Dog in Portugal. Key legal points

Walking.

When walking, pet owners are required to use a collar or harness. The collar/harness must have the owner's address or phone number. If the dog is walked without a collar and leash, it must be wearing a muzzle. Walking without a collar, harness and muzzle is only possible in specially designated places, such as dog walking areas. Failure to comply with these rules is an administrative offense. The fine can range from €25 to €3,740 for individuals and up to €44,890 for legal entities.

Dog documents can be checked when walking on the streets, so I recommend having screenshots of the documents with you. In fact, this is possible if an incident occurs (bite, frightened, etc.).

By law, the dog owner is obliged to immediately remove waste left in a public place. After collection, they must be placed in a plastic bag, after which it must be tied. Then the package must be thrown into a special garbage bin or into a container for mixed waste or a specialized container with the appropriate marking. Violation of these rules is an administrative offense. The fine can range from €25 to €3,740.

Transport.

If you need to get to another area, there are special pet rates in taxis. The main rule is that you must control the dog. That is, it must be on a leash or carrier.

On the train, free if it fits in hand luggage (up to 10 kg). And paid / free, depending on the type of train for large dimensions. At the same time, there are no restrictions on maximum dimensions. From full redemption of the place to free. You must wear a muzzle, leash and have a veterinary passport.

In the car. The article of the law verbatim: "the transport of animals must be carried out in vehicles and containers suitable for the type and number of animals transported, in particular in terms of space, ventilation, temperature, security and water supply, to ensure their protection and the safety of people and other animals."

The fine for violation is from 60 to 600 euros. There are 3 options for transporting: 1) a carrier; 2) a seat belt (short leash) attached to the seat belt mount of the car; 3) a dividing grill for cars where the trunk is open to the rest of the passenger compartment.

Accommodation.

Animals must not pose a health hazard to neighbors and must not create unsanitary conditions in the building. You need to contact the condominium administration to find out if there are any rules for keeping animals in this condominium. Residents cannot prohibit neighbors from keeping pets in their apartments, but condominium rules can be stricter and set a limit on the number of animals, as well as prohibit the presence of animals in common areas. According to the law, up to three dogs or four cats are allowed to live together in a house, while the total number of pets should not exceed four.

If you stay for more than 120 days, you must register the dog (in the SIAC system) at any veterinary clinic, register the chip. Notify the administration of your district about this and after a year, start paying annual fees (or not to pay - it all depends on the administration). The amount depends on the administration - about 5-10 euros per year.