Starwood Pet Travel Reports Surge in Portugal Pet Relocations: A 77% Increase Since 2022

Record Demand for Pet Relocations to Portugal

In recent years, there has been a remarkable surge in the number of pet relocation requests to Portugal, specifically noted in 2025, which has been identified as the busiest year yet for Starwood Pet Travel, an internationally recognized company specializing in pet relocations. According to the data, inquiries have skyrocketed by 77% between 2022 and 2025, showcasing Portugal's growing appeal as a popular destination for families with pets.

A Closer Look at the Data

Since the beginning of its operations in 2016, Starwood Pet Travel has received over 3,100 requests from families wishing to bring their furry friends to Portugal. While the numbers indicate a steady increase over the years, the leap in requests from 454 in 2022 to 804 in 2025 clearly reflects how the dynamics of relocation are evolving, particularly among U.S. and U.K. families.

Interestingly, this surge can be attributed to various factors, including the rise in remote work options, favorable residency programs, and a significant number of expats moving to southern Europe for a better quality of life. Additionally, Starwood’s analysis reveals that pet safety is the foremost concern for these families, outpacing factors like cost, service transparency, and convenience.

Families Prioritizing Pet Safety

A notable 46% of families indicated that their top priority was ensuring their pets' safety during transit, significantly more than 25% who prioritized costs and 18% on customer service. The data illustrates an increasing number of families opting to relocate multiple pets, reinforcing the importance of having a dependable relocation partner that recognizes and addresses these concerns. About 75% of the relocated pets were dogs, while cats also constituted a growing category in the relocation numbers.

Rising Popularity of Portugal

Starwood Pet Travel’s CEO, Brett Furlong, emphasizes the changing landscape, stating that Portugal has transitioned from a niche destination to one of the company's fastest-growing markets. In his words, "families now consider moving their entire household, including their pets, essential, and they seek a partner that treats every step of that relocation process with the utmost care." This sentiment resonates particularly with pet owners who value the well-being of their pets.

The primary destination source remains the United States, with the United Kingdom following close behind. Such trends signal Portugal's increasing attractiveness to English-speaking families seeking to embrace new lifestyles while balancing work and personal life.

Addressing the Growing Demand

To cater to the growing demand, Starwood Pet Travel has fortified its resources relating to pet relocations to Portugal. This includes comprehensive destination guides, import requirement checklists, and growing awareness of professional pet relocation services, especially for first-time international movers.

Looking ahead, Starwood anticipates sustained interest in Portugal and plans to further expand its content and resources on pet importation, quarantine regulations, and welfare standards for traveling pets. This proactive approach will undoubtedly enhance the relocation experience for families aiming to settle in Portugal.

For families considering a move to Portugal, Starwood Pet Travel offers essential information on their services, import requirements, and quarantine guidance at their website. Their dedicated network of pet travel coordinators ensures that every facet of the relocation process is managed seamlessly, guaranteeing peace of mind to families during what can be a daunting experience.

Starwood Pet Travel, an IATA-certified company, has become a trusted name in international pet relocation, committed to making pets' journeys as safe and smooth as possible. For more insights and services, visit Starwood Pet Travel.