Greece and Italy are both EU member states, so this is one of the simpler international pet moves you can make. Your pet travels on an EU Pet Passport, and there is no quarantine, no import permit, and no third-country health certificate process.
The main task is making sure your pet’s rabies vaccination is current and recorded in their passport before travel. If vaccinations have lapsed, you need to wait 21 days after the booster before you can travel.
Plan four to six weeks ahead, mainly to sort any vaccination gaps and book your airline pet space.
Documents Required for This Route
| Document | Notes |
|---|---|
| Health certificate | EU Pet Passport. No separate health certificate needed for intra-EU movement. Italy follows EU Regulation 2019/2035 for companion animal movement. |
| Microchip record | Required (ISO 11784/11785). Must be readable and recorded in the EU Pet Passport. |
| Rabies vaccination record | Required. Must be current and recorded in the EU Pet Passport. Initial vaccination valid from 21 days after administration. |
| Rabies titre test | Not required for intra-EU movement from Greece. |
| Import permit | Not required for intra-EU movement. |
| Export permit (Greece) | {'required': False} |
| Export health certificate | EU Pet Passport serves as the travel document for intra-EU movement. Must be issued or updated by a government-authorised veterinarian in Greece. |
How the Process Works
Italy: Entry Requirements for Pets
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Microchip | Required (ISO 11784/11785). Must be readable and recorded in the EU Pet Passport. |
| Rabies vaccination | Required. Must be current and recorded in the EU Pet Passport. Initial vaccination valid from 21 days after administration. |
| Rabies titre test | Not required for intra-EU movement from Greece. |
| Quarantine | No quarantine required for EU to EU travel with compliant documentation. |
| Import permit | Not required for intra-EU movement. |
| Health certificate | EU Pet Passport. No separate health certificate needed for intra-EU movement. Italy follows EU Regulation 2019/2035 for companion animal movement. |
Leaving Greece: Export Requirements
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Export permit | {'required': False} |
| Health certificate | EU Pet Passport serves as the travel document for intra-EU movement. Must be issued or updated by a government-authorised veterinarian in Greece. |
What This Route Typically Costs
| # | Cost factor |
|---|---|
| 1 | Airline pet fee (cabin or cargo, varies by carrier) |
| 2 | IATA-compliant carrier or crate if travelling cargo |
| 3 | Veterinary fee for EU Pet Passport update (if vaccinations need updating) |
Critical Points — Read Before You Book
EU Pet Passport: the only document you need
For travel between EU member states, the EU Pet Passport replaces all other health documentation. It records your pet’s microchip number, vaccination history, and any treatments such as tapeworm.
The passport must be issued or updated by a veterinarian authorised by the Greek competent authority (the Ministry of Rural Development and Food). Standard private vets can issue these.
Italy applies EU Regulation 2019/2035 for companion animal movement. No separate import process or permit is required for dogs and cats.
Vaccination rules for intra-EU travel
The one rule that catches people out is the 21-day gap. A fresh rabies vaccination is not valid for travel until 21 days after it is given. If your pet’s vaccination has lapsed and you need to revaccinate, build those three weeks into your timeline.
Once vaccinated and past the 21-day mark, keep the vaccination current with annual boosters. A lapsed booster means the same 21-day wait applies again.
Airlines on the Greece to Italy route
Aegean Airlines is the main Greek carrier and allows cabin pets on most routes to Italy. ITA Airways (based in Rome) is the primary Italian full-service option and also accepts cabin pets.
Budget carriers like Ryanair operate this route but do not accept pets. Vueling accepts cabin pets and is worth checking if fares are relevant.
Cabin pet space is limited. Book as early as possible and confirm your booking by phone or email, not just the website. Airline policies can change.
Frequently Asked Questions
Other Routes to Consider
Start your journey
Get Your Free Quote
Enter your pet's details and route
Quotes are tailored to your specific journey.