Weather and seasons in Lisbon
Lisbon has hot, dry summers — often above 30°C, with occasional much hotter days — and mild, rainy winters. The white limestone cobbles (calçada portuguesa) get slippery in the rain and hot in the sun.
Planning around the seasons
In summer, walk early or after sunset, keep to shaded gardens and riverside paths, and avoid sun-baked cobbles at midday.
In the rainy months, take extra care on slippery calçada and steep lanes, especially with older or arthritic dogs.
Getting around Lisbon with a pet
Lisbon’s metro, trams and buses admit pets under specific conditions — usually small pets in carriers and larger dogs with a lead and muzzle at certain times — so check current Carris and Metro rules. A pet taxi saves climbing hills with a dog to the vet, groomer or airport.
Homes, buildings and access
Many buildings are older with steep stairs and no lift, and condominium rules may cover pets in shared areas. Tell your provider about the floor, stairs, door codes and keys.
Local rules worth knowing
In Portugal dogs and cats must be microchipped and registered in the national pet information system (SIAC), and dogs need a valid rabies vaccination. Breeds classed as potentially dangerous need a licence and must be leashed and muzzled in public.
Pet care in Lisbon — FAQ
Does OnlyPaw work in Lisbon?
Yes. OnlyPaw is available worldwide, including Lisbon. Because it's a marketplace, the providers you can book depend on who has been approved near your address — the app shows who's available before you pay.
How much does pet care cost in Lisbon?
Providers in Lisbon set their own prices, so you see each provider's rate in the app before you book. At checkout OnlyPaw adds a service fee of 10% of the service price, with a minimum of USD 2 and a maximum of USD 20 (or the equivalent in your local currency), shown before you pay. Your payment is held and only released to the provider after the service is completed.
Does my dog need to be registered in Portugal?
Yes. Dogs and cats must be microchipped and registered in SIAC, and dogs need a valid rabies vaccination. Keep the documents handy for providers.
Are Lisbon’s hills hard on older dogs?
They can be. Ask your walker for flatter routes along the river or in Parque das Nações, shorter walks and extra care on wet calçada.
How are providers vetted?
Every provider submits a government ID and a selfie, passes a knowledge test with a 70% pass mark and uploads service-specific documents — home photos for sitting and boarding, driving licence and vehicle registration for pet taxi, certificates for grooming and training — before the OnlyPaw team approves them.
What happens in an emergency?
Every active booking has an SOS button in the app. It alerts the other party and the OnlyPaw team straight away. If your pet needs urgent medical care, contact a vet or emergency clinic first.
