Portugal Pet Relocations Surge Among American and British Expats

The company’s analysis reveals that demand for moving household pets to Portugal has spiked sharply, with inquiries climbing from 454 in 2022 to 804 in 2025. This growth is fueled by an influx of digital nomads and retirees seeking residency, alongside a broader trend of families treating pets as essential members of their international move rather than an afterthought. Dogs currently account for nearly 75% of these relocations, though the number of multi-pet households is also on the rise, with four in ten families opting to transport two or more animals at once.

For families navigating the complexities of international transit, safety remains the primary anxiety. Nearly half of all respondents—46%—cited the welfare of their pets during travel as their top priority, significantly outweighing concerns about cost or convenience. CEO Brett Furlong notes that the company has shifted its strategy to match this demand, expanding destination guides and import requirement resources to assist first-time movers. As Portugal continues to attract English-speaking expats, Starwood expects the pace of these relocations to remain high, driven by the country's relatively accessible import regulations and growing appeal as a long-term home.