The Algarve has veterinary clinics in every major town, from Faro and Lagos to Albufeira, Portimão, and Tavira, and many of them have staff who speak English, French, or German. We connect you with qualified vets across the region who speak your language, whether you need help relocating your pet to Portugal, emergency care, a routine check-up, or a vet who comes to your door.
How we can help
Pet relocation
Moving to the Algarve with your dog or cat? Find a vet who handles health certificates, microchipping, rabies vaccination, and EU pet passport requirements.
Emergency vet
Urgent care when your pet needs it most. Connect with clinics that accept same-day emergency appointments across the Algarve.
Home-visit vet
Veterinary care at your door. Ideal if you've just arrived, don't have transport yet, or prefer your pet to be treated at home.
Three simple steps
Tell us what you need
Fill in the form with a few details: what your pet needs, where in the Algarve you are, and any preferences. It takes less than a minute.
We find the right vet
We match you with a veterinary clinic in your area that speaks your language and handles the type of care your pet needs.
You talk directly
The clinic contacts you to discuss your situation, answer your questions, and arrange an appointment. No middlemen, no fees from us.
Bringing your pet to Portugal
Bringing a pet to Portugal from another EU country is straightforward, but there are veterinary requirements to sort out before you travel. From outside the EU, the process takes more planning. Here is what is typically involved:
Microchip
ISO-compliant (11784/11785), implanted before the rabies vaccination
Rabies vaccination
must be current, administered at least 21 days before travel
EU pet passport
issued by an authorised vet in your home country, or an official health certificate for non-EU travel
Rabies antibody titre test
required if travelling from certain non-EU countries
Tapeworm treatment
required for dogs entering from the UK, Ireland, Finland, Norway, and Malta (24 to 120 hours before arrival)
Local registration
register with a Portuguese vet and update your pet's records after you arrive
Veterinary clinics in Faro, Lagos, Portimão, and across the Algarve handle pet relocations regularly. They can walk you through the specifics for your country, coordinate with your vet at home, and register your pet in the Portuguese system when you arrive.
Before you get in touch
Do vets in the Algarve speak English?
Yes. Many veterinary clinics across the Algarve have English-speaking vets or support staff, particularly in areas with large expat communities like Lagos, Albufeira, Vilamoura, and Faro. Some clinics also have staff who speak French, German, or Dutch. We only connect you with clinics that can communicate in your language.
What do I need to bring my pet to Portugal?
Your pet needs a microchip, a current rabies vaccination, and either an EU pet passport (if travelling from within the EU) or an official animal health certificate (if travelling from the UK or another non-EU country). Some countries also require a rabies antibody titre test. A vet in the Algarve who handles relocations regularly can confirm exactly what applies to your situation.
How much does a vet visit cost in the Algarve?
A standard consultation costs between 30 and 50 euros. Vaccinations typically cost 20 to 40 euros each, and blood work starts from around 50 euros. Costs are generally lower than in the UK, Ireland, or northern Europe, though prices vary between clinics. Ask for a clear breakdown before any treatment.
Is there an emergency vet in the Algarve?
Yes. Several veterinary clinics across the Algarve offer emergency and out-of-hours services, including nights, weekends, and public holidays. Faro and Portimão have the largest emergency-capable clinics, but most towns along the coast have a vet that accepts urgent cases. Tell us your location and we will connect you with the nearest clinic that can help immediately.
Can a vet come to my home in the Algarve?
Yes. There are mobile veterinary services operating across the Algarve that offer home visits for routine check-ups, vaccinations, and non-emergency care. Home visits are particularly useful if you have just arrived and do not have transport yet, or if your pet does not travel well. Coverage includes most towns from Lagos to Tavira.
Do I need to register my pet when I move to Portugal?
Yes. All dogs and cats in Portugal must be registered in the national SIAC database. A local vet handles this during your first visit. Dogs also need a licence from the local junta de freguesia (parish council), renewed annually. If you are moving from outside Portugal, a vet in the Algarve can transfer your pet's microchip registration and set up their Portuguese health records in a single appointment.
Need help finding the right vet?
Tell us what your pet needs and where you are in the Algarve. We'll match you with a qualified clinic that speaks your language.
Thank you
We have received your enquiry and will be in touch shortly.