TAP Air Portugal Pet Policy 2026: Cabin, Hold, and Moving to Portugal With a Pet
By Anano Gudushauri · 8 min read
TAP Air Portugal is a primary gateway for the thousands of expatriates moving to the Iberian Peninsula, and unlike many transatlantic carriers, they maintain a relatively flexible policy for bringing pets into Portugal. One of the most critical aspects of their operation is that they do not permit snub-nosed (brachycephalic) breeds to travel in the cargo hold due to the inherent health risks associated with air travel for these animals.
Whether you are relocating permanently or simply taking a vacation, navigating the logistics of air travel with an animal requires precision. You can streamline your preparation by utilizing the free checklist tool at Pet Holiday Club, which covers international documentation requirements for more than 190 countries. For detailed country-specific steps, ensure you also review the Pet Travel Country Guides | Import & Export Rules by Country | Pet Holiday Club
TAP Air Portugal Pet Policy: At a Glance
In-Cabin Weight Limit: Maximum 8 kg (17 lbs) including the carrier.
In-Cabin Carrier Dimensions: Maximum 40 x 33 x 17 cm (15.7 x 13 x 6.7 inches).
In-Cabin Fee: $51 to $201 USD, depending on the route and booking method.
Cargo Hold Weight Limit: 32 kg (70 lbs) for flights to/from the USA; 45 kg (99 lbs) for other routes.
Allowed Species: Dogs, cats, and small warm-blooded animals (in hold).
Brachycephalic Restriction: Snub-nosed animals are prohibited from the hold.
Booking Requirement: Pet transportation must be requested at least 24 hours before flight departure.
In-Cabin Pet Rules (PETC)
TAP Air Portugal allows small dogs and cats to travel in the cabin on most flights, provided they are at least 12 weeks old. Because cabin space is limited to ensure passenger safety and comfort, you must secure your pet's reservation as early as possible.
Weight and Carrier Specifications
The combined weight of your pet and their container must not exceed 8 kg (17 lbs). The carrier must be a soft-sided, ventilated bag that measures no more than 40 x 33 x 17 cm. This specific height—17 cm—is significantly lower than many other airlines, so verify your carrier's dimensions carefully before heading to the airport. The bag must fit completely underneath the seat in front of you.
Booking and Capacity
You cannot simply show up at the airport with a pet. You must reserve the service via the "Manage your Booking" portal on the TAP website or through their Contact Center. Each passenger is limited to one container, and the airline restricts the number of pets allowed per flight based on the aircraft type.
Cargo/Hold Pet Rules (AVIH)
If your pet exceeds the 8 kg limit or is a larger animal, they may travel in the cargo hold as registered baggage. Note that TAP maintains a strict weight cap of 32 kg (70 lbs) for the combined weight of the pet and crate on flights to or from the United States, Hungary, France, and the Netherlands. For other routes, the maximum is 45 kg (99 lbs).
Crate Requirements
The crate must be large enough for your pet to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably. It must be clean, leak-proof, and escape-proof, with ventilation openings on at least three sides. You are responsible for providing sufficient food and water for the journey, as ground crew cannot open the crate to feed or hydrate the animal during stopovers.
Breed Restrictions and Health Risks
TAP Air Portugal takes the health of animals seriously, particularly regarding breeds prone to respiratory issues.
Brachycephalic Policy: The airline does not accept brachycephalic (snub-nosed) animals in the cargo hold. If you have a Pug, French Bulldog, Persian cat, or similar breed and they exceed the 8 kg cabin limit, they cannot fly in the hold. You will need to look into professional animal transport companies that can ship them as manifest cargo with specialized climate controls, though TAP does not facilitate this directly for personal travelers.
General Health: Your pet must be healthy, clean, and free of odors to be accepted for travel. If an agent at the check-in desk suspects an animal is ill or distressed, they reserve the right to refuse transport.
Moving to Portugal: Border Requirements
Portugal is a highly dog-friendly country, particularly in hubs like Lisbon and Porto, where pets are frequently welcomed on outdoor café terraces and in many public spaces. However, bringing a pet from outside the EU is a highly regulated legal process.
Documentation for USA Residents
If you are moving to Portugal from the United States, the process is mandatory and must follow these steps:
ISO Microchip: Your pet must have a 15-digit ISO-compliant microchip. If your pet has an older 9 or 10-digit chip, have a second ISO-compliant chip implanted before the rabies vaccine.
Rabies Vaccination: This must be administered after the microchip. For a first-time vaccine, you must wait 21 days before travel.
Health Certificate: You must visit a USDA-accredited veterinarian within 10 days of your flight to have an official health certificate completed.
USDA Endorsement: The certificate must be sent to your regional USDA-APHIS office for official federal endorsement. Without this stamp, your pet will be denied entry.
DGAV Notification: Non-EU owners must notify the Portuguese veterinary authority (DGAV) at least 48 hours before the pet's arrival at the point of entry.
Documentation for UK Residents
Travelers from the UK must obtain an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) issued by an Official Veterinarian (OV) within 10 days of their travel date. UK-issued EU Pet Passports are no longer valid for entry into Portugal.
How to Book a Pet on TAP Air Portugal
Securing a spot for your pet is a multi-step process that requires advanced planning.
Check Availability: Before booking your own ticket, contact the TAP Contact Center or check the "Manage your Booking" tool to confirm if pet capacity is available on your chosen flight.
Purchase Your Ticket: Book your passenger seat. Ensure you avoid booking seats in emergency exit rows, as pets are not permitted there.
Add the Pet Service: Log in to "Manage your Booking" to add the pet service. If you are flying with a pet in the hold, you must finalize this through the Contact Center or a TAP desk.
Pay the Fee: Fees range from $51 to $201 USD for cabin travel, depending on the route and season.
Airport Check-In: Arrive at the airport early. You must present your pet's original health documents and microchip certification to the desk agent for manual verification.
Tips for Success
Practice with the Carrier: Because the 17 cm height limit is strict, let your pet get used to the specific bag you intend to use well before your trip.
Prepare for Customs: Have a dedicated folder containing the original, endorsed health certificate and your DGAV notification confirmation.
Hydration: For long-haul flights, freeze a small amount of water in the water bowl attached to the crate; it will melt during the flight, providing hydration without splashing.
Check Local Rules: Portugal allows dogs in many restaurants, but always ask “É permitido entrar com cão?” (Is it permitted to enter with a dog?) before walking in.
Comparison: TAP Air Portugal vs. Competitors
Airline | In-Cabin Weight Limit | Hold Travel | Breed Restrictions |
TAP Air Portugal | 8 kg (17 lbs) | Yes (Max 32-45 kg) | No Brachycephalic in Hold |
Lufthansa | 8 kg (17 lbs) | Yes | Strict Brachycephalic Hold Rules |
United Airlines | Cabin Only | No Personal Pets | Varies by service |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I bring my Pug in the cabin on TAP Air Portugal?
Yes, provided the Pug and the soft-sided carrier together weigh 8 kg or less. They are not permitted in the cargo hold due to their brachycephalic status.
Q: Is Portugal a dog-friendly destination?
Yes, Portugal is exceptionally dog-friendly. You will find that many cafes and outdoor spaces welcome dogs, especially in larger cities like Lisbon and Porto.
Q: How far in advance should I book my pet's travel?
You should request pet transportation at least 24 hours before your flight, but it is highly recommended to book as soon as your own flight is confirmed.
Q: Do I need an EU Pet Passport to move from the USA to Portugal?
No, US residents cannot obtain an EU Pet Passport. You must use a USDA-endorsed health certificate.
Q: Can I put two pets in one carrier in the cabin?
TAP allows small animals to share a container if they are of the same species and accustomed to cohabiting, as long as the total weight is under 8 kg.
Q: What happens if I forget to notify DGAV 48 hours before arrival?
Failure to notify DGAV can lead to significant delays at customs, mandatory quarantine, or the refusal of your pet's entry upon arrival in Portugal. If you want to know more about pet travel to Portugal, check: Pet Travel to Portugal 2026: EU Rules & LIS Vet Appointment
Before flying with your pet on TAP Air Portugal, make sure you have the right documentation for your destination. Pet Holiday Club covers 190+ countries with government-sourced, vet-verified pet travel checklists at petholidayclub.com — so you arrive prepared, not refused.
