Pets

Important information – transport in the hold on flights with layovers resumed
As of August 5, the transport of animals in the hold is resumed on TAP flights with a layover. If you are traveling with your pet on a flight with a layover, please note that:
  • Depending on the itinerary and the combined total weight (animal + transport bag), the animal may have to fly part of the route in the cabin and another part in the hold - this is the case for flights between the United States and Europe (for example, New York - Lisbon - Madrid).
  • f the animal is to be transported both in the cabin and in the hold, you must ensure that the connection time (time between two flights) is at least 3 hours, to ensure that all necessary processes and procedures are completed.
  • If the animal travels in the cabin and moves to the hold on the second route, you must provide the transport box for the animal at the point of origin.
Pets can be transported in the cabin or in the hold.

See the conditions, follow our recommendations and give the maximum possible comfort to your pet.

We do not accept bookings to carry brachycephalic animals in the hold (“brachy” meaning short, and “cephalic” meaning head), that is to say short flat-nosed dogs or cats. This restriction is a consequence of the characteristics and respiratory limitations of the certain types of animals whose lives could be placed at risk. See the list of dog and cat breeds (and crossbreeds) to which this restriction applies:

Dog breeds

  • Affenpinscher
  • American Bully
  • American Pit Bull Terrier / Pit Bull
  • American Staffordshire Terrier / “Amstaff”
  • Boston Terrier
  • Boxer
  • Brussels Griffon
  • Bulldog (all types)
  • Cavalier King Charles
  • Chow Chow
  • Shih-Tzu
  • English Toy Spaniel / Prince Charles Spaniel
  • Japanese Chin / Japanese Spaniel
  • Lhasa Apso
  • Mastiff (all types)
  • Pekingese
  • Shar Pei / Chinese Shar Pei
  • Pug (all types)
  • Staffordshire Bull Terrier / ”Staffies”
  • Tibetan Spaniel
  • Chihuahua

Cat breeds

  • Burmese
  • Exotic
  • Himalayan
  • Persian
  • Scottish Fold

We would like to inform you that transporting these animals in the cargo hold is not allowed due to the average temperature in this compartment (minimum 10ºC, maximum 19ºC), which does not meet the required temperature standards for the animal's welfare.

TAP allows transportation of animals in the cabin or hold depending on available space, the type of animal and the combined weight of the animal and container, type of aircraft to be operated, the cabin booked by the passenger and entry restrictions in the country of destination.

Passengers travelling with animals have to:

  • Present the animal’s documents (health certificates, passports and other documents  identifying the animal);
  • Check-in staff at the airport will verify if all conditions are met for the transportation of your pet in the hold. You are asked to sign a disclaimer. You can view and print the document here (PDF, 0.2MB, EN);
  • Provide the food and water needed for the trip.


And also when departing from countries outside the European Union:
 
Before travelling and as soon as possible (up to a maximum of 48 hours prior to the departure of your flight), you must contact the Veterinary Directorate-General by e-mail so that the documentation can be checked in advance by the veterinary supervision. If your pet does not comply with the established health rules, its entry into the country may be refused. This requirement applies whenever you travel with your pet from countries outside the European Union (excluding Andorra, Switzerland, Faroe Islands, Gibraltar, Greenland, Croatia, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Norway, San Marino and Vatican City State).

Important information
Sedation of animals, except under certain conditions and carried out under veterinary supervision, is not recommended for transportation. Tranquilizers lower blood pressure, especially at high altitudes, which can be fatal for animals when traveling in an aircraft cargo hold.

Only dogs registered as service animals (SVAN) can be transported to the UK, and only in the cabin. Animals that are not service animals can only be transported out of the UK.
 
For information on transporting animals on flights from Brazil to the European Union, see here (PDF, 177 KB, EN).

If you need information on importing and exporting animals, you should contact the embassy or consulate of the country in question.
  • 24 hours Minimum advance period for booking the transport of an animal.

This service must be requested when booking your trip or before your flight, otherwise we cannot guarantee its provision.

  • 40cm x 33cm x 17cm Size of under seat storage area (length x breadth x height) suitable for the flexible bag/carry case.
  • 8kg / 17 lbs Maximum weight of animal carry case with animal inside.
We reserve the right to refuse to carry your pet in the cabin and to instead place it in the hold should it weigh more and/or be contained in a non-flexible bag/carry case that is unsuitable for placing in the cabin

An exception is made for assistance dogs (guide dogs, hearing dogs and service dogs) which may travel in the cabin regardless of size.  Find out more about Assistance Dogs.

Cabin transport rules

View the animal transportation conditions here. Ensure the comfort of your four-legged friends.

  • Only dogs and cats can be transported in the cabin;
  • The flexible bag/carry case may only be used for transporting animals;
  • The flexible bag/carry case must be watertight (able to retain animal fluids);
  • There must be sufficient space within the flexible bag/carry case for the animal to move;
  • Confirmation that an animal may be carried in the hold is subject to available space, the type and total weight of the animal and the flexible bag/carry case, the type of aircraft, the cabin in which the passenger is travelling and the destination country’s restrictions on animal admissions;
  • The animal must be completely within the flexible bag/carry case (including head and tail) during the entire flight;
  • Each passenger may carry one flexible animal transport bag/carry case which may contain more than one animal of the same species;
  • Should the animal meet all the conditions that allow it to travel in the cabin and with proper confirmation, the flexible animal transport bag/carry case must be placed under the seat in front of the passenger responsible for it without causing any obstruction to free movement through the cabin;
  • The animal may not occupy a seat or move about in the cabin;
  • The animals must be clean, healthy and free of odours;
  • They must not be a danger to or disturb other passengers;
  • Females cannot be pregnant;
  • We are unable to carry cats or dogs in the executive cabin on long-haul flights (except guide dogs on some services).

 

Transport of animals In the cabin In the hold
Weight Up to 8kg / 17lbs Up to 32kg / 70lbs From 32kg / 70lbs to 45kg / 99lbs
Domestic Flights (Portugal) €35 / 45 USD / 58 CAD €70 / 88 USD / 112 CAD €130 / 155 USD / 205 CAD
Europe and Morocco €70 / 88 USD / 112 CAD €100 / 130 USD / 160 CAD €200 / 240 USD / 310 CAD
Intercontinental Flights €150 / 185 USD / 235 CAD €200 / 240 USD / 310 CAD €300 / 355 USD / 465 CAD

These are prices per route and are charged in local currency, according to the daily exchange rate.

Note: In the hold as cargo (if it exceeds 45kg) please visit the TAP Air Cargo website or contact us.

Confirmation of a request to transport an animal in the cabin or in the hold depends on:

  • space availability;
  • type of animal/total weight of animal and crate
  • the planned type of aircraft;
  • the cabin where the passenger travels;
  • entry restrictions for country of destination 

If the journey involves more than one airline, all the airlines involved must confirm the transport of the animal.

The airline must be informed of:

  • the size of the box in which the animal is to be transported;
  • the total weight (transport box with the animal inside);
  • the animal species and number of animals transported.

Animal transport boxes must comply with TAP regulations.

Important information

The maximum weight on certain routes is limited by law to 32kg / 70lbs.

On flights to, from or stopping over in the USA, Hungary, France or the Netherlands, only animals up to 32 kg / 70 lbs (animal and respective transport box) can be transported in the hold.

The costs associated with the transportation of animals as cargo are only valid for departures from Portugal. Other fees may apply for transport to other countries.

  • These services are available only on flights operated by TAP and TAP Express;
  • Non-refundable;
  • Subject to availability.


Flights to Brazil

When travelling to Brazil with your cat or dog, you must present the “International Health Certificate” (IHC) along with all the documents required for it to be issued. Certificates issued by private veterinarians are not valid.

The European Pet Passport is currently not valid for entry into Brazil.

The Pet Passport is not sufficient to allow the animals to enter the country.

You do not need an Import Licence for cats or dogs; however, all other pets must have an Import Licence issued by the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Supply. Pets do not need to be microchipped.

Please visit the links below for more information: 
Note: Birds destined for Guarulhos Airport (São Paulo) must be carried as cargo. Find out more here.