Official Import Rules
Greece follows EU pet travel regulations. From EU countries: EU Pet Passport with ISO microchip and current rabies vaccination. From listed third countries: health certificate, microchip, and rabies vaccination. From non-listed third countries: additionally FAVN titer test (≥0.5 IU/ml) with 3-month wait. Dogs must enter through an authorized border inspection post (Travellers' Point of Entry). Major airports Athens, Thessaloniki, and Heraklion all have inspection facilities. The European Commission's official guidance identifies Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/131 as the applicable legal instrument governing non-commercial pet movement into the EU. This regulation sets the animal health requirements — microchip, rabies vaccination, and health documentation — for bringing pets into the EU from outside the EU, replacing the legacy framework under Regulation (EU) No 576/2013. According to official EU implementing regulations (EUR-Lex 2026/636) and the UK government's DAERA official source, the transition from Regulation (EU) No 576/2013 to the new Animal Health Law framework (Regulation EU 2016/429) took effect on 22 April 2026, not 21 April 2026. Under the new Animal Health Law framework applicable from 22 April 2026, the Animal Health Certificate must still be issued within 10 days prior to entry into the EU, but its validity for onward travel within the EU has been extended from 4 months to 6 months, according to the official UK DAERA government source citing the new EU rules. IMPORTANT — Greece-specific certificate requirement for non-EU arrivals (including from the USA): Greece requires the Animal Health Certificate to be in a bilingual English/Greek format. The standard English-only EU health certificate is not accepted at Greek border inspection posts. The certificate must also be typed — handwritten certificates are not accepted. Travelers arriving from the United States must request the bilingual English/Greek version through USDA APHIS before the certificate is issued. Arriving at a Greek border inspection post with an English-only or handwritten certificate will result in rejection and denial of entry for the animal.
Free route planner
Turn these rules into your dog's step-by-step planCabin/cargo call, breed check, crate size and paperwork timing.Medical Roadmap
Microchip
ISO 11784/11785 microchip fitted before the rabies vaccination. The microchip number must match every certificate.
Rabies vaccination
Rabies vaccination must be valid before travel. Most routes require at least 21 days after a primary vaccination.
Health certificate or pet passport
Use an EU pet passport where accepted, or a government-endorsed animal health certificate for this route.
Rabies titer test
Build in the approved-lab antibody test and any mandatory waiting period before booking the flight.
Travel day
Carry originals, confirm airline pet acceptance, and keep the official authority page saved offline.
Breed & Public-Space Rules
Breed restrictions
No breed ban. Leash required in public; note summer heat: Athens arrivals in July–August frequently trip airline heat embargoes for hold travel.
Flying In: Cabin, Hold or Cargo
Aegean allows small dogs in-cabin (8 kg incl. carrier); ferries to the islands are broadly dog-friendly with designated areas — often the better second leg.
Cost Breakdown
Quarantine Information
None for EU/listed countries
City & Housing Notes
Athens, Thessaloniki, Crete, and the Greek islands are famously dog-friendly. Greece is renowned worldwide for its love of dogs — you'll see well-fed community dogs on virtually every island. Affordable vet care and a warm climate make it ideal for dogs.
Vets & Health After Arrival
Good veterinary care in Athens and major cities. Island vet care can be limited — check availability if moving to a smaller island. Several international animal welfare organizations operate in Greece.
Leaving Greece With Your Dog
EU Pet Passport for EU travel. For non-EU destinations, health certificate from an Official Veterinarian. Processing typically same-day or next-day in Athens.
Videos & Route Walkthroughs
Use videos as lived-experience context, not as legal authority. Search for recent dog-owner route reports, airport collection walkthroughs, crate-loading examples and relocation-agent explainers, then verify every rule against the official source above.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Greece the most dog-friendly country?
It's certainly a contender. Greek islands are world-famous for their community dogs. Greeks generally love and care for dogs, and many restaurants and cafes welcome them.
Can I take my dog to a Greek island?
Yes. Domestic ferries within Greece generally allow pets. Some require a carrier, others allow dogs on deck. Always check with the specific ferry company.
Is vet care available on Greek islands?
Major islands like Crete, Rhodes, and Corfu have good vet clinics. Smaller islands may only have a visiting vet — research this before relocating.
I'm traveling from the USA — do I need a special health certificate for Greece?
Yes. Greece requires a bilingual English/Greek Animal Health Certificate for arrivals from non-EU countries including the United States. The standard English-only EU health certificate is not accepted at Greek border inspection posts. The certificate must also be typed — handwritten versions are rejected. You must request the bilingual format through USDA APHIS before your certificate is issued. Do not arrive with an English-only or handwritten certificate, as your dog will be denied entry.
Community Tips & Nearby Routes
Community reports are useful for practical details such as which cargo desk answers the phone, how long collection took, or whether a landlord asked for insurance. Treat them as tips, then verify rules with the authority and airline.