Moving With Pets: Stress-Free Relocation Tips From Allied Greece
Pets are family too, and moving with them takes its own kind of planning. At Allied — The Careful Movers Greece, we’ve put together practical guidance to help your dogs, cats, and other animal companions transition smoothly to a new home, whether you’re relocating within Greece or making an international move.
Before You Move: Prepare Early
Start with a visit to your veterinarian to:
- Assess your pet’s overall health
- Update vaccination records
- Obtain a health certificate, which is mandatory for certain destinations
- Discuss options if your pet gets anxious during travel
Also double-check that your pet’s ID tags and microchip details reflect your new contact information before moving day arrives.
Traveling With Pets by Car
If your pet is riding along in the car:
- Get them used to car rides with a few short trips beforehand
- Avoid feeding them for about 7 hours before departure
- Pack fresh water, snacks, and familiar bedding
- Plan regular stops for exercise and bathroom breaks
- Never leave your pet unattended in the vehicle
- Keep small pets in a well-ventilated, draft-free carrier — covering it can help keep them calm
Air Travel With Pets: What You Need to Know
If your pet is flying:
- Contact the airline early to understand their pet travel policies
- Choose direct flights where possible to minimize stress
- Use a certified air travel kennel large enough for your pet to stand and turn around in
- Let your pet get familiar with the kennel in the days before travel
- Label the kennel clearly with “Live Animal,” your pet’s name, destination address, and your phone number
- Confirm with a flight attendant after boarding that your pet is safely on board
Entry Requirements for Pets in Greece
Bringing a pet into Greece means meeting a few regulatory requirements:
- Microchip identification. Pets must be microchipped with a device that meets ISO standards.
- Rabies vaccination. A valid rabies vaccination given at least 21 days before entry is mandatory.
- Pet passport. An EU pet passport, or an equivalent veterinary certificate detailing microchip and vaccination information, is required.
- Health certificate. A certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian within 10 days of travel may be needed, particularly for pets arriving from non-EU countries.
- Entry points. Pets must enter through designated border crossings equipped for animal inspections.
Certain breeds may face additional restrictions, so it’s worth confirming details with Greek authorities or your Allied relocation consultant ahead of time.
Settling In: Making Your New Home Pet-Friendly
- Set up a comfortable, quiet space where your pet can rest and adjust
- Check the new home for hazards and remove anything risky
- Stick to your pet’s usual routine as much as possible for a sense of stability
- Introduce new rooms and the surrounding neighborhood gradually
You Don’t Have to Figure This Out Alone
Relocating with pets doesn’t have to be stressful with the right preparation. Allied Greece’s relocation consultants are happy to help with pet-specific questions as part of your broader move — explore our moving resources hub, or reach out through About Allied Greece for support tailored to your family and your animals.