Dogs at the beach and in Lisbon generally

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RASZ asked 8 months ago

Dear Blanca

Thank you for your information about dogs. I am very pleased to read about this.

I have been offered an exciting job opportunity in Portugal and am very keen to bring my working cocker spaniel, Hunter with me. We will also be a family of four with young children (having a baby in the summer) so it makes a big difference if our dog can be integrated in with what we are doing. For example, if we want to go to the beach or eat out, it is quite complicated with young babies to have to change the plans unexpectedly.

I was just wondering if dogs are allowed to the beach in Lisbon? I heard that in Porto some places people just ignore rules and that is seen as ok? Is it the same in Lisbon?

Also, I was wondering what sort of areas would be good to live if having a dog? My job would be close to the main beach at the Carcavelos Beach.

Finally, are dogs allowed in most parks?

It is particularly important for us to make this work because for the past year I have been on placement far overseas in Asia in a country which is not dog-friendly or suitable due to climate. We took the painful decision to leave Hunter with his ‘grandparents’ for a year in the UK (with my wife’s parents dog; he was originally their dog as well before my wife met me). We are desparate to be reunited with him and it is very important that we find somewhere which is sustainable for us to live altogether as a family for the future, as I am sure you can understand as a fellow dog-owner.

I am very grateful to hear from you.

With many thanks and kind regards

RASZ

1 Answers

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Blanca Valbuena answered 4 months ago

Hey Razs,

Soooo….Portugal is not the best about dogs on the beaches. During high season (usually betweem May 1 and October 15). Dogs are not allowed on most beaches. People do ignore the rules, but the fine can be quite hefty if someone rats you out or calls the cops.

Most of the towns here are pretty dog-friendly. There are plenty of dogs off leash even though it is the law that they wear one. Many restaurants have outdoor seating, and that is usually dog friendly. If you’re looking in Lisbon proper, check out Lumiar, Alvalade, and Avenidas Novas since they all have parks…however, that may add to your commute to Carcavelos, so that will be something to consider.

If you are not tied to living in Lisbon, you can check the cities around Carcavelos. Cascais & Belem are lovely for families.

Dogs are allowed in most parks (Gulbenkian does not allow them). The law is that they must be leashed, accompanied by the owner, and muzzled if dangerous breeds.

I put together a pretty comprehensive guide to dog ownership in Lisbon here https://blancavalbuena.com/dog-ownership-in-lisbon-portugal/

and I’ve started to compile a list of dog-friendly beaches 🙂

https://blancavalbuena.com/dog-friendly-beaches-in-portugal/