Our pet transport service is subject to:

• the availability of space on the aircraft.
• the cabin in which the passenger is travelling and the type of aircraft.
• the acceptance of the animal into the country of destination.
• the type of animal and the total combined weight of the animal and box.
• the age of the animal - it must be at least 10 weeks old.

For this reason, it must be requested when booking the trip, or before the flight, preferably at least 48 hours before departure.

Please note that the information on this page applies to flights operated by TAP Air Portugal. If the flight has a connection with another airline, please check the possibility of transporting pets with that company. 

To find out if it is possible to transport a pet on a flight and the respective cost, you must provide the following information when requesting this service:

Species and number of animals to be transported Only dogs and cats can be transported in the cabin or in the hold. All other species must be transported in TAP Air Cargo. Each passenger may bring a box with one or more animals of the same species, always subject to availability.

Dimensions and type of box (LxWxH) Please indicate the type of box to take the pet on and its dimensions. Only soft bags are accepted in the cabin. When rigid boxes are used, the animal must travel in the hold.

The total weight to be transported (box + pet) The combined weight of the animal and the box will determine whether the pet goes with the passenger in the cabin or in the hold. If the total weight does not exceed 8kg, transport will take place in the cabin. Animals + boxes with higher weights will be transported in the hold.

Depending on the animal(s) size and/or weight (animal plus box), animal(s) may be accepted:

• In-Cabin – PETC (up to 08 kg)
• In Hold – AVIH (up to 45 kg)*
• In Cargo – AVI - (For more information/conditions, the local Cargo Department must be consulted).

*On certain routes, by law, the maximum weight will be restricted to 32 kg. To/from/via the following countries it’s only accepted AVIH up to 32kgs (total animal + box):
✓ USA
✓ Hungary
✓ France
✓ Netherlands

It is the passenger's responsibility:

• to have all the animal's documentation up-to-date, concerning both the animal's health and the rules for entry into the country of destination;
•  to provide a suitable box for transport following TAP's and IATA's rules.
• The passenger must also provide the necessary food and water for the journey.

This is a paid service and it's non-refundable, except for assistance animals - SVAN.  

If the itinerary involves more than one airline

Make sure to check with each one the conditions of carriage and that you have confirmation of the service from all. This also applies to code-share flights operated by our partner airlines.

When travel requires a connection or a stopover, please note that:

• Depending on the itinerary and the combined total weight (animal + transport box), 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).
• Whenever the conditions for the transportation of the animal are not the same for the whole route - that is, if part of the trip is in the cabin and another in the basement - the 3 hours required on the intermediate scale should be guaranteed to ensure that every fundamental process and diligence are fulfilled.
• If the animal travels in the cabin and moves to the hold on the second route, the passenger must provide the transport box for the animal at the point of origin.

 

SSR PETC - Small pets (dogs and cats): WEIGHT LIMIT - up to 8 kg / 17 lbs, including a soft bag; BOX REQUIREMENTS - soft bags, dimensions up to 40 cm x 33 cm x 17 cm (length x width x height) - maximum dimensions of the space to accommodate the animal under the seat in front of the passenger. SSR SVAN - Service dogs, such as seeing-eye, hearing or assistant dogs that accompany blind, deaf or persons with reduced mobility, with a psychological disability as well as search and rescue dogs, regardless of weight.

 

Other conditions:

• Specific seat allocations for passengers may apply. Passengers with PETC shall not be accepted in the emergency rows or in the first rows after the bulkheads.
• The animals must be clean, healthy and odour-free.
• They must not pose a threat or disturb other passengers.
• Female animals must not be pregnant.
• Small cats and dogs may be transported in Economy and Business class on most TAP aircraft (not permitted in Business class on long-haul aircraft, except for assistance dogs - SVAN). Service availability must always be checked.
• An unaccompanied minor (UMNR) cannot transport a PETC.
• Carriage of animals in the cabin is subject to government regulations

 

SVAN - SERVICE DOG IN THE CABIN

Service dogs, regardless of breed or type, that are trained to perform tasks for individuals with a disability, whether physical, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual or other mental disability, are transported by TAP at no cost and are entitled to travel in the cabin. SVAN in training is also accepted on TAP flights when accompanied by their trainer or host family.

They must be properly identified as service animals and have documents showing that they have been officially trained and certified. A warning SSR about this requirement will be added to the PNR whenever an SSR SVAN is confirmed. Ex:
SSR OTHS 1A SVAN CONFIRMED PROVIDED DOG S CERTIFICATION IS PRESENTED AT AIRPORT OTHERWISE ACCEPTANCE WILL BE REFUSED

• In case of flights to/from the USA, the animal's handler shall only present the  U.S. Department of Transportation Service Animal Air Transportation Form.
  • For flights scheduled with a duration of 8 hours or more, the passenger must confirm that the animal will not need to relieve itself during the flight, or that the animal can relieve itself in a way that does not create a health or sanitation issue during the flight, by filling the U.S.DOT Service Animal Relief Form up to 48 hours before the flight.
  • They can travel at their owner's feet, without a box;
  • They may not occupy a seat;
  • The owner may not occupy a seat in the emergency row or in the front rows next to the bulkhead. Specific passenger seats may apply.
  • Must be collared and leashed.
  • Cannot move around the cabin

 

Examples of GDS Entry - PETC

 

 

SSR AVI up to 45kg / 99lbs, for all other destinations; (to be considered the weight of the box with the animal inside and will be dispatched at check-in) Animals weighing more than this or in larger or unusual boxes must be accepted and transported as cargo. For reservations and quotes, please contact TAP Cargo. Upon delivery of the animal, a Checklist identifying all acceptance conditions will be handed over and a Disclaimer must be signed. up to 32kg / 70lbs, on flights to/from/through the USA, Hungary, France and the Netherlands;

 

Other conditions:

• Cats or dogs that are used to cohabiting can be sent in the same transport box; in this case, they must not weigh more than 14 kg each;
  • up to three offspring from the same litter that are less than 6 months old may also be sent together in the same box provided they have room to move around;
• The passenger must provide sufficient food and water for the entire journey, as it is not possible to feed or exercise animals in transit.
• The animal transport crate is delivered upon passenger acceptance at check-in and placed in the climatized area of the hold.
• The service code (SSR) in the reservation is AVIH;
  • please also enter the mandatory codes:
    • NORM - if weight is less than or equal to 32Kgs. 
    • LARGE - if the weight is over 32Kgs and up to 45Kg;                                 
  • add to the SSR the breed of the animal (dog/cat) in English.
• chargeable at the airport

 

 

Examples of GDS entries - AVIH

 

From 21 April 2022, TAP will implement a new methodology for selling the transportation of live animals, with different prices depending on the purchase channel.

• The GDS, FLYTAP and Online Check-In column includes purchases made through your GDS.
• The column "Other Channels" includes purchases made through the other channels available, such as local counters (city or airport), Contact Center, etc. 

 

ROUTES PER OW	PETC			AVIH
	MAX. 8KG			MAX. 32Kg (NORM)	>32Kg and <45Kg (LARGE)
	GDS / FLYTAP/ ONLINE CHECK-IN		OTHER CHANNELS	AT AIRPORT	AT AIRPORT
Domestic flights (Portugal)	40 EUR 48 USD 61 CAD		45 EUR 58 USD 72 CAD	80 EUR 101 USD 121 CAD	130 EUR 162 USD 195 CAD
European Flights (incl. MA and TN), Israel and ACC-TMS/vv flights	70 EUR 88 USD 111 CAD		75 EUR 95 USD 114 CAD	120 EUR 149 USD 188 CAD	230 EUR 282 USD 358 CAD
Intercontinental Flights (except Dominican Republic)	150 EUR  185 USD 235 CAD		160 EUR 199 USD 239 CAD	230 EUR 282 USD 358 CAD	300 EUR 367 USD 466 CAD
Flights to/from Dominican Republic	180 EUR 222 USD 281 CAD		190 EUR 236 USD 283 CAD	275 EUR 334 USD 427 CAD	355 EUR 404 USD 520 CAD

 

 

Applicable when the animal's weight, including the crate, exceeds the maximum weight of 45 kg / 99 lbs (or 32 kg / 70 lbs in the case of flights to, from or transiting the USA, Hungary, France and the Netherlands.

• Transportation must correspond to the passenger's ticket route;
• The amount collected for the service is calculated according to “Class Rate” available in chapter 3.7.2 TACT IATA  Rules.
• The animal must be delivered to the cargo office four hours before departure. The conditions/timetables for acceptance of the animal  may differ according to the airport of departure;
• The passenger must provide all the necessary documents and shall pay any additional fees charged at the airport of origin and destination;
• TAP reserves the right to decide which flight the animal is carried on;
• On flights from Lisbon to Luanda, animals are only carried as cargo.
• Animals of uncommon sizes, reptiles or rodents can only be accepted as cargo.

Contact TAP Cargo for more information.

Mandatory requirements and documents for flights between member states of the European Union (EU):

The health requirements and documents mentioned below are mandatory for all non-commercial movements of pets on flights between EU¹ member states, or from some non-EU² countries adhering to the European Union Pet Passport.

• Microchip identification: The animal must have a microchip implanted in it that allows its identification. Animals identified by tattoo are only allowed if the tattoo was applied before 03/07/2011 and upon presentation of written proof.
• EU pet passport: must be issued by a veterinarian authorised by the competent authority of the country of origin and certify the identification and anti-rabies vaccination of the animal.
• Valid anti-rabies vaccination: must be administered on or after the date of microchipping.
• Disclaimer for hold transport: this document is only necessary if the animal has to be transported in the hold.

¹Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Finland.

²Andorra, Switzerland, Faroe Islands, Gibraltar, Greenland, Iceland, Lichtenstein, Monaco, Norway, San Marino and Vatican City State. 

Flights from/to Ireland (DUB)

The transportation of animals in the hold (AVIH) on flights originating or transferring at DUB airport is not permitted.

This embargo is only applicable on flights from DUB. Therefore, AVIH can be accepted to DUB (as the final destination). For example MAD-LIS-DUB

Alternatively, these pets should be sent as cargo (AVI). For this purpose, please contact TAP Cargo Department.

 

Requirements and documents required for flights outside EU member states:

Before booking any air travel outside EU³ member states, we suggest that passengers enquire in advance with their veterinarian, or the Directorate-General for Food and Veterinary Affairs, about the requirements and documents needed for the non-commercial transport of pets, for the specific date and destination of their travel.

³Except Andorra, Switzerland, Faroe Islands, Gibraltar, Greenland, Iceland, Lichtenstein, Monaco, Norway, San Marino and the Vatican State as they are members of the European Union Companion Passport.

 

CHANGE OF TRANSPORT CONDITION - PETC/AVIH

Whenever the transport condition of the animal is not the same for the entire journey, i.e. if the animal is carried one leg of the journey as AVIH and the next as PETC, or vice versa, 3 hours are required between flights at the transfer point.

SEDATIVES

We do not recommend the use of sedatives except under certain conditions and on veterinary advice. Tranquillisers lower blood pressure especially at high altitudes, which can be fatal for animals travelling in the hold.

Flights from/to the United Kingdom

Pets are not allowed into the country.
The UK only allows pets to leave the country by air.
Only  Assistance Animals (SVAN) dogs are allowed to be transported.

From 01 May 2022, PETC and AVIH will not be accepted on flights originating/transiting LGW airport. For any route originating from LGW, direct or transit, pets must be carried as cargo, 

Flights to the USA

Beginning July 14, 2021, there will be a temporary suspension on the importation of dogs entering the United States from countries classified by the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) as high risk for canine rabies. It may also include dogs arriving from countries that are NOT high risk if the dogs have been in a high-risk country during the six months prior to travel. 
This temporary suspension will not affect those importing dogs from countries with low or no known risk of canine rabies, or US citizens and returning legal residents with pets (provided all exemption requirements are met).

Dogs with a CDC dog import permit can only make their entry through JFK International Airport.

UPDATE: Effective December 1, 2021:

• Dogs vaccinated in the United States by a US-licensed veterinarian may re-enter the United States from a high-risk country without a CDC Dog Import Permit  - More info HERE
•  All dogs that have been in a high-risk country in the past 6 months may only enter the United States through an approved port of entry, which includes all 18 airports with a CDC quarantine station - More info HERE

 

Flights from/to Brazil

PETC/AVIH will not be accepted on GOL (G3) and AZUL (AD) flights. Passengers must contact directly each airline.

From the EU to  Brazil

Please be advised that by the decision of the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock of Brazil, the entry of pet animals is no longer authorized without the presentation of the International Veterinary Certificate, as disclosed in NEWSLETTER 1.63 02DEC2020 Covid19 - Certificate for Live Animals Traveling to Brazil. Detailed information HERE

• Import licence: Apart from dogs and cats, any other pet entering the country must have an Import Licence issued by the Brazilian Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Supply.
• Carrying birds to Guarulhos:  Birds should be transported to Guarulhos Airport (São Paulo) as cargo.
• See the links below for further information about carrying animals by air to Brazil:
  • INFRAERO Passenger Guide (PT-BR)
  • Brazilian Ministry of Agriculture website. (PT-BR) 

From Brazil to the EU

International Veterinary Certificates (IVC): Since 1 November 2022, IVCs for the European Union are issued electronically. Learn all the information here.  

If you need to transport animals by air from Brazil to the European Union, see what you need to do in this document (PDF, 31 KB, PT).

 

Flights in transit/to South Africa

PETC/AVIH will not be accepted on flights to/in transit of South Africa unless manifested as Cargo - see TIMATIC.

 

Flights from/to Angola

For travel between Lisbon and Luanda, the transport of animals in the hold cannot be accepted. It is advised to contact the Cargo Department in advance.