Last reviewed: 27 July 2026·Apolo Wellness

At a glance

Typical journey type: Moving to Greece with a pet, from any origin country

Main planning decisions

  • Which transport method fits your pet, route and timeline
  • Whether you'll travel with your pet or arrange separate transport
  • What needs booking first: your own travel, or the pet's

Information to prepare

  • Origin country and city
  • Approximate or flexible travel date
  • Species, breed and weight
  • Whether you're travelling with your pet

Services the enquiry may involve

  • Pet relocation
  • Travel-crate guidance
  • Airport collection in Athens
  • Temporary boarding
  • Ongoing local pet care after arrival

Your provider confirms current requirements, timing and pricing for your specific journey — this is a planning overview, not a quote.

When to begin planning

There's no fixed rule, but route, airline availability, documentation and your pet's own needs can all affect timing. Earlier is generally easier than later, particularly for origins outside the EU.

Information to collect before requesting a quote

Your route, dates, pet's breed, age, weight and any medical or behavioural notes. The more a provider has upfront, the faster they can quote.

Air travel versus road travel

The best option depends on distance, cost, your pet's comfort and your own travel plans. A provider can discuss the available options for your specific route.

Comparing pet-travel methods. Not every method is available on every route — your provider confirms what actually applies.
Method May suit Main questions What affects availability What the provider must confirm
In-cabin travel Small pets that meet the airline's in-cabin size and weight limits Does the airline allow in-cabin pets on this route, and does the carrier fit under the seat Airline policy, aircraft type, and how many in-cabin pet spaces the flight allows Exact carrier dimensions, breed restrictions and the booking deadline
Accompanied baggage (where available) Pets travelling with their owner on the same flight, checked as baggage Does this airline and route offer accompanied baggage for pets, and what are the crate rules Airline, route, season and temperature restrictions (many airlines suspend this in extreme heat) Crate specification, check-in procedure and any seasonal embargo dates
Manifest cargo Larger pets, or journeys where the owner isn't travelling on the same flight Which cargo agent handles the booking, and what documentation they require Cargo space on the route, seasonal embargoes and live-animal handling capacity Handling agent, transit arrangements and the delivery/collection process
Road transport Routes where flying isn't necessary or preferred, within a practical driving distance How many stops, overnight stays and border crossings are involved Distance, the specific countries crossed and vehicle/driver availability Vehicle setup, rest-stop plan and any transit-country pet rules
Owner travelling with the pet Owners who want to be present for check-in and arrival Whether the owner's flight and the pet's transport method can realistically align Whether the airline allows pets on the owner's specific flight and cabin class Whether the owner needs to be present at check-in, security or arrival
Pet travelling separately Owners travelling before or after their pet, or when no combined option fits Who collects the pet at departure and delivers it on arrival Cargo or courier capacity and the provider's own scheduling The full custody chain from collection to delivery, and how updates are provided

Travelling with the owner versus separately

Both are common. Some underlying health and identification requirements may overlap, but booking classifications, documentation, carrier rules and arrival procedures can differ. The provider must confirm what applies to your specific journey.

Documentation questions

Typical questions a provider will ask include: is your pet microchipped, when was the rabies vaccination given, do you have (or need) a pet passport or health certificate, and has an official veterinary check been booked close to travel. Your vet and provider will confirm what's genuinely required for your specific origin and date.

Crate questions

A travel crate needs to allow your pet to stand, turn and lie down comfortably, and meet your airline's specific construction and ventilation rules. See our crate sizing guide, then confirm the exact crate against your airline or provider's current requirements.

Veterinary coordination

Vaccination timing, microchipping and any required health checks are usually coordinated with your own vet well ahead of travel. A provider can tell you what paperwork they'll need from your vet.

Arrival support in Athens

Airport collection may be available through an independent provider, subject to the route, timing and current provider availability.

Temporary boarding after arrival

Useful if your new home isn't ready the moment you land. See Dog Boarding in Athens.

Moving more than one pet

Let us know how many pets on the enquiry form. Logistics, crating and documentation can differ when more than one animal is travelling together.

Urgent moves

If your timeline is tight, mention it on the enquiry form so we can flag the urgency when reviewing. A provider's ability to accommodate a short timeline still depends on your route and documentation status.

Common causes of delay

Incomplete documentation, missed vaccination or waiting-period windows, and limited availability on specific routes or crate sizes are common causes of delay. Starting early and confirming requirements sooner reduces the risk.

Cost factors

Typical cost factors include route and distance, transport method, crate size, whether the owner travels with the pet, and any additional services like airport collection or boarding. A provider can quote against your specific requirements, Apolo does not set or publish invented price ranges for services it doesn't itself deliver.

Questions to ask the provider

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

Finding ongoing pet services

Once you are settled, dog walking is available directly from Apolo in selected Athens areas. Grooming, veterinary support and other local services may be researched through independent providers, subject to availability. See Pet Services in Athens.

Official sources

Requirements change, and airline policy, provider practice and general planning advice are three different things. These are official or industry sources to confirm current requirements directly, each checked on 27 July 2026.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a pet passport to bring my dog or cat to Greece?

Greece follows the relevant EU and origin-country requirements for pet entry, which typically involve microchipping, rabies vaccination and appropriate documentation. Confirm the exact current requirements for your specific origin country with the official sources below or your provider.

How long before travel should I start?

There's no fixed rule, but route, airline availability, documentation and your pet's own needs can all affect timing. Earlier is generally easier than later, especially for non-EU origins.

Can Apolo tell me exactly what documents I need?

No. Requirements vary by origin country, airline and date, and can change. Apolo is not a substitute for official government guidance, your vet or your chosen provider's current advice.

What if I only need help after I've already arrived?

That's fine. Use the same enquiry form and mention you only need boarding, walking or other local help once your pet is in Greece.