Greece – Veterinary Care

What is the standard of veterinary care in Greece?

The quality of veterinary care available in Greece is generally high. Clinics and veterinary hospitals can be found throughout the country, with the greatest concentration in Athens, the capital. Greek vets are thoroughly trained and have access to contemporary diagnostic technology and treatment options.

Pet owners living in Greece can expect their vet to offer comprehensive wellness checks, routine surgical procedures, and emergency services. In the larger metropolitan areas, specialist referral centres — including practices focused on cardiology, oncology, and orthopaedics — are becoming more common, though these remain largely concentrated in Athens and Thessaloniki rather than distributed evenly across the country.

After-hours emergency services in Greece are less systematically organised than in some northern European nations. Athens does have several around-the-clock clinics, but in smaller towns and on the islands, out-of-hours care may rely on individual vets being reachable by telephone. Anyone relocating to a rural area or a smaller island should take the time to identify the closest emergency option before it becomes necessary.

Greece currently has more than 4,000 practising veterinarians. A significant share works within central and regional departments of the Ministry of Agriculture and in prefectural veterinary services, while a growing proportion operates in private practice. As a result, private clinics are distributed across the country, though the density drops considerably outside of urban centres.

As an EU member state, Greece trains its veterinarians to European standards. The Hellenic Veterinary Medical Society (HVMS), one of the country’s oldest scientific organisations, has been active since its founding in 1924. The HVMS produces a quarterly scientific journal, hosts conferences and workshops, and plays a central role in the continuing professional development of Greek vets and veterinary students — contributing to the sustained quality of the profession.

Is there a national veterinary association in Greece?

The principal national body representing veterinarians in Greece is the Panhellenic Veterinary Association (PVE), which was founded in 1961. It serves as the official representative organisation for Greek veterinarians and functions as the union of private practitioners, while a separate body — the Pan-Hellenic Union of Veterinary Officers — represents vets employed across the broader public sector.

The Panhellenic Veterinary Association carries direct relevance for pet owners because it is the body responsible for issuing pet passports in Greece. It is also required to maintain an electronic database containing complete identification records for registered animals, making it more than a simple professional membership body.

Pet animals travelling within Europe must be accompanied by a pet passport issued by the Panhellenic Veterinary Association, with the validity of the anti-rabies vaccination confirmed by an authorised veterinarian who holds PVE membership. This means that when selecting a vet for travel-related documentation, you should verify in advance that they are a registered PVE member.

In addition to the PVE, the Geotechnical Chamber of Greece (GEOTEE) — established under Law 1474/1984 as a government adviser on geotechnical matters — is the licensing authority through which veterinary surgeons obtain the right to practise in Greece. GEOTEE membership is a requirement for any vet wishing to operate legally, making it the key body for verifying a vet’s licence to practise.

For scientific development and continuing education, the Hellenic Veterinary Medical Society (HVMS), founded in 1924, plays a central role through its publications, conferences, and professional development activities. The HVMS website can be found at hvms.gr/en.

Pet owners who wish to confirm a vet’s qualifications or locate authorised practitioners should contact the Panhellenic Veterinary Association or GEOTEE directly, since membership and licensing information may be updated over time. Always check with the relevant body for the most current details before making decisions about a vet’s stated credentials.

How do I find a vet in Greece, and are multilingual vets available?

Greece has a wide range of veterinary clinics and hospitals, and finding a vet who can communicate in languages other than Greek is fairly straightforward, especially in larger urban centres. Athens and Thessaloniki both have substantial expat populations, and vets in these cities regularly speak English and sometimes additional European languages. Popular tourist islands such as Corfu, Rhodes, and Crete also tend to have practitioners who are accustomed to working with international clients.

In more remote mainland areas and on smaller islands, language differences may pose more of a challenge. Bringing a translated summary of your pet’s medical history and vaccination records to appointments can make these interactions considerably smoother. Greek is the professional language of veterinary practice in the country, and while many younger vets have trained abroad or followed European programmes, fluency in other languages cannot be taken for granted outside of major centres.

There are several practical approaches to locating a vet. Searching Google Maps for “κτηνίατρος” (veterinarian) or “veterinarian Greece” in your locality is a convenient first step and typically returns reviews and contact information. Expat community forums — including the Expat Focus Greece community and region-specific Facebook groups for expats in Greece — are widely used sources of personal recommendations. Local neighbourhood groups on Facebook can be particularly helpful for those based on the islands.

Both the Hellenic Companion Animal Veterinary Society (HCAVS) and the Hellenic Veterinary Medical Society (HVMS) maintain online resources where information about qualified practitioners and specialist services is available. For official directories of licensed veterinarians, you can also reach out directly to the Panhellenic Veterinary Association or your local regional veterinary authority.

What vaccinations and preventive treatments does my pet need in Greece?

The combination of Greece’s Mediterranean climate, its varied terrain, and its substantial population of stray animals creates a distinct set of disease and parasite risks that may be quite different from those in northern Europe or other temperate regions. Your Greek vet will be best placed to recommend a preventive programme suited to local conditions, but the following are the areas most commonly highlighted.

Core vaccinations for dogs typically cover distemper, parvovirus, infectious hepatitis, and rabies. Rabies vaccination is a legal requirement for travel within and out of Greece, and is also strongly advised on welfare grounds for all dogs given the country’s large stray population. Leptospirosis vaccination is widely recommended, particularly for dogs that spend time outdoors or have access to rivers and beaches.

Core vaccinations for cats generally include feline herpesvirus, calicivirus, and panleukopenia (commonly referred to as the “cat flu” combination), as well as feline leukaemia virus (FeLV) — a particularly relevant vaccine in Greece given the high numbers of outdoor stray cats with which domestic cats may come into contact.

Parasite prevention is a serious concern for pet owners in Greece. Leishmaniasis — a potentially fatal disease spread by sandflies — is endemic across much of the country, including both mainland and island areas. This disease is rarely encountered in northern Europe, and all dogs living in Greece should follow a preventive programme. This typically combines regular use of sandfly-repellent products such as spot-ons or collars with vaccination in many cases. Ask your vet for guidance specific to your region.

Tick-borne diseases including Ehrlichia, Babesia, and Mediterranean spotted fever are prevalent, and year-round tick prevention is strongly advised. Heartworm (Dirofilaria), spread by mosquitoes, is also present in Greece and regular preventive treatment is recommended. Routine flea and intestinal worm treatments are necessary as they would be in most countries.

Recommendations will vary based on where in Greece you live, the time of year, and your individual animal’s circumstances. A vet registered and practising locally in Greece is the most reliable source of current, region-specific guidance — advice from vets in other countries may not accurately reflect the disease risks in your particular part of Greece.

What does veterinary care cost in Greece?

Veterinary fees in Greece tend to be lower than in many Western European countries, broadly comparable to or slightly above those in other southern European nations. Prices differ between practices, between urban and rural settings, and between general and specialist care. The figures below are intended as a rough guide only — always confirm current pricing directly with individual clinics, as fees are subject to change.

As a general indication (as of 2023–2024), a standard consultation at an urban practice in Greece typically falls in the range of €25–€50. Vaccination appointments for dogs or cats, including the consultation fee, generally range from €40–€80 depending on the vaccines required and the clinic’s location. Spaying or neutering — now carrying added legal significance under new sterilisation rules — typically costs between approximately €100 and €250 for routine procedures, varying with the animal’s size and the practice.

Veterinary service costs rose by roughly 15% compared to the preceding year, according to figures cited in 2023. Practitioners have pointed to significant increases in the price of supplies and materials, though clinics treating high volumes of animals may offer some reduction on routine work. Pet owners should therefore expect the cost of veterinary care to continue shifting and should not rely on older price estimates.

Under the current animal welfare legislation, owners who choose not to sterilise their companion animal are required to submit a DNA sample. The original one-off cost was €135 per animal, but as of October 2024 this was reduced to between €40 and €70 per animal, with a capped veterinary fee of €50 for collection and dispatch of the sample.

Emergency and out-of-hours treatment, referrals to specialists, advanced imaging such as MRI or CT scanning, endoscopy, and oncology care all carry substantially higher costs. As in most countries, arranging pet insurance or setting aside a dedicated emergency fund is a sensible step for managing unexpected medical expenses.

Is pet insurance available in Greece, and is it worth it?

Pet insurance does exist in Greece, though the market is considerably less mature than in countries where such cover has been widely adopted for many years, such as Sweden, the Netherlands, or the UK. The selection of providers and policy types is narrower, and not every insurer operating in the Greek market will offer comprehensive pet health coverage. That said, the sector is expanding, driven partly by rising pet ownership levels and partly by the increased financial responsibilities that new legislation places on owners.

The types of cover available in Greece generally include accident-only policies, combined accident-and-illness policies, and in some instances annual wellness packages covering preventive care. Premiums depend on species, breed, age, and the level of cover selected. As is standard in most insurance markets, policies for older animals or breeds predisposed to specific health problems tend to attract higher premiums, and pre-existing conditions are routinely excluded.

Some international insurers offering expat-focused products may include pets within a broader household coverage package — it is worth reviewing your existing insurance arrangements before seeking a dedicated Greek policy. Comparison platforms for Greek insurance products, such as InsuranceMarket.gr, can help you review available options, though pet-specific products may not always be listed. When reviewing any policy, pay close attention to: per-condition or annual coverage limits; exclusions for pre-existing conditions; whether specialist referrals and emergency treatment are included; and any geographic restrictions if you plan to travel within Europe with your pet.

Given the potential cost of serious veterinary treatment in Greece and the genuine disease risks — particularly leishmaniasis, which requires ongoing management if a dog contracts it — many expat pet owners find that insurance or a dedicated savings reserve provides important financial reassurance. Whether insurance represents value for money will ultimately depend on your pet’s species, age, breed, and health background.

What are the rules for bringing a pet into Greece?

As an EU member state, Greece applies the EU’s harmonised regulations for the non-commercial movement of pet animals. The specific requirements differ depending on whether you are travelling from another EU country or from a country outside the EU. Failure to comply can result in your pet being placed in quarantine or refused entry entirely, so thorough preparation and adequate lead time are essential.

The steps below apply to dogs, cats, and ferrets. Different rules govern other species such as birds, rodents, and reptiles — contact the Greek Ministry of Rural Development and Food for up-to-date guidance on those animals.

1. Microchip your pet. Greece requires all pets to carry an electronic identification chip compliant with ISO standards 11784 (15 digits) or 11785 (readable at 134.2 kHz). If the chip does not conform to either of these standards, you must bring a reader capable of scanning it. Older tattoo identification remains valid, but you must be able to demonstrate that the tattoo was applied before 3 July 2011.
2. Vaccinate against rabies after microchipping. All dogs, cats, and ferrets over 12 weeks of age entering Greece must have documentary proof of a current rabies vaccination that was given at the same time as — or after — the microchip was implanted. Any rabies vaccine administered before the animal’s identity was established through the microchip will not be accepted. The vaccination must have taken place at least 21 days before arrival in Greece and must not be more than one year old.
3. Obtain an official health certificate or EU pet passport. Pets entering Greece from a non-EU country must be accompanied by a veterinary certificate issued and endorsed by a government-authorised vet in the country of origin. Pets already carrying an EU pet passport — such as those relocating from within the EU — must travel with that document, issued by the Panhellenic Veterinary Association.
4. Check the EU 5-day rule if travelling from outside the EU. Where a dog or cat is being moved on a non-commercial basis, the animal must travel within five days of its owner. If this five-day window cannot be met, the movement will be reclassified as commercial, which triggers more stringent documentation requirements and higher associated costs.
5. Allow sufficient preparation time. Beginning the process at least 30 days before your intended travel date is advisable. For pets coming from non-EU countries, leave considerably more time to accommodate the timelines involved in obtaining and endorsing official health certificates.
6. Check for breed-specific or species restrictions. The Greek government prohibits the import of certain animals, including wild species such as snakes, lizards, and exotic birds. Some dog breeds are classified as dangerous and may be subject to additional requirements. Contact the Greek Ministry of Rural Development and Food to confirm whether your pet’s breed or species is affected by any restrictions.

Always verify entry requirements directly with the Greek Ministry of Rural Development and Food prior to travelling, as rules can change and requirements for certain non-EU countries may involve additional conditions not detailed here.

Are there animal welfare laws or pet ownership regulations I should know about in Greece?

On 15 September 2021, the Greek government enacted new legislation on companion animals known as “Project Argos.” The primary aim of this law — Law No. 4830/2021 — is to reduce the country’s large stray cat and dog populations gradually and humanely through sterilisation. It is now the principal piece of legislation governing pet ownership in Greece and introduces a range of new obligations for owners.

Registration: Pet owners are now legally required to register their animals, and local municipalities are obliged to register strays within their jurisdiction. All animals are recorded via an electronic health book. The EMZS — the official electronic database for companion animal registration in Greece — is administered by the General Secretariat of Information Systems of Public Administration and includes sub-registries for animal monitoring, welfare organisations, and adoption platforms. Registration is completed through a certified veterinarian.

Sterilisation: Owners must sterilise their dog or cat within six months of acquiring the animal if it is already older than one year at the time of acquisition. If the animal is under one year old when acquired, sterilisation must take place within the first six months after the animal turns one. Owners who choose not to sterilise their pet are required to pay the DNA sampling fee described in the costs section above.

Microchipping: Since 1 June 2004, dog owners in Greece have been legally required to have their animals fitted with an electronic identification microchip. This is a requirement of Greek domestic law and applies independently of any EU travel rules.

Leash and welfare requirements: Dogs must be kept on a lead and under close supervision while out on walks. Permanently tethering a dog is prohibited, and tying a dog up for more than two hours per day is not permitted. Dogs living outdoors must be provided with weatherproof shelter, sufficient space, and exercise opportunities appropriate to the animal’s breed and age.

Beaches: Dogs may access unorganised beaches and enter the sea, but must be leashed when not swimming. On organised beaches, only assistance and therapy dogs are universally permitted; other dogs require explicit authorisation from the beach operator. Dogs are not permitted on beaches holding Blue Flag certification.

Animal cruelty: Those found guilty of animal cruelty can be ordered to cover the full costs of an affected animal’s recovery, including veterinary treatment and accommodation expenses. An Offenders Registry — an electronic database held at the Athens Prosecutor’s Office — records individuals who have received final convictions for offences against animals. The associated restrictions remain in force for a minimum of 10 years following a final criminal conviction.

Some of these rules are implemented or enforced at the municipal level and may differ between regions. Always check with your local municipality for any area-specific requirements, particularly regarding dog parks, beach access rules, and outdoor shelter standards.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a pet passport to live in Greece with my dog or cat?

Taking your pet anywhere within Greece or across Europe — whether by land, sea, or air — requires an EU Pet Passport. This document can be obtained from any Greek veterinary clinic that is authorised to issue one. The Panhellenic Veterinary Association is the body responsible for the issuance of pet passports in Greece and maintains an electronic record of all registered animals.

Is there a quarantine requirement for pets entering Greece?

Greece does not apply a blanket quarantine to pets arriving from EU member states or from approved non-EU countries, as long as all microchipping, vaccination, and documentation requirements have been satisfied. Animals that fall short of the entry requirements may be held at the point of entry pending compliance, or in some cases refused entry altogether. Confirm current requirements with the Greek Ministry of Rural Development and Food well ahead of your travel date.

Are dangerous dog breeds banned or restricted in Greece?

Certain dog breeds are categorised as dangerous in Greece and may face additional requirements, which can include compulsory muzzling and insurance obligations. These rules may be applied at both national and municipal level, so it is advisable to contact local authorities or the Greek Ministry of Rural Development and Food to clarify the specific rules that apply to your breed before you move.

Can my vet in Greece provide documents for travelling within the EU with my pet?

Dogs, cats, and ferrets over three months of age travelling to other EU member states must be identified by microchip and accompanied by an EU pet passport, issued by the Panhellenic Veterinary Association and endorsed for valid anti-rabies vaccination by an authorised vet who holds PVE membership. Before booking travel, check that your regular vet carries this authorisation.

What should I do if my pet needs emergency care outside of normal hours?

Athens and Thessaloniki both have 24-hour veterinary emergency facilities. Elsewhere in the country, out-of-hours care is less formally structured — you may need to call your regular vet, who can either provide assistance or direct you to the nearest available emergency service. It is strongly recommended that you locate your closest emergency option as soon as you settle in your area, especially if you are living on an island or in a rural community.

Is leishmaniasis vaccination compulsory for dogs in Greece?

There is no legal requirement to vaccinate dogs against leishmaniasis in Greece, but most vets strongly recommend it given how widely the transmitting sandfly is distributed across the country. A preventive programme combining repellent products with vaccination where appropriate is considered routine practice for dogs living in Greece. Speak to your local vet about the most suitable approach for the specific area in which you live.

Do I need to register my pet when I move to Greece?

Yes — under the current companion animal legislation, owners are legally obliged to register their pets. The EMZS is the official electronic database for this purpose, maintained by the General Secretariat of Information Systems of Public Administration. Registration is carried out through an authorised veterinarian, who will create an electronic health book for the animal. Pets brought into Greece from abroad should be registered promptly on arrival.

Where can I find an English-speaking vet in Greece?

Many vets in major cities and well-established expat locations speak English and sometimes other European languages. Personal recommendations from local expat communities — through forums, Facebook groups, and resources such as Expat Focus — are typically the most dependable way to find a multilingual vet in your specific area. In rural areas and on smaller islands, it is a good idea to have your pet’s health records translated into Greek and to keep a translation app available to help bridge any language gaps during consultations.