Bringing Your Dog to Athens? What You’ll Want to Prepare

 Travelling to Athens with your dog might seem a little daunting at first, but with a bit of forward planning, it can be surprisingly smooth. The city might be best known for its ancient landmarks and lively street life, but it also has space for quieter moments, the sort that suit a four-legged travel companion just fine.

Greece is fairly welcoming to dogs, especially in public outdoor areas, and Athens is no exception. You’ll see locals walking their pets through the shaded paths of Filopappou Hill or stopping at pavement cafés where dogs are often greeted with a smile and a bowl of water. Still, bringing your dog to a new country does take a bit of care.

Before You Go

It’s always best to start with the paperwork. If you’re coming from within the EU, your dog will need a pet passport and a recent rabies jab. If you’re travelling from the UK or further afield, check the current requirements for Greece, regulations can shift slightly depending on where you’re coming from. Microchipping is essential, and you’ll want to make sure the details are current, just in case your pet gets lost.

For flights, every airline has its own rules. Smaller dogs may be allowed in the cabin, but larger ones typically travel in the cargo hold, which means investing in a travel crate. If your dog hasn’t flown before, or hasn’t spent time in a crate, giving them a chance to get used to it in advance will help make the journey less stressful.

Day-to-Day in the City

Athens can be a joy to explore, but it gets hot quickly. Summer days often begin comfortably and grow intense by noon. When you’re walking your dog, aim for early mornings or late evenings. The pavements can become too hot for paws by midday, and dogs not used to the Mediterranean heat may feel the strain.

The city has a few lovely green spaces that make great walking spots. The National Garden is right in the centre and offers shaded paths, while Filopappou Hill feels almost like a small escape from the urban buzz. Just keep in mind that not all public places are dog-friendly, particularly historic sites, so it’s worth checking ahead before heading out for the day.

Plenty of cafés and restaurants, particularly those with outdoor seating, are happy to host dogs. Most won’t mind at all if your dog is calm and stays close by your feet. A quick word with the staff as you arrive usually settles any uncertainty.

Getting Around by Car

If you’re thinking of venturing beyond the city, perhaps to the coast or into the hills, rent a car in Athens. It is probably your best option. Public transport doesn’t always cater well for pets, especially larger dogs, and the flexibility of a hire car makes things easier for everyone involved.

That said, not every rental agency allows animals, so it’s wise to check directly before booking. A quick phone call often clears things up faster than trying to piece together policies online. Bringing along a familiar blanket or cushion can help your dog settle during longer drives, and most dogs take to the car just fine as long as you give them regular breaks.

Make sure your dog is secured properly, whether with a safety harness or in a crate, and never leave them in the car unattended, even for a short stop. Greek summers can be fierce, and it doesn’t take long for a parked vehicle to become dangerously hot.

Looking After Your Dog While Abroad

Being in a new city can unsettle even the calmest of dogs. They’ll be taking in all sorts of unfamiliar sights, smells and sounds, so it helps to keep things predictable where you can. Stick to a regular feeding schedule, offer plenty of water, and let them rest when needed. A tired dog isn’t necessarily a happy one. So just in case, you’ll want to inform yourself about the best vet services near you.

You’ll find pet shops, vets and even groomers across Athens, so you’re not far from help if something crops up. With a bit of thought and a relaxed attitude, bringing your dog to Athens can make your visit feel more grounded, like home, just somewhere a little warmer and a little older.