With your dog in Greece or wishing to travel with a dog in Greece? Here we give you some useful tips and addresses.
Travelling with your dog in Greece
For European travelers coming to Greece with their dogs, here are some of the rules to follow:
- You must be able to present the passport of your pet, mentioning the validity of the rabies vaccine.
- Your pet must have a microchipexcept for dogs born before July 2011, for which a legible tattoo is accepted.
- You must check with the airlines and shipping companies to find out the rules for transportation of your dog by plane or boat before departure.
- If your dog has motion sicknessget some pills.
Travelling by plane with your dog
Dogs can travel by plane. Nevertheless, depending on their size, they will be either in the cabin (generally those under 8kg) or in the hold. In all cases, it is necessary to provide a adapted cage. Some airlines, such as Aegan Airlines, provide a free box.
For dogs travelling in the hold, they are weighed with their cage and the price depends on the weight. For those traveling in the cabin, it is a package deal.
Attention some breeds are not allowed to travel on scheduled flights (snub-nosed dogs, Rottweiler, Staffordshire Terriers). They must then travel on special flights. This can be complicated and very expensive because you have to pay the airline and the company that handles the loading and receiving of the animal in the cargo area.
In all cases, it is essential to check with the airline company about the conditions of transport. We recommend the following link which lists the regulations of more than 160 airlines concerning pets.
Travelling by boat with your dog
On the ferries, There is usually no problem to bring leashed dogs on deck and it is often free. On the other hand, on the hydrofoils, The companies can ask to put them in cages or in dedicated areas and it is then paying.
Again, check with the companies before your departure.
Travelling with your dog on public transport
Dogs under 10kg are allowed allowed to travel in the metro, train and bus provided they are kept on a leash, muzzled or in a cage.
Practical advice if you have a dog in Greece
Greeks are very fond of animals and often have several pets at home. Therefore, you will usually find a benevolence towards you if you travel with your dog. And it is also very easy to find all the amenities your pet needs: food, veterinarian, pet stores, lodging, home services.
In Athens, to let your dog run around, you can go to the many parks and hills provided you keep him on a leash. Same thing on the beaches, the leash is theoretically mandatory. However, when the beaches are not very frequented (especially in winter)It is common to see dogs running free enjoying sea bathing.
Finally, like any good owner, you will have to pick up after your dog.
Some useful addresses:
- Kennels : Lovedogs in Varibombi: the dogs have a large private kennel, space and even a swimming pool.
- Pet sitter It is possible to hire a pet-sitter who will come once or twice a day to feed, walk, cuddle and entertain your dog (about 15€ per visit)?
- Veterinarian Amalia Doika in Kifissia (2106250170), Vassilis Tsoukala speaks French in Nea Kifisia (2106252996)
- Dressage Center Kannellos, Leoforos Spaton 208, Kanza 2106666710/6932293359, Stefanidis in Nea Erithrea (2108073731)
Sophie B. with the precious advice of some passionate friends
