Pet Care Guide: GreeceVaccination Requirements
Dogs
- •Rabies (required, administered at least 21 days before travel)
- •Distemper (recommended)
- •Hepatitis (recommended)
- •Parvovirus (recommended)
- •Leptospirosis (recommended)
- •Leishmaniasis (strongly recommended — endemic in Greece)
ISO 11784/11785 compliant microchip required before rabies vaccination. Leishmaniasis is endemic throughout Greece, especially in lowland and coastal areas — preventive treatment (Leisguard or Scalibor collar) is strongly recommended. For intra-EU travel, a valid EU pet passport is mandatory.
Cats
- •Rabies (required, administered at least 21 days before travel)
- •Panleukopenia (recommended)
- •Calicivirus (recommended)
- •Feline leukemia (recommended for outdoor cats)
Same microchip and documentation requirements as dogs. Outdoor cats should be treated against ticks and sandfly bites due to leishmaniasis risk.
Ferrets
- •Rabies (required, administered at least 21 days before travel)
Quarantine Rules
No quarantine for pets arriving from EU/EEA countries with valid EU pet passport and current rabies vaccination.
Conditions:
- •Valid EU pet passport
- •ISO-compliant microchip
- •Rabies vaccination minimum 21 days old
Exemptions:
- ✓EU/EEA pets with valid documentation
Pets from unlisted third countries must have a rabies antibody titer test (≥0.5 IU/ml) taken at least 30 days after vaccination, with a 3-month waiting period before entry.
Conditions:
- •Rabies antibody titer test at an EU-approved laboratory
- •3-month waiting period from blood draw date
- •EU animal health certificate from an official veterinarian
Local Pet Laws
Companion Animal Protection (Law 4039/2012)
Law 4039/2012 on companion animals and stray management prohibits the killing of stray animals and established a framework for trap-neuter-return (TNR) programs managed by municipalities. All dog owners must register their pets in the EMZS (National Register of Companion Animals) electronic database. Animal abuse and violence carries fines up to €30,000 per incident, while abandonment carries separate penalties. Severe cases like poisoning carry up to 10 years imprisonment.
No Breed-Specific Legislation
Greece does not have breed-specific legislation. No dog breeds are banned or restricted. However, all dogs must be kept under the owner's control in public, and dogs that exhibit aggressive behavior may be subject to individual assessment and restrictions by local authorities.
Stray Dog Population and TNR Programs
Greece has a notable stray dog population, particularly in Athens, Thessaloniki, and on the islands. The government runs TNR (trap-neuter-return) programs through municipal partnerships. Stray dogs are generally friendly and vaccinated (identified by ear tags). Pet sitters should be aware of strays when walking client dogs and keep them leashed in areas with stray populations.
Public Transport Rules (TRAINOSE and Urban Transit)
On Hellenic Train (formerly TRAINOSE), small pets under 10kg in carriers (max 50×40×70 cm) are allowed in all classes. Larger dogs must travel in a pet transport box in a luggage coach on select routes only — guide dogs are exempt. On Athens public transit (OASA), only small pets under 10kg in carriers and assistance dogs are permitted on metro, buses, and trams.
Beach and Public Space Access
Dogs are permitted on unorganized (wild) beaches with a leash. On organized beaches, only assistance/therapy dogs are universally permitted — other dogs need explicit permission from management. Dogs are banned from Blue Flag beaches. Swimming with dogs is only allowed on remote beaches with no other swimmers present, with fines of €50–€150 for violations. Many island beaches are informally dog-friendly outside peak season.
Import Requirements
Required Documents
- •EU pet passport (intra-EU) or EU animal health certificate (non-EU, issued within 10 days of travel)
- •ISO 11784/11785 microchip proof
- •Valid rabies vaccination certificate
- •Rabies antibody titer test (non-listed third countries only)
- •Written declaration that the pet is not being imported for commercial purposes (if more than 5 animals)
Fees & Costs
TRAINOSE pet transport varies by route. EMZS registration is handled through the vet during microchipping (approximately €30–€50). Ferry companies charge €5–€30 per pet depending on size and route.
Island travel by ferry is common — most Greek ferry companies (Blue Star, ANEK, Minoan Lines) allow pets on deck or in pet-friendly cabins. Book pet-friendly cabins early in summer as they sell out quickly. Maximum 5 pets per traveler unless traveling for shows or competitions.
Emergency Veterinary Care
Veterinary care in Greece is readily available in Athens, Thessaloniki, and other major cities. On smaller islands, veterinary services may be limited to visiting vets on scheduled days. Emergency clinics operate 24 hours in Athens and Thessaloniki.
Emergency number: 112
Veterinary costs in Greece are generally lower than Western Europe — standard consultations cost €20–€50, emergency visits €50–€100 plus treatment. Pet insurance is not widely used in Greece.
Travel Tips
Greece has a very relaxed attitude toward dogs in restaurants and cafés. Most tavernas welcome dogs, especially at outdoor seating. Water bowls are commonly provided.
Leishmaniasis is a serious concern for dogs in Greece. Use preventive measures (Scalibor collars, spot-on treatments) and avoid outdoor exposure at dusk and dawn when sandflies are most active.
Summer temperatures regularly exceed 40°C in mainland Greece. Walk dogs early morning (before 8am) and after sunset. Carry water at all times and avoid hot pavement.
Greek ferries are the best way to travel between islands with pets. Blue Star Ferries and ANEK Lines offer pet-friendly cabins. Book well in advance during July and August.
The stray dog culture means many Greeks are natural animal lovers. Do not be surprised to see well-fed, tagged strays in neighborhoods — they are often community-cared-for.
Island veterinary care can be limited. If pet sitting on smaller islands (Paros, Milos, etc.), identify the nearest vet in advance and keep emergency supplies.
Tap water quality varies across Greece. In Athens and mainland cities it is generally safe for pets, but on some islands bottled or filtered water is recommended.
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