Pet Transport from Greece to the United States: 2026 Guide
Planning a pet relocation from Greece to United States is easier when you work backwards from your travel date. Allow around 4-8 weeks. The requirements are modest compared with stricter destinations. Pets with correct documentation skip quarantine entirely. …
The Greece to United States import process
Every step must be completed in sequence. A single missed deadline can add months to your timeline. We own the entire process.
Responsible: Your vet in Greece
Responsible: Your vet in Greece
Responsible: You (owner)
Responsible: You or your pet transport agent
Responsible: Official vet in Greece
Responsible: You + airline cargo desk
What your pet needs to enter United States
Every item must be verified before your pet can board. We track each one against current standards.
What this route typically costs
Critical points
Greece is CDC low-risk, but your dog still needs a completed CDC Dog Import Form before travel. Do not skip this step. It is free and takes 10-15 minutes online.
Some US states and cities have breed-specific legislation (BSL) that restricts certain breeds. Check your destination state laws before travel. There is no federal US breed ban, but local rules vary.
Summer heat at Athens can restrict cargo pet acceptance. June to August is high-risk for cargo refusals on certain aircraft. Spring and autumn are more reliable for cargo pet travel.
If your dog transits through the UK as a cargo layover (via British Airways), ensure the transit does not require UK import documentation. A pure transit without leaving the cargo hold typically does not. Confirm with the airline.
Approved carriers for this route
Not all airlines accept live animals. We book only with carriers that handle live animal cargo correctly.
How United States handles incoming pets
What experienced owners do
Check the airline’s crate size and labelling rules early. An undersized or wrongly labelled crate is a frequent reason pets are refused at check-in.
Ask about temperature embargoes for your travel window. Summer and winter cargo restrictions can rule out certain routes and dates entirely.
Microchip before you vaccinate. The microchip must be in place before the rabies shot for the vaccination to count, and getting this order wrong is the most common and costly mistake.
Use an official, government-authorised vet for the health certificate, not just your usual clinic. Many destinations only accept certificates signed by an approved vet.