Pet Transport from Greece to the United States: 2026 Guide
Greece is classified as a low-risk country by the CDC for dog rabies. That classification makes this one of the more manageable international pet transport routes. There is no titre test, no mandatory quarantine, and dogs can arrive at any US port of entry. …
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.
What does CDC low-risk classification mean for my pet?
The CDC overhauled its dog import rules in August 2024. Under the current system, countries are divided into high-risk and low-risk (or rabies-free) for dog rabies. Greece sits in the low-risk category, which means the requirements for bringing your dog to the US are significantly lighter than for pets coming from countries with higher rabies risk.
For dogs from Greece, the requirements are: a completed CDC Dog Import Form (free, completed online before departure), a microchip readable by a universal scanner, a dog that is at least 6 months old, and a dog that appears healthy when it arrives. That is the full federal requirement.
Cats are completely separate. There are no federal vaccination, testing, or quarantine requirements for cats entering the US from any country. If you are moving your cat, the process is straightforward.
What Greece-side paperwork does my pet need?
From the Greece end, your pet needs an official veterinary health certificate endorsed by the Hellenic Ministry of Rural Development and Food (DAAOK). This is issued by an authorised official vet, not just any practice. Allow a few days for the endorsement process, and remember the certificate must be issued within 10 days of your travel date.
Your EU pet passport documents the microchip number and vaccination history, which you will carry alongside the health certificate and your CDC Dog Import Form receipt. The passport does not replace the health certificate for US travel purposes, but it is the clearest record of your pet’s vaccination and identification history.
There is no export permit required from Greece to export a companion pet to the US.
Which airlines fly pets from Athens to the US?
No airline currently operates pet-in-cabin services on transatlantic routes from Athens. Your dog travels as manifested cargo, either directly or via a European hub.
Aegean Airlines carries pets to some US destinations via connections. Lufthansa routes via Frankfurt to a wide range of US cities; their cargo service is reliable and well-established for pets. KLM connects via Amsterdam. British Airways connects via London Heathrow, though note a UK transit adds a leg and you should confirm pet transit handling at Heathrow.
Summer heat is worth planning around. Athens can get very hot June through August, and airlines apply temperature embargoes that can prevent pet cargo acceptance. If you have flexibility, aim for September to May departures.