Bringing your furry friend on a road trip through Portugal? Many travelers want to rent a car in Lisbon and bring along a dog or cat — but not all rental companies allow it.
This guide breaks down which companies are pet-friendly, what the rules are, and how to travel comfortably and responsibly with your pet.
🐾 Is It Allowed to Have a Pet in a Rental Car in Lisbon?
Yes — but only with permission and under certain conditions. Most rental agreements don’t explicitly ban pets, but:
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- You are responsible for cleanliness and damage
- Some providers require advance notice
- A cleaning fee may apply if excessive hair or mess is left
🐕 Always ask before booking — or risk fines of €50–€150.
🏆 Pet Policy by Popular Rental Companies in Lisbon
| Company | Pets Allowed? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Guerin | ✅ Yes (notify) | Must clean interior after trip |
| Enterprise | ✅ Yes (hidden policy) | Allowed if pet is contained |
| Europcar | ⚠️ Case by case | Call/email to confirm |
| Drive on Holidays | ✅ Yes | Very pet-friendly (dog owners on staff) |
📞 Contact customer service to confirm and add to your booking notes.
🚘 Best Cars for Traveling with Pets
| Car Type | Why It Works | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|
| Compact SUV | Extra space + ventilation | Medium to large dogs |
| Estate/Wagon | Long boot space, easy entry | Multiple pets or crates |
| Hatchback | Good for 1 small pet | Quick city trips |
🐶 Avoid luxury or leather interior models — extra cleaning risk.
🧳 What to Bring When Traveling with Pets
- 🐾 Carrier or crate (required by some companies)
- 🧺 Seat cover or travel blanket
- 🥤 Portable water bowl & bottle
- 🐕 Harness with seatbelt clip
- 🧼 Wet wipes, paper towels, waste bags
💡 Some pet stores in Lisbon rent travel carriers for short stays.
💶 Fees & Fines to Know
- 🧽 Excess hair or dirt: €30–€80 cleaning fee
- 💼 Damage to upholstery: full repair cost
- ❌ Unauthorized pets: some companies void insurance
📍 Pet-Friendly Destinations Near Lisbon
| Destination | Drive Time | Pet-Friendly Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Costa da Caparica | ~25 min | Dog beaches, cafes |
| Sintra forest trails | ~40 min | Walks & hikes (on leash) |
| Comporta / Troia | ~1.5h | Quiet nature, pet-friendly rentals |
| Ericeira | ~45 min | Surf town with outdoor dining options |
🧭 Final Tips
- ✅ Notify rental company in advance
- ✅ Use pet seat covers or boot liners
- ✅ Avoid peak heat – plan early morning drives
- ✅ Never leave pets in the car unattended
