TAP Portugal allows dogs and cats in the cabin on most flights, with a strict combined weight limit of 8 kg / 17.6 lbs (pet plus carrier). Heavier pets can travel in the hold up to 45 kg / 99 lbs, or as manifest cargo via TAP Air Cargo.
TAP Portugal is a Star Alliance member, which allows pet coordination on connecting Star Alliance flights, though codeshare limitations apply. This TAP Portugal pet policy guide covers every fee, dimension, breed restriction, and booking step so you can plan without surprises.
Policies on this page were last verified in March 2026. Always confirm current requirements directly with TAP Portugal before booking, as fees, weight limits, and route rules change without notice.
Quick Reference: TAP Portugal Pet Policy
| Detail | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Cabin weight limit | 8 kg / 17.6 lbs (pet + carrier combined) |
| Carrier dimensions (cabin) | 45 x 30 x 23 cm / 18 x 12 x 9 in (L x W x H) |
| Domestic cabin fee | €40-45 / ~$48-58 USD |
| Europe/short-haul cabin fee | €70-75 / ~$88-95 USD |
| Intercontinental cabin fee | €150-160 / ~$185-199 USD |
| Booking method | Phone only, at least 24-48 hours before departure |
| US reservations line | +1-800-221-7370 (verify current number with TAP before calling) |
| Breed restrictions | Brachycephalic and dangerous breeds banned or restricted in hold (see full list below) |
| Official policy page | flytap.com/en-us/information/traveling-with-animals/pets |
Verify all fees and limits directly with TAP Portugal at time of booking. Fees listed here reflect research data from March 2026 and may have changed.
In-Cabin Pet Travel
TAP Portugal permits dogs and cats in the cabin on most routes. Small mammals or birds may be permitted on some flights; call TAP reservations to confirm before assuming eligibility.
The maximum combined weight is 8 kg / 17.6 lbs, meaning the pet and carrier together must not exceed this limit. A pet weighing 5-6 kg / 11-13.2 lbs leaves adequate room for a carrier.
Key Takeaway: TAP Portugal’s cabin pet limit is 8 kg / 17.6 lbs including the carrier. This applies on all routes where cabin pet travel is permitted.
One pet is allowed per passenger, with a reported maximum of five pets per flight across all passengers. Pets are not permitted in Business Class on long-haul intercontinental routes. Minimum age is 8-12 weeks depending on destination; confirm the exact requirement for your route when booking.
Carrier Requirements (Cabin)
The carrier must measure no more than 45 x 30 x 23 cm / 18 x 12 x 9 in (L x W x H) and fit completely under the seat in front of you. Soft-sided or IATA-compliant carriers are required. The carrier must have ventilation on at least three sides, a leak-proof bottom, and secure fasteners.
Tip: Measure your carrier before purchasing. Gate agents enforce size limits at boarding, and a carrier even slightly over the limit may result in denied boarding for your pet.
Pets must remain stowed under the seat for the entire flight. Bulkhead seats and exit rows are not permitted for passengers traveling with cabin pets. For more guidance on best dog crates for travel, consider reviewing airline-approved options before your trip.
Booking Your Pet on TAP Portugal
Pet reservations cannot be made online. All bookings must be made by calling TAP Portugal reservations directly. The US reservations line is reported as +1-800-221-7370; verify this number at flytap.com before calling, as contact numbers vary by country and change periodically.
Call at least 24-48 hours before departure. Calling earlier is strongly recommended, as cabin pet spots are limited and fill quickly on popular routes.
- Review destination-specific documentation requirements before calling (see Required Documents section below).
- Call TAP Portugal reservations at least 48 hours before departure. Have your flight details, pet species, breed, and approximate weight ready.
- Confirm that a pet space is available on your specific flight. Agents verify availability in real time.
- Provide all required pet details and receive a booking confirmation reference number.
- Pay the applicable fee at booking or at the airport counter, depending on agent instructions.
- Prepare all required documents and your approved carrier at least two weeks before travel.
- Arrive at the airport 1-2 hours early for cabin travel or 3-4 hours early for hold or cargo travel. Online check-in is not available for passengers traveling with pets; proceed directly to the airport check-in desk.
- Present your pet, carrier, health certificate, vaccination records, and any destination-specific import documents at the check-in counter.
Warning: Book as early as possible. TAP Portugal limits the number of pets per flight, and last-minute calls frequently fail because quotas are already full.
Fees Breakdown
All fees are one-way and quoted in EUR. USD equivalents are approximate and based on exchange rates at time of research. Verify exact fees with TAP Portugal at time of booking.
| Travel Type | Route | Fee (EUR) | Approx. USD | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cabin | Domestic | €40-45 | ~$48-58 | Online booking may be cheaper; counter rate higher |
| Cabin | Europe / Short-haul | €70-75 | ~$88-95 | Per segment |
| Cabin | Intercontinental | €150-160 | ~$185-199 | Not available in Business Class on long-haul |
| Hold (up to 32 kg / 70.4 lbs) | Domestic | €80 | ~$101 | Applies on US, Hungary, France, Netherlands routes |
| Hold (32-45 kg / 70.4-99 lbs) | Domestic | €130 | ~$162 | |
| Hold (up to 32 kg / 70.4 lbs) | Europe | €120 | ~$149 | |
| Hold (32-45 kg / 70.4-99 lbs) | Europe | €230 | ~$282 | |
| Hold (up to 32 kg / 70.4 lbs) | Intercontinental | €230 | ~$282 | Route-specific limits apply (US, France, etc.) |
| Hold (32-45 kg / 70.4-99 lbs) | Intercontinental | €300 | ~$367 | |
| Manifest Cargo | All routes | Contact TAP Air Cargo directly | Fees unverified; contact TAP Air Cargo for a quote |
Key Takeaway: TAP Portugal cabin fees range from €40 / ~$48 USD for domestic routes to €160 / ~$199 USD for intercontinental routes, all one-way.
For comparison with other European carriers, check our lufthansa pet policy guide or review air france pet policy details.
Hold and Cargo Travel
Pets too large for the cabin can travel in the aircraft hold as checked baggage, or as manifest cargo through TAP Air Cargo for animals exceeding hold limits.
Hold weight limits (pet plus crate combined) vary by route. On flights to and from the US, Hungary, France, and the Netherlands, the maximum is 32 kg / 70.4 lbs. On all other routes, the maximum is 45 kg / 99 lbs. Pets exceeding these limits must travel via TAP Air Cargo; contact TAP Air Cargo directly for pricing and procedures, as those fees are not publicly verified.
Crates for hold travel must meet IATA Live Animals Regulations standards: rigid construction (plastic, wood, or metal), ventilation on all sides, a secure door, a waterproof floor, and “LIVE ANIMAL” labels visible on the exterior. The pet must have enough space to stand, turn around, and lie down naturally.
Warning: TAP Portugal does not transport pets in the hold when ground temperatures exceed 19°C / 66°F or fall below 10°C / 50°F. An acclimation certificate from a licensed veterinarian may allow transport at temperatures as low as 7°C / 45°F. These temperature embargoes are seasonal and enforced at the airline’s discretion.
Book hold travel at least 48 hours in advance via TAP reservations by phone. For manifest cargo, contact TAP Air Cargo directly. Transit layovers of 3 hours or more may require re-check or crate change; confirm procedures with TAP when booking.
Breed Restrictions
Brachycephalic (Snub-Nosed) Breeds Banned in Hold and Cargo
The following breeds are banned or restricted from hold and cargo transport due to breathing risks at altitude and in pressurized cargo holds. Verify cabin eligibility for these breeds directly with TAP Portugal, as altitude risks also apply in-cabin.
Dogs:
American Staffordshire Terrier, American Bully, Boston Terrier, Boxer, Bulldog (all types), Cane Corso, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Chihuahua, Chow Chow, English Toy Spaniel, Griffon Bruxellois, Japanese Chin, Japanese Spaniel, Lhasa Apso, Mastiff (all types), Pekingese, Prince Charles Spaniel, Pug (all types), Shar Pei, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Tibetan Spaniel.
Cats:
Burmese, Exotic Shorthair, Himalayan, Persian, Scottish Fold.
Mixed-breed animals with any brachycephalic traits require a veterinary declaration confirming no brachycephalic characteristics before TAP will accept them. For more information about can pugs fly on planes, review our comprehensive guide on brachycephalic breed air travel.
Dangerous Breeds: Special Crate Requirements or Restrictions
The following breeds require specially reinforced crates or may face route-specific bans. Confirm requirements for your specific route when booking:
Fila Brasileiro, Dogo Argentino (Argentine Mastiff), Pit Bull Terrier, Rottweiler, Tosa Inu.
Key Takeaway: TAP Portugal bans brachycephalic breeds including Pugs, all Bulldogs, Boxers, and Persian cats from hold and cargo transport. Confirm in-cabin eligibility for these breeds directly with TAP Portugal before booking.
Required Documents
Prepare all documents at least two weeks before travel. Requirements vary by destination; the list below covers standard EU and international travel.
- Health certificate: Issued by a licensed veterinarian within 10 days of travel. An EU Pet Passport is accepted in place of a standalone health certificate for travel within the EU.
- Rabies vaccination: Must be current. Some destinations require a rabies antibody titer test; confirm requirements for your specific destination well in advance, as titer results can take weeks.
- Microchip: ISO-standard microchip required for EU entry, per EU Regulation 576/2013 governing the non-commercial movement of pet animals.
- Destination-specific import permits: Required for some countries. Verify with the destination country’s embassy or agricultural authority.
Portugal follows the EU Pet Travel Scheme, which requires a valid microchip and current rabies vaccination for all pets entering the country. For travel to the UK, note that regular pets are not accepted on TAP Portugal flights; only recognized assistance dogs are permitted on UK routes. Check our uk dog travel guide for complete UK entry requirements.
Start a rabies titer test at least 3-4 months before international travel if your destination requires one. The waiting period begins from the date of the blood draw, not the vaccination date, and international veterinary appointment slots book out quickly.
Route-Specific Restrictions
Not all routes permit cabin or hold pet travel. Confirm your specific route when booking.
- United Kingdom: Regular pets are not accepted on TAP Portugal flights to the UK. Only recognized assistance dogs are permitted.
- Angola: Pets travel as cargo only on Angola routes. Cabin and standard hold options are not available.
- Codeshare flights (GOL, Azul): Pets are not accepted on TAP Portugal codeshare flights operated by GOL or Azul. Book direct TAP-operated flights only.
- US, Hungary, France, Netherlands routes: Hold weight limit is capped at 32 kg / 70.4 lbs (pet plus crate). The standard 45 kg / 99 lbs limit does not apply on these routes.
- Temperature embargoes: Hold transport is suspended when ground temperatures exceed 19°C / 66°F or fall below 10°C / 50°F. These restrictions are seasonal and apply at departure and destination airports.
- Long-haul Business Class: Cabin pets are not permitted in Business Class on long-haul intercontinental routes.
Service Dogs
Recognized service dogs fly free on TAP Portugal with 48 hours advance notice. TAP Portugal complies with US DOT Part 382 for US-bound and US-departing flights.
Required documentation includes: a completed DOT service animal form, a relief attestation form (submitted at least 48 hours before departure), trainer identification, and health, vaccination, and microchip records appropriate for the destination.
Service dogs travel in the cabin at the passenger’s feet, leashed or harnessed at all times. Exit row seating is not permitted. The dog must remain clean and well-behaved throughout the flight.
Tip: Submit your DOT service animal forms and relief attestation at least 48 hours before departure as instructed by TAP reservations. Bring printed backup copies of all documentation to the gate, as agents verify documents on-site.
For US flights, TAP Portugal follows the US Department of Transportation’s service animal rules as outlined at transportation.gov/service-animals-guide. For UK-originating flights, UK-accredited assistance dogs may be accepted; confirm with TAP Portugal directly.
Emotional Support Animals
Emotional support animals (ESAs) are no longer recognized as service animals by TAP Portugal following the US DOT rule changes that took effect in 2021. ESAs must travel as standard pets, subject to all applicable pet fees, weight limits, carrier requirements, and breed restrictions. No special cabin access or fee waivers apply. For more information about how to make my dog an emotional support dog, review the certification process and requirements.
Your Questions, Answered
Does TAP Portugal allow pets in the cabin?
Yes. TAP Portugal allows dogs and cats in the cabin on most routes. The pet and carrier combined must not exceed 8 kg / 17.6 lbs, and the carrier must fit under the seat (45 x 30 x 23 cm / 18 x 12 x 9 in). Booking must be made by phone at least 24-48 hours before departure. Some routes, including UK flights, do not permit cabin pets.
How much does TAP Portugal charge for pets?
Cabin fees are €40-45 / ~$48-58 USD for domestic routes, €70-75 / ~$88-95 USD for Europe/short-haul routes, and €150-160 / ~$185-199 USD for intercontinental routes. Hold fees range from €80 / ~$101 USD to €300 / ~$367 USD depending on weight and route. All fees are one-way. Verify exact fees with TAP Portugal at time of booking.
What is the carrier size limit for TAP Portugal?
The carrier must not exceed 45 x 30 x 23 cm / 18 x 12 x 9 in (L x W x H) and must fit completely under the seat in front of you. Soft-sided or IATA-compliant carriers are required. Always confirm dimensions when booking, as aircraft type can affect available under-seat space.
Are snub-nosed dogs allowed on TAP Portugal?
Brachycephalic breeds including Pugs, all Bulldogs, Boxers, Boston Terriers, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Chow Chows, and others listed in the breed restrictions section above are banned from hold and cargo transport. In-cabin eligibility for these breeds requires direct confirmation with TAP Portugal, as altitude risks apply. Mixed breeds with any brachycephalic traits require a veterinary declaration.
Can I book a pet on TAP Portugal online?
No. Pet bookings cannot be made online. You must call TAP Portugal reservations directly. The US line is reported as +1-800-221-7370; verify the current number at flytap.com before calling. Book at least 48 hours before departure, and earlier if possible, as pet spots per flight are limited.
What documents does my pet need to fly TAP Portugal?
Required documents typically include: a health certificate issued within 10 days of travel (or a valid EU Pet Passport for EU travel), current rabies vaccination records, an ISO-standard microchip record, and any destination-specific import permits. Portugal follows EU Regulation 576/2013 under the EU Pet Travel Scheme. Some destinations require a rabies antibody titer test; confirm requirements for your specific route well in advance.
Does TAP Portugal fly service dogs for free?
Yes. Recognized service dogs (not emotional support animals) fly free in the cabin on TAP Portugal with 48 hours advance notice and required documentation including a DOT service animal form, relief attestation, and health and vaccination records. ESAs are not recognized and must travel as standard pets with full fees.
Source Notes
This article draws on TAP Portugal’s official pet travel policy page at flytap.com/en-us/information/traveling-with-animals/pets, last reviewed in March 2026. Fee and breed restriction data is cross-referenced with third-party aggregator data, which aligns with official sources. Cargo temperature limits and some fee tiers are sourced from secondary research and should be confirmed directly with TAP Portugal before booking.
General pet travel standards referenced in this article follow the IATA Live Animals Regulations, available at iata.org/en/youandiata/safety-ops/live-animals/.
Service animal rules for US-bound flights follow US DOT Part 382, detailed at transportation.gov/service-animals-guide. EU pet entry requirements follow Regulation 576/2013 governing the non-commercial movement of pet animals within the European Union.
This article is for informational purposes only. TAP Portugal pet policies change frequently, including fees, weight limits, breed restrictions, and route-specific rules. Always verify current requirements directly with TAP Portugal before booking.
