Service and Guide Dogs

Greek Law on Assistance Dogs

Greek law protects the right of guide dog and assistance dog users to enter public spaces, use public transport, and access hotels and restaurants. The relevant legislation includes:

• Law 4039/2012 and Law 4235/2014: These laws recognize assistance dogs and guarantee their access to all public places, services, public transport, and private premises open to the public. The law explicitly states that these provisions take priority over any other regulations.

Under Greek law, every blind or disabled person has the right to be accompanied by an assistance or therapy dog in:

• All public facilities and services
• Public places and meeting areas
• All forms of public transport
• Private premises open to the public (shops, restaurants, hotels)

The assistance dog does not need to wear a muzzle or be caged. The dog must wear a handling leash.

Required Documentation

When traveling with your assistance dog in Greece, carry:

• Training certification: Documents from a recognized training organization certifying the dog's training level (fully trained or in training)
• Health documentation: Veterinary health certificate showing the dog is healthy and vaccinated
• Handler certification: Documentation that you are certified to have this assistance dog
• EU Pet Passport (for EU travelers): Contains rabies vaccination records and microchip number

Public Transport Rules

Metro (STASY)

Assistance dogs are permitted on the Athens Metro without a muzzle or cage. Keep the dog on a leash and under control at all times.

Buses and Trolleybuses (OASA)

Assistance dogs travel on buses without a transport cage and muzzle, with a handling leash, regardless of size.

Trains (Hellenic Train)

Guide dogs are transported without a muzzle or pet transport box. They must wear a leash. No additional fee is charged for assistance dogs.

Taxis

Taxi drivers are legally required to accept assistance dogs. In practice, some drivers may be reluctant. If a driver refuses, note the taxi number and report it to the tourist police (171).

Flights

Contact your airline at least 48 hours before travel to arrange in-cabin transport for your assistance dog. Athens International Airport accommodates assistance dogs throughout the terminal and provides pet relief areas.

Traveling to Greece from Abroad

From EU/EEA Countries

Your dog needs:

• EU Pet Passport with current rabies vaccination
• Microchip (ISO 11784/11785 compliant)
• Rabies vaccination at least 21 days before travel

From Non-EU Countries

Requirements are stricter:

• Rabies vaccination certificate
• Rabies antibody titration test (blood test) at least 30 days after vaccination and at least 3 months before travel
• Veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of travel
• Microchip

Practical Tips for Athens

• Water: Carry a collapsible water bowl. Athens summers are hot (temperatures regularly exceed 35 degrees Celsius). Keep your dog hydrated.
• Hot surfaces: Marble and stone surfaces absorb heat. In summer, they can burn paw pads. Walk your dog on shaded surfaces during midday and consider protective booties.
• Outdoor dining: Greek tavernas with outdoor seating are generally dog-friendly. Most will welcome an assistance dog without issue.
• Shade: Archaeological sites have limited shade. Plan visits to open-air sites for early morning or late afternoon in summer.
• Vet care: Athens has veterinary clinics throughout the city. For emergencies, search for "ktiníatros epígon" (emergency vet). Your hotel can help locate one.