Travelling with pets

Regulations and procedures for the transportation of pets vary amongst airlines and destinations. Depending on its breed and size, your pet will travel in the cabin, in the aircraft hold, or transferred as cargo.  

Check with your airline early enough all the requirements for your trip: pet passport, extra documentation if needed, booking along with animal registration, microchip, vaccination, etc. Verify which is the recommended crate/container & make sure your pet gets used to it before your departure.  

Special requirements apply to guide or assistance dogs who can travel on board. The airline must be informed in advance and inform you if additional documentation is needed.  

It is also important to check all the rules applying to pet transportation according to your country of origin & destination.

EU rules on travelling with pets and other animals in the EU

Information and requirements published by the Ministry of Rural Development and Food can be found here. 

IATA guidelines regarding pet transportation may be found here.

According to Athens Airport house rules, dogs & other pets must always be escorted by their owners, wear a leash, a muzzle if required, or be in their crate.  

If your pet is a dog, it is a good idea to take a short walk outside before checking-in.   

Check-in your pet on time, according to your airline’s recommendation.

A special Animal Care facility inside the Terminal is available in the Non-Schengen Departures Area of the main terminal building, in the controlled area after Passport Control. Aiming at facilitating passengers traveling with pets or service animals to Non-Schengen destinations who have already passed through Passport Control, as well as connecting passengers who cannot go outside the Terminal, a separate, closed, specially designed facility has been created next to Departure Gate A15.  

Look for the special signage leading to the area. Thank you for your help in keeping the facility clean after use!