Guide

Travelling with pets

Ferry, plane, train or a trip abroad: what you need, what's allowed and what to check before you go.

🧳 Before you leave

Microchip and a health booklet or EU pet passport with the chip number. Ferries, trains, airlines and public transport ask for them.
A valid rabies vaccination. For travel abroad it only counts if given at 12 weeks of age or older and at least 21 days have passed.
An ID tag on the collar with your mobile number. If your pet gets lost somewhere unfamiliar, it is the fastest way back.
A carrier of the right size: your pet should be able to stand up and turn around. Leave it open at home for a few days beforehand.
A vet visit 1–2 weeks before: parasite protection (leishmaniasis, ticks) and travel-sickness medication if needed. Never give sedatives without a vet’s advice.

Declare your pet when booking and get a ticket (usually free). Tickets can’t be issued on board.
Up to 10 kg: inside the ship, but only in a closed carrier.
Over 10 kg: only on open decks, on a leash and under your supervision, or in the ship’s kennels or a pet cabin where available (book early).
Never in the garage or left in the car: heat and exhaust fumes make it very dangerous.
You need a health booklet or passport with the microchip and rabies vaccination. Up to 5 pets per passenger.

Each airline has its own rules and a limited number of pet places per flight. Declare your pet when booking, not at the airport.
Example, Aegean/Olympic: cats and dogs up to 8 kg including the carrier in the cabin, one per passenger. Heavier pets travel in the hold, with a fee depending on weight.
Minimum age 12 weeks and a rabies vaccination at least 21 days old. Check in at least 1 hour before departure.
Short-nosed breeds (French bulldog, Pekingese, Persian cat and others) are often not accepted in the hold. Ask before you book.

Hellenic Train: pets up to 10 kg travel free, in a carrier up to 50×40×70 cm, on your lap or in the luggage area (50% of the fare if you want a separate seat).
Over 10 kg: in a crate in the luggage van, only on certain routes (e.g. Athens–Thessaloniki IC), up to 2 pets per train, at 50% of the fare.
The pet ticket is only sold at ticket offices. A microchip and health booklet are required.

Dogs and cats up to 10 kg, in a closed carrier up to 70×40×50 cm, kept clear of aisles and doors.
You must carry the health booklet or passport. The fine for breaking the rules is €300.
Guide and assistance dogs travel without a carrier or muzzle, with their training papers.
Taxis: it’s up to the driver. Ask when booking and bring a blanket.

Within the EU (dogs, cats, ferrets): microchip, valid rabies vaccination and an EU pet passport from a vet. Up to 5 pets.
Finland, Ireland, Malta, Northern Ireland, Norway: dogs also need tapeworm treatment from a vet, 24 to 120 hours before entry, recorded in the passport.
Outside the EU: every country has its own rules. Some require a rabies antibody test months in advance. Start preparing with your vet 3–4 months ahead.
Special rules also apply when returning to Greece from outside the EU. Ask your vet before you leave.

Never leave your pet in the car in the sun, not even for a few minutes: the temperature inside climbs dangerously fast.
Water and shade everywhere. Avoid walks on asphalt and sand at midday.
Find the nearest vet and a 24-hour clinic at your destination before you go.
Ask your accommodation whether pets are allowed and on what terms before you book.

Find boarding or someone to feed them at home, with reviews from real bookings.

Company rules change. We checked this information on 27 September 2026; always confirm with the company before you travel.