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.
From 17 September 2018 we will stop accepting 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 advise that carrying these animals in the hold is not recommended due to the average temperature in this compartment (minimum 10C, maximum 19C), which is not the desired temperature for the well-being of these animals.
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.
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 Switzerland, Andorra, 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.
If you need information on importing and exporting animals, you should contact the embassy or consulate of the country in question.
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.
If you need information on importing and exporting animals, you should contact the embassy or consulate of the country in question.
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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.
| 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 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
If you are travelling to Brazil and wish to transport food and/or products of animal or plant origin or pets, please read the information available at the links below.
Know the rules so you don’t have any surprises or setbacks when travelling.
