Travelling with pets from Canada to Greece

When entering Greece directly from Canada with dogs, cats or ferrets, that are older than three months old and are not intended for sale, the following is required:

1. Provide your pet with an electronic identification system (microchip), which is in compliance with ISO standards 11784 (15 digits) or 11785 (readable at 134.2 Hertz). If the transponder does not conform to either of these standards, you must bring your own scanner that can read the transponder.  Older tattoo markings remain valid; you must, however, be able to prove that the animal’s tattoo was made prior to July 3, 2011.

2. Vaccinations against rabies with an inactivated vaccine of at least one antigenic unit per dose (W.H.O. standard).  It is advised to proceed with the vaccination during a period of, preferably, 3 up to 11 months before the animal’s departure. Please note that the rabies vaccination must occur after identity of the pet has been established through the microchip. Any rabies vaccination occurring before identity of the pet has been established will not be recognized.

3. A certificate issued no earlier than two weeks prior to your departure by a veterinarian attesting that your pet is in good health and fit for travel, according to this uniform EU sample. The form must be endorsed by an official veterinarian. Please contact your local Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) to obtain an official endorsement.

Please note that if you enter Europe through a country other than Greece and your pet has no valid rabies protection, please contact that country's Embassy in Canada.

Please also contact your airline for information about their specific regulations. Generally, the airlines will require an international health certificate, which must be issued no more than 10 days prior to travel and endorsed by your regional veterinary services area office.

Further information is available on the website of the European Commission:

Movements of Pets (Dogs, Cats and Ferrets) -- Noncommercial Movement from Third Countries (EU-Regulation 998/2003)