Getting your pet from Spain to Greece is entirely achievable, but the preparation timeline is not flexible.
This route is relatively straightforward compared to some international routes. Start preparations at least 4 weeks before your travel date – some steps have fixed waiting periods that cannot be shortened.
Getting the timing right is critical. Work backwards from your travel date and add a buffer.
Spain vs Greece: Requirements Compared
| Requirement | Spain (exit) | Greece (entry) |
|---|---|---|
| Microchip | Required (ISO standard) | Required (ISO 11784/11785) |
| Rabies vaccination | Required before departure | Required. Minimum age: 12 weeks. 21-day wait after vaccination before travel |
| Rabies titre test | — | Not required |
| Health certificate | AHC required for export to non-EU countries. EU pet passport valid for intra-EU movement. | Required. Issued by: Official veterinarian. Valid for 10 days from issue |
| Quarantine | — | No routine quarantine for compliant pets |
| Export permit | No export permit required for cats and dogs. | — |
| Import permit | — | EU pet passport or health certificate |
Timeline from Start to Arrival
- Microchip your pet (ISO 11784/11785 standard) First step - must be done before any vaccinations. Your veterinarian
- Rabies vaccination After microchip. 21-day wait before next steps. Your veterinarian
- Book IATA-compliant flight and cargo/cabin space 2-4 weeks before travel. Confirm pet space with airline directly. You (or your pet transport agent)
- Obtain official veterinary health certificate Within 10 days of travel (check destination-specific requirement) Official veterinarian
- Travel day: arrive early, present all documentation at cargo desk 3-4 hours before departure for cargo pets; 2 hours for cabin You + airline check-in/cargo desk
Cost Breakdown
| # | Factor |
|---|---|
| 1 | Airline cargo or cabin fees (varies by carrier, route, pet weight, and crate size) |
| 2 | IATA-compliant travel crate (purchase or hire) |
| 3 | Veterinary fees: vaccinations, microchipping, health certificate |
| 4 | Pet transport agent fee (recommended for complex routes) |
Airlines That Serve This Route
Small pets allowed in cabin (up to 8kg including carrier). Cargo transport available for larger pets. Brachycephalic breeds subject to restrictions/seasonal embargoes
Cargo: Emirates SkyCargo handles all pet transport as manifested cargo. Brachycephalic breeds accepted with additional requirements and seasonal restrictions. Temperature embargoes during extreme heat (summer months in Gulf region)
Small pets (up to 8kg with carrier) allowed in cabin. Cargo: larger pets via Lufthansa Cargo in pressurised, temperature-controlled hold. Brachycephalic breeds restricted from cargo year-round
Cargo: Pets transported via British Airways World Cargo in temperature-controlled hold. Book through approved cargo agent. No cabin pets on any route.
Cargo: Pets travel in temperature-controlled hold. Brachycephalic breeds subject to restrictions. Temperature embargoes apply on certain routes/seasons
Cargo: Pets travel as manifested cargo in temperature-controlled hold. Brachycephalic breeds restricted during summer months. Hong Kong AFCD import regulations must be met
Small pets allowed in cabin (up to 8kg including carrier). Cargo: pets transported via KLM Cargo. Temperature restrictions apply. Brachycephalic breeds restricted from cargo
Documents Checklist
Leaving Spain
- Health certificate
- Export permit
- Microchip documentation
- Vaccination records
Entering Greece
- Health certificate (Required. Issued by: Official veterinarian. Valid for 10 …)
- Import permit
- Titre test certificate
- Microchip verification
- Rabies vaccination record
What Owners on This Route Often Miss
Understanding Greece's pet import rules
Compared to some international pet transport routes, Spain to Greece is manageable. That said, every country’s rules are different and the timing requirements are strict.
EU member state. EU rules apply.
Things to sort before you book
Microchip first, then vaccinate. The microchip must be implanted before any rabies vaccination for the vaccination to count. It’s the most common and costly mistake people make.
Get the health certificate from an official (government-approved) veterinarian, not just your regular vet. Some countries have strict requirements about who can sign the certificate. Check the destination authority’s approved list.
If this is your first international pet move, consider using a registered pet transport agent. They handle the documentation, airline booking, crate sizing, and can troubleshoot issues. IPATA-registered agents are the recognised standard.
Questions Owners Ask About This Route
How long does it take to prepare a pet for transport from Spain to Greece?
Does my pet need to quarantine when entering Greece?
Is a rabies titre test required for pets entering Greece?
What health certificate does my pet need for this route?
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