Europe
Pet travel to Funchal
DGAV clearance at Madeira Airport — island biosecurity documentation and levada access.
Clearance & Entry
What's required to enter.
- 1
EU Animal Health Certificate (EHC) — USDA APHIS-endorsed (USA) or CFIA-endorsed (Canada)
- 2
ISO-compliant microchip (15-digit) implanted before rabies vaccination
- 3
Rabies vaccination — minimum 21-day wait after primary vaccination
- 4
Mandatory 48-hour pre-arrival email notification to DGAV at destination airport
These are the official entry rules for Portugal.
Read our step-by-step compliance guide covering every document, timing window, and government contact for Portugal.
Madeira Airport (FNC) — DGAV (Direção-Geral de Alimentação e Veterinária) inspection is handled at arrival. Funchal and the island of Madeira require additional island biosecurity documentation beyond the mainland Portuguese standard. We coordinate all DGAV pre-clearance, island-specific paperwork, and in-destination airport concierge.
— Paws en Route Compliance Team
Our process
How we handle Funchal.
Documentation Review
We audit every certificate, vaccination record, and microchip date against the exact requirements for Funchal.
Permit Filing
Our team files all import permits and advance notifications on your behalf, tracking approval status in real time.
Veterinary Coordination
We work with your vet or our partner clinics to issue compliant health certificates timed precisely to departure.
Airport Concierge
A dedicated chaperone manages customs inspection, APHIS or border authority clearance, and handover at destination.
Local Logistics
Getting your pet into Funchal.
Madeira Cristiano Ronaldo International Airport (FNC) serves the island with connections via Lisbon and direct European routes. Pets arriving from outside the EU clear through LIS with DGAV pre-notification, then connect to Funchal with TAP or SATA.
Entry Airports
Supported Airlines
At a glance
Lead time
21–30 days
Ready to travel to Funchal?
Get a custom quote with exact timelines and costs for your pet.
Pet-Friendly Stays
Where to rest in Funchal.
ASPA Studios - Urban Conscious Living
ASPA Studios - Urban Conscious Living allows dogs of any size for no additional fee. Cats may also be allowed by request. Food & water bowls are
ASPA Studios - Urban Conscious Living
This property is pet friendly! Dogs of any size are welcome for no additional fee. Cats may also be allowed by request. Food and water bowls are provided
Paws en Route
Not seeing your ideal stay? Our concierge knows every pet-friendly property in Funchal.
Paws en route members get waived pet fees at select partner properties in Funchal. Ask your concierge which properties are currently in the programme.
Getting Around
Navigating Funchal with your pet.
One of the biggest anxieties of pet travel is local transit. Here's everything you need to know before you land.
Public Transit
Funchal's SAM bus network covers the city and connects to surrounding towns. The cable car from the town centre to Monte operates with small dogs in carriers. For levada walks, taxis and local transfer services are the most practical option.
Private Cars
Our Madeira transfer network covers FNC airport and island-wide destinations. Tuk-tuk tours are available for the historic centre; chauffeured 4WD vehicles for the levada trailheads and Pico do Arieiro summit.
On Foot
Funchal's historic centre and the Zona Velha (Old Town) are compact and walkable. We provide levada-specific trail guides with dog-suitability ratings, seasonal conditions, and trailhead access maps.
Private Ground Transport
Climate-controlled, GPS-tracked fleet. Seamless door-to-door service between cities or to your final destination.
Experiences & Culture
Funchal, with your dog.
Every pet's travel style is different. Contact our team for customised local intelligence and pet-friendly recommendations for Funchal.
Local Infrastructure
Know before you land.
Emergency resources, export-certified clinics, and vetted boarding — vetted and saved before departure.
Emergency Vet
Clínica Veterinária da Madeira
Export Clinic
Médico Veterinário do Funchal
Rua do Bom Jesus 10, 9050-009 Funchal
1 km from Mercado dos Lavradores
Mon–Fri 9:00–18:30, Sat 9:00–13:00
Boarding & Daycare
Pensão Canina da Madeira
Estrada Monumental 374, 9000-100 Funchal
4 km from Belmond Reid's Palace
Daily 8:00–18:30
Get a Quote
Get a custom quote for Funchal.
We handle the flights, the veterinary compliance, and the door-to-door logistics. Tell us where you're starting from, and we'll calculate the route to Funchal.
Travelling to
Pet type
No obligation · Concierge response within 24 hours
Paws en Route Concierge
Ready to turn this guide into a real trip?
Your Preparation Timeline
We build a personalised calendar for Funchal: permits, vet appointments, and health certificates timed precisely to your departure window so nothing expires before you board.
Local Intelligence, Pre-loaded
Vetted stays, pet-safe transit routes, and emergency contacts, all curated for Funchal and confirmed before you land, so your first day is calm.
Common questions about Funchal.
Everything you're likely wondering before you start the process.
