National Animal Organisations

Who to call for animal information, where to go and how the law affects you and your pet - or any other animal that enters your life in Portugal...

Most of the organisations listed below are Portuguese-speaking only. There is no guarantee that English will be spoken.

The Portuguese League for Animal Rights (Liga Portuguesa dos Direitos do Animal - LPDA) provides information about adopting abandoned animals, the law regarding animal rights in Portugal, and pet health.

The Society for the Protection of Animals (Sociedade Protectora dos Animais, SPA) is a private charity that works to protect the interests of animals.

The Associação de Protecção aos Cães Abandonados (APCA) is an animal refuge which is run entirely through charitable donations. There is a section for lost and found animals and advice and procedures for those wanting to adopt a pet from the refuge. All adopted dogs are entitled to 12 obedience lessons from the Academia do Cão dog training school.

  • Visit the Kennels
    At    : Rua do Canil 8, São Pedro de Sintra
    Open: Daily 10:00-12:00 and 13:00-17:00
  • Associação ANIMAL: A national organisation that campaigns to protect animals, expose animal cruelty and promote animal welfare through education
    email
  • Bianca Charity: National organisation sheltering abused and abandoned animals, promoting sterilization, and upholding the ideal of upgrading animal welfare practices in Portugal. English, German, French, Dutch, and Portuguese spoken. 
    At:     Est. Cemitério Aiana, Pinhal Mesquita - 2970 Sesimbra 
    email
  • Liga Portuguesa dos Direitos do Animal (LDPA) (in Portuguese): Provides information about adopting abandoned animals, the law regarding animal rights in Portugal, and pet health
    At: Av. Stº António de Tercena – Quinta das Lindas, 2730-165 Tercena
    Tel: 21 457 84 13 / 96 129 63 53
  • Sociedad Protectora dos Animais (SPA): A private charity that works to protect the interests of animals
    At: Rua de S. Paulo 55, 2º Dto, 1200-426 Lisbon
    Tel: 213 423 851
  • Dogs of Portugal is a foreign-run association that intermediate adoptions from the private shelter Cantinho da Milu in Setubal. English, German, and French spoken.
    email
  • Cantinho da Milu
    Tel    : 93 84 80 320