England. When our guests arrive to ride my horses they often say "my horse would never go up there" or "surely we can't ride down that steep rocky track, my horse would have a heart attack"! but by the end of the week guests are saying " I'm going to be a bit tougher on my horse when I go home, I never realised how well horses can cope with rough terrain"!
The flies are definitely the worst thing about the summer. The horses cope really well with the heat, as long as they have a cool stable or a nice tree to shelter under, but the flies are relentless, you will need a good fly spray, I have given in and now use nasty chemicals because my horses have to be ridden all through the day in summer and it is only fair to them to make their job as easy as possible. I know some other people use natural home made sprays, I will ask around for recipes .... watch this space ......
I think my horses are happy here, they live much closer to me than they did in England when they were at livery, they would like to have more grazing, but I'm working on that!
Sandra and her husband Steve live on a beautiful riverside property and run Gois Valley Riding offering fabulous trekking from a one hour ride to a custom-made holiday of a week or more.
SOS Animal
Portuguese web site to help house strays and unwanted animals.The main site is in Portuguese but there is an English section for the announcements