Is registration at the parish council mandatory?
Yes — but only for dogs. Cats and ferrets, although mandatory microchipped and registered in the SIAC, are not subject to annual licensing at the parish council. If you have not yet dealt with your animal's electronic identification, read our article on microchipping in Portugal.
The legal basis is Article 27 of Decree-Law No. 82/2019, of 27 June.
The first year — automatic exemption
After registration in SIAC, the initial registration is valid as a licence for one year from the date of registration. There is no need to go to the parish council in the first year.
Exception: Dangerous or potentially dangerous dogs do not benefit from this exemption — they must obtain their first parish council licence within 30 days of SIAC registration.
From the second year onwards — annual renewal
After the first year, the owner must renew the licence annually at the parish council of their registered area.
Documents normally required:
- Animal Companion Identification Document (DIAC) or proof of microchip
- Health booklet or Animal Companion Passport (PAC) with valid rabies vaccination proof
Depending on the category of dog, additional documents may be requested:
- Hunting licence (hunting dogs)
- Property guard declaration (guard dogs)
- Guide dog proof
How much does it cost?
The cost of the licence is not fixed — it varies from parish to parish. Each parish assembly approves its own fee schedule. Contact your parish council directly to find out the applicable amount and procedure.
Total exemptions:
- Guide dogs
- State or charitable institution guard dogs
- Dogs collected by non-profit organisations
- Owners in proven financial hardship
Online or in person?
There is no single national portal for paying the parish council dog licence. Each parish council has the autonomy to define its own procedure — some already allow online requests and payments through their own portals, others require an in-person visit.
The SIAC Titulares portal allows you to consult your animal's data, obtain the DIAC and report changes, but does not serve to pay the parish council licence.
We recommend contacting your parish council directly to find out the procedure and applicable amount.
Change of residence
If you move to a different parish, you must:
- Update your address in SIAC within 15 days
- Obtain a licence from the new parish council
Death, disappearance or rehoming
These situations must be reported to SIAC within 15 days, via the SIAC Titulares portal, a veterinarian or the parish council.
Failure to report a death or disappearance may be interpreted as abandonment, which is punishable by law.
Dangerous and potentially dangerous dogs
This topic deserves special attention and has a dedicated article on our blog. In summary, the breeds considered potentially dangerous in Portugal are: Brazilian Fila, Dogo Argentino, Pit Bull Terrier, Rottweiler, American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Tosa Inu, and American Bully. The law also covers first-generation crossbreeds of these breeds.
For these animals, the licensing process is more demanding — mandatory civil liability insurance (minimum €50,000), owner's criminal record, certified training course, among other requirements. (article coming soon)
Fines
Non-compliance with licensing is an administrative offence. For dangerous or potentially dangerous dogs, the fine for lack of licence can range from €500 to €3,740 for individuals.
Summary
- Annual licensing mandatory for dogs only (not cats or ferrets)
- First year: exempt — SIAC registration serves as licence
- From the second year: annual renewal at the parish council
- Documents: DIAC and health booklet with valid rabies vaccination
- Variable cost per parish — contact your parish council
- Change of residence: update SIAC and licence at new parish within 15 days
- Death/disappearance/rehoming: report to SIAC within 15 days
- Dangerous dogs: no first-year exemption, licence within 30 days
Sources
- Decree-Law No. 82/2019, of 27 June — Diário da República
- DGAV — Licensing at the Parish Council
- SIAC — Official Portal