Last reviewed: 27 July 2026·Apolo Wellness

Planning the route

Possible options for a UK-to-Greece move include air and, for some routes, road travel. Depending on the airline, route and booking classification, the right option depends on your dog's size, your own travel plans and your timeline. Start by working out your rough travel window, then get in touch early. Availability on some routes fills up.

Information to collect

Before you request a quote, have ready: your departure and arrival locations, target date and flexibility, your dog's breed, age and weight, whether you're travelling with them, and what you already know about their microchip, vaccination and passport status. "Unsure" is a fine answer for most of these at this stage.

Owner-accompanied vs arranged transport

Some owners fly with their dog as accompanied baggage or in-cabin (subject to airline and size rules), others use an arranged pet-transport service. The best option depends on your own travel plans and your dog's size and temperament. A provider can talk through what's realistic for your situation.

Air vs road

Air is faster but road is sometimes preferred for larger dogs or anxious travellers, especially combined with a Channel crossing and a drive through Europe. Cost, time and your dog's comfort all factor in.

Travel-crate preparation

Whatever the route, crate training in advance makes the actual journey far less stressful. See our crate sizing guide, and confirm the final crate against your airline or transport provider's own requirements, not just general guidance.

Documentation questions to confirm

Pet travel documentation requirements are set by the destination country and airline, and they do change, so treat anything you read online (including this guide) as a starting point, not a final answer. Ask your chosen provider directly what's currently required for a UK-to-Greece dog move, and confirm timing, since some steps have to happen a minimum time before travel.

Boarding after arrival

If your new home isn't ready the moment you land, temporary boarding in Athens can bridge the gap. Worth arranging before you travel rather than after.

Services in Athens

After arrival, dog walking is provided directly by Apolo in selected Athens areas. Grooming, veterinary support, boarding and other specialist services may be researched through independent providers where available. An introduction or booking cannot be guaranteed. See Pet Services in Athens.

Common planning mistakes

  • Leaving documentation until the last minute, when some steps have minimum lead times.
  • Buying a crate before confirming the required dimensions with the airline or provider.
  • Assuming every airline has the same pet policy on this route.
  • Not arranging what happens in the first few days after arrival, such as boarding or a vet check.
  • Booking the owner's flight before confirming the pet's transport arrangements.

Questions to ask a provider

See our dedicated guide: Questions to Ask Before Choosing a Pet Relocation Company.

Official sources

This route means leaving Great Britain, so the relevant UK guidance is about taking a pet abroad, not the separate guidance for entering Great Britain. Checked on 27 July 2026.