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 which 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.

  • Associação de Protecção aos Cães Abandonados
    At: Canil de São Pedro de Sintra, Apartado 91 (Portela), 2710 Sintra
  • Visit the Kennels
    At    : Rua do Canil 8, São Pedro de Sintra
    Open: Monday to Friday 09:00-12:00 and 14:00-18:00, Saturday 10:00-13:00 and 15:00-18:00
  • Associação ANIMAL: A national organisation that campaigns to protect animals, expose animal cruelty and promote animal welfare through education
    At    : Apartado 24140, 1251-997 Lisboa
    Tel/Fax: 962 358 183
  • 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:     Apartado 55, 2971-909 Sesimbra
    Tel/Fax    : 932 592 590 Monday to Saturday; 932 592 593 Sunday to Friday
  • 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: Largo do Girassol, Bloco E2, Loja, Bairro da Torre, 2775-663 Carcavelos
    Tel: 214 578 413
  • Sociedad Protectora dos Animais (SPA): A private charity which works to protect the interests of animals
    At: Rua de S. Paulo 55, 2º Dto, 1200-426 Lisbon
    Tel: 213 423 851
    Fax: 213 424 086
  • Dogs of Portugal is a foreign-run association which intermediate adoptions from the private shelter Cantinho da Milu in Setubal. English, German and French spoken.
    Tel: 937 317 491
  • Cantinho da Milu
    Tel    : 93 84 80 320