How to Move Your Pet to Greece from the USA: Complete 2025 Guide & Requirements

Published on October 21, 2025

Moving your pet from the United States to Greece is an exciting journey, but it also comes with health, documentation, and airline requirements that must be followed to ensure a safe and legal entry into the country. From microchips and rabies vaccines to the Annex IV Greek EU Health Certificate and customs clearance, every step must be completed in the correct order and within specific timelines.

This comprehensive guide breaks down everything U.S. pet owners need to know about relocating dogs and cats to Greece in 2025. You’ll find timelines, official requirements, approved documents, and answers to the most common questions asked by pet parents, based on EU regulations and the latest guidance provided by WorldCare Pet’s relocation experts.

Whether you’re moving to Athens, Crete, Thessaloniki, or one of Greece’s beautiful islands, this guide will help you prepare your pet for a smooth, stress-free journey.

Step-by-Step Pet Travel Requirements for Greece

To travel from the United States to Greece with a dog or cat, your pet must meet all EU entry requirements. These steps must be completed in order, and failure to follow them correctly may delay or prevent your pet’s entry into Greece.

Step 1: ISO-Compliant Microchip (Must Be Done First)

Timeframe: Before any rabies vaccination is given.

• Your pet must be implanted with a 15-digit ISO 11784/11785 microchip.
• The microchip must be scannable, readable, and recorded correctly on all documents.
• At every vet visit, ask your vet to scan and confirm the microchip is functioning.
• Proof of microchip implantation date must be provided for entry into Greece.

Note: If your pet was vaccinated for rabies before being microchipped, the rabies vaccine becomes invalid and must be re-administered after the microchip is implanted.

Step 2: Rabies Vaccination

Timeframe: Must be given after microchip implantation, and must be at least 21 days old and less than 1 year upon entry into Greece.

Rabies Certificate Must Include:

• Owner’s full name and address (matching passport)
• Pet’s name, species, breed, sex, age, microchip number
• Vaccine name, manufacturer, batch number, vaccination & expiration date
• Vet’s name, clinic address, license number, signature
• Must be given by a USDA-accredited veterinarian

3-Year Rabies Vaccine Rule:

• Greece accepts a 3-year rabies vaccine only if your pet has never had a lapse in rabies coverage since the initial (primary) vaccine.
  

Step 3: General Vaccinations (Recommended, Not Mandatory)

These are not required by the Greek government but are strongly recommended for your pet’s health and protection while traveling, especially if you plan to board your pet.

For Dogs:

• DHPP+L (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza & Leptospirosis)
  
• Bordetella (Kennel Cough) — should be given within the last 6 months
  

For Cats:

• FVRCP (Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, Panleukopenia)
  

Step 4: EU Annex IV Health Certificate for Greece & USDA Endorsement

Timeframe: Must be completed within 10 days before arrival in Greece.

• A USDA-accredited veterinarian must examine your pet and complete the Greek Annex IV EU Health Certificate.
• If you decide to work with WorldCare Pet Transport, our Documents Department will assist the Veterinarian in obtaining the required USDA Endorsement.
• You (the owner) must also sign the EU Owner Declaration.
  

Note: If your pet travels more than ±5 days before or after you, this is considered a commercial move and different rules may apply.

 Step 5: International Fit-to-Fly Certificate (APHIS 7001 Form)

Timeframe: Must be issued within 10 days before arrival in Greece and is usually done at the same time as the health certificate.

• Issued only by a USDA-accredited veterinarian.
• Confirms your pet is healthy and fit to travel.
• Required by airlines.

Documents for Pet Travel to Greece

The following documents are required for your pets to travel into Greece. 

Document	Purpose	Required?
Annex IV EU Health Certificate	Completed by USDA-accredited vet	Yes
Microchip Certificate	Proof microchip was implanted before rabies	Yes
Rabies Vaccination Certificate	Proof of valid rabies vaccine	Yes
International Fit to Fly Certificate	Proof pet is healthy and meets entry requirements	Yes
Owner Declaration Form	Confirms non-commercial pet travel	Yes

Important Reminders

• All original documents must physically travel with your pet. Copies alone will not be accepted by customs in Greece.
• The owner’s full name on documents must match the passport exactly.
• Keep a backup copy of every document in case airlines misplace originals.

Airline & Travel Crate Requirements for Pets Flying to Greece

To ensure your pet travels safely and is accepted by the airline and Greek customs, your travel crate must meet IATA (International Air Transport Association) standards and EU pet carrier regulations. Greece and airlines will refuse boarding if the carrier does not meet these requirements.

IATA-Compliant Travel Crate Requirements

• Must be hard-sided plastic or fiberglass (no soft carriers allowed for cargo travel)
• Secure metal door with spring-loaded locking mechanism
• Enough space for your pet to:
  • Stand without ears touching the top
  • Turn around comfortably
  • Lie down in a natural position
• Solid, leak-proof bottom lined with absorbent material
• Food & water dishes attached inside the door and refillable from outside

“Paw-Safe” Ventilation Rules for Greece & EU Travel

You must follow IATA & EU laws that require smaller vent openings for pet travel carriers:

Pet Type	Maximum Vent Opening Size	Required?
Dogs	1 inch x 1 inch (2.5 cm x 2.5 cm)	Yes
Cats	3/4 inch x 3/4 in (1.9 cm x 1.9 cm)	Yes

If your crate’s vent openings are larger, it must be modified or replaced to pass check-in. WorldCare Pet Transport can help you select the right IATA-approved carrier.

Sedation is Not Allowed

• Sedated animals will be refused at check-in by airlines.
• Sedation can cause dangerous breathing or heart issues at high altitudes.
• WorldCare and airlines recommend natural calming aids (pheromone sprays, calming shirts, etc.).

Customs Clearance in Greece: What Happens When Your Pet Arrives

Once your pet lands in Greece, they must go through official customs and veterinary inspection before being released to you or your pet relocation agent. This process is strict and follows EU animal import laws.

How Long Does Pet Customs Clearance Take in Greece?

• Customs in Greece typically takes 3 to 4.5 hours from the time your pet lands.
• During this time, pets remain in a customs-controlled area, where photography or updates are not permitted.
• Pets are given fresh water during customs processing.

Common Reasons for Delays at Greek Customs

Delays may occur if:

• Microchip is not readable or does not match documents
• Rabies vaccine is less than 21 days old
• Owner is not arriving within ±5 days of pet (requires commercial process)
• Original documents are missing or incorrect
• Airline delays, labor strikes, extreme temperatures, or cargo overcapacity impact arrival timing

Frequently Asked Questions: Pet Travel from USA to Greece

What are the pet travel requirements for Greece from the USA?

To bring a pet from the U.S. to Greece, your dog or cat must have:

• An ISO 15-digit microchip implanted before the rabies vaccine
• A valid rabies vaccination that is at least 21 days old at time of entry
• A completed Annex IV Greek EU Health Certificate endorsed by the USDA within 10 days of travel
• An Owner Declaration Form, APHIS 7001 Fit-to-Fly Certificate, and original vaccination records
• All documents must travel with your pet.

Does Greece require a rabies titer (FAVN blood test) for pets?

No. Greece does not require a rabies titer (FAVN test) if you are traveling from the United States, which is considered a rabies-controlled country.

How long does customs take for pets in Greece?

Pet customs clearance in Greece usually takes 3 to 4.5 hours. During this time, pets stay in a customs-controlled area, and updates or photos are not allowed. Once cleared, your pet is released to you or the pet relocation agent.

Can I sedate my pet for the flight to Greece?

No. Airlines and Greek authorities do not allow sedation, as it can cause breathing and heart issues at high altitude. Sedated pets will be refused at check-in.

Final Thoughts & How WorldCare Pet Transport Can Help

Relocating your pet to Greece is more than a move, it’s a journey filled with planning, paperwork, and love. From microchipping and rabies vaccinations to a USDA-endorsed health certificate and customs clearance, every step must be completed accurately and on time to ensure your pet’s safe entry into the country.

While the process may seem overwhelming, you don’t have to navigate it alone.

At WorldCare Pet Transport, we handle every detail, from providing vet appointment plans and completing government forms to booking flights, providing IATA approved travel crates, and working directly with customs officials in Greece. Our team has decades of experience relocating pets worldwide, ensuring your dog and/or cat arrives safely, comfortably, and legally.

Why Pet Parents Trust WorldCare Pet

• USDA & EU documentation handled for you
• Personalized move plans and timeline reminders
• Airline booking, crate guidance, and travel coordination
• 24/7 emergency support during travel
• Partners in Greece ready to greet and clear your pet through customs

 Ready to Get Started?

If you’re planning to move your pet to Greece, the best first step is to complete our Free Request a Quote Form. A dedicated team member will contact you with the next steps tailored to your pet, timeline, and destination.

Thank you for trusting WorldCare Pet to be part of your journey. We can’t wait to help reunite your family in Greece, we are truly the heart of your move!