Dog friendly places
Over time, Portugal and Lisbon are becoming increasingly dog friendly and finding places where your four-legged friends are welcome is becoming easier.
However, the state imposes several measures on pet owners such as registering dogs and cats with the Junta de Freguesia and an annual renewable licence.
There are two useful apps for those who want to find the best places to go with their dog and avoid unpleasant surprises, Dog Pack App and Barkibu.
PUBLIC TRANSPORT
With regard to transporting pets on public transport, there are some restrictions, especially with regard to size, but in general the transport of animals is permitted if they are properly insured or if they are assistance dogs.
Having the dog’s identification documents is always compulsory!
We also advise you to consult the official websites of the transport companies to stay up-to-date on possible changes (https://www.carris.pt/ , https://www.metrolisboa.pt/en/faq/ , https://www.cp.pt/passageiros/en/how-to-travel/Useful-information/travelling-with-pets )
In general:
Buses:
-Small pets are allowed inside pet carriers that are clean, in good condition, sturdy, washable, disinfectable and have a waterproof base. They are considered hand luggage and must be placed in the designated areas.
-Access for guide dogs accompanying visually impaired persons is always permitted free of charge. They must be identified with a harness or badge.
-Breeds considered dangerous by Portuguese law (such as Pitbull, American Staffordshire Terrier, Rottweiler, Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasileiro, Tosa Inu, Staffordshire Bull Terrier) are not permitted on Carris buses.
-The animal must not constitute a danger or disturbance to other passengers. The owner is responsible for the animal’s behaviour and hygiene.
Metropolitana:
-Small pets are allowed inside suitable carriers, as on buses.
-Larger dogs are allowed if they do not belong to dangerous breeds, wear a muzzle and are kept on a short leash. The owner must carry up-to-date health documentation (vaccination booklet) and a municipal licence.
-Guide and assistance dogs are allowed free of charge, provided they have the appropriate certification and a visible badge. Guide dogs in training are also allowed if properly documented and accompanied by the trainer or foster family.
-As with buses, dog breeds considered dangerous are not permitted.
Trams:
For trams, the same rules generally apply, but there may be exceptions depending on the crowdedness of the vehicle.
City Trains :
-Small dogs carried in a suitable container (which can be considered as hand luggage) travel free of charge on Lisbon’s urban trains. Each passenger may only carry one animal.
-Dogs are allowed without a carrier (one per passenger) by purchasing a full-fare ticket for the Alfa Pendular and Intercidades trains, and half-fare for the Regional and InterRegional trains (to be purchased at the ticket office).
-On urban trains in Lisbon (and also Porto and Coimbra), dogs travel free of charge even without a carrier, provided they wear a muzzle, are kept on a short leash and the owner has a valid vaccination booklet and municipal licence. The dog must remain on the ground and not occupy the seats.
-Guide dogs travel free of charge. Assistance dogs for persons with reduced mobility travel free of charge and are not required to wear a muzzle.
-Breeds considered potentially dangerous are also not allowed on trains.
If you use private vehicles such as Uber or Bolt, you can make arrangements directly with the driver to ensure that you can take your dog with you.
PARKS
In general, dogs are allowed in most public parks and gardens in Lisbon, but must always be kept on a leash and under the owner’s control.
Here are a few examples of parks where you can go with your dog to enjoy Lisbon in company:
Parque Jardim Campo Grande
Parque Jardim de São Bento
Parque Jardim Fernando Pessa
Parque Eduardo VII
Jardim da Estrela
Monsanto forest park
ATTRACTIONS
Many of lisbon’s attractions accept dogs, for example:
Belém Tower
Monastero dos Jerónimos
São Jorge Castle
Eduardo VII Park
Alfama district
BEACHES
There are general rules for taking dogs to the beach in Portugal, which may vary depending on the season and how crowded the beaches are:
Leash and muzzle: In general, it is compulsory to keep your dog on a leash and, in some areas, a muzzle may be required, especially in the presence of children or other dogs.
Droppings: It is the owner’s duty to collect their dog’s droppings and to dispose of them properly in the litter bins provided.
Respect for others: It is important to respect other bathers and ensure that your dog does not cause disturbance or discomfort.
On unlicensed and unsupervised beaches, dogs are generally allowed, even during the bathing season, unless otherwise stated. If it is not high season, it is possible to go to any beach, as long as the rules are respected and there is no signposting by the municipality.
As a rule, beaches with a concession or Blue Flag do not allow animals during the bathing season.
It is compulsory to be accompanied by the respective Pet Identification Document (DIAC) or Pet Passport (PAC).
Injured or sick animals, animals in heat, pregnant, lactating or with litters during the lactation period are not permitted to use the beach.
In the case of dogs of potentially dangerous breeds or dangerous animals, as defined by specific laws, the use of a muzzle is mandatory, as well as a short leash.
SHOPS
With regard to shops, restaurants or bars, we recommend that you always ask beforehand to avoid unpleasant situations. Generally, in premises with outdoor areas, courtyards or terraces, you are allowed to bring your dog.
ACCOMMODATION, ROOMS OR HOLIDAY HOMES
In the case of long-term rented accommodation or rooms, it is the owners of the house who dictate the rules, and it is with them that you will have to come to an agreement to move in with your four-legged friend.
Major platforms for finding temporary accommodation or holiday homes now have a “Pet Friendly” category to create a careful selection of facilities that accept animals.
