Citizens’ Rights

Law 4830/2021 safeguards not only the protection and well-being of companion animals, but also provides rights to owners and citizens who wish to actively contribute to their care. At the same time, it provides specific provisions to ensuring equal access, respect, and protection of their relationship with animals. Among others, the law provides for the right to:

1 Feeding in public spaces

Feed stray companion animals in public spaces provided that hygiene and cleanliness rules are followed, as well as the animal welfare standards.

• Animal lovers can feed and care for animals living on the streets, making sure to keep the feeding area clean. If food residues remain, the area must be thoroughly cleaned with plenty of water. Water and food containers must be kept clean to ensure hygiene and avoid conflicts with other citizens.

• Important to remember: Feed pet food, and avoid bones, scraps or spoiled food. Be cautious with large cans, especially for cats, as they can cause injury. Water should be refreshed regularly to stay clean and cool.

2 Keep your pets in residences

• All citizens have the right to keep pets in any type of residence. In apartment buildings, the building regulations may define a maximum number of animals per apartment (up to 3), but cannot prohibit having pets altogether, as long as the animals are not permanently kept on balconies and do not cause disturbances during quiet hours.

• In detached houses, the law does not limit the number of pets but requires compliance with welfare rules, microchipping, and registration in the EMZS.

3 Travel with your pet

As a responsible owner, it’s important to know your rights regarding the transportation and movement of your pet, ensuring safety and compliance with the law while enjoying stress-free travels together.

What to know about domestic travel with companion animals:

• Small animals (up to a weight of 10 kilograms) are allowed in buses, metro, suburban railway, trains, and ships, as long as they are in a safe transport crate and accompanied by their owner.

• Large animals (over 10 kilograms) are not allowed to enter the aforementioned means of public transportation.

• Transporting animals in the luggage compartment (in KTEL, tourist or other buses) is strictly prohibited and subject to a €1,000 fine.

• The same ban applies to intercity and international travel: animals must never be placed in the luggage area.

• Animals (dogs and cats) must be vaccinated against rabies; otherwise, a €500 fine per animal applies.

• Owners must be able to present their pet’s electronic health booklet via pet.gov.gr if requested.

• Hamster owners must carry and present the printed health booklet upon request.

Onboard travel by ship:

• Passenger ships must provide crates of various sizes for transporting large animals, placed in areas protected from extreme weather.

• If your small pet is in a suitable crate, it can stay with you in the interior passenger areas.

• You can bring your leashed pet to the ship’s deck, provided you supervise it at all times.

• Therapy and assistance dogs are allowed access to all areas of the ship, together with their handler, without restrictions. The dog must be accompanied by its handler/owner and be kept on a leash. It is not required to wear a muzzle, as long as it is an assistance or therapy dog and wears its identifying gear.

• Reminder: A small companion animal is one weighing under ten (10) kilograms.

4 Access to Beaches

Law 4830/2021 gives us the opportunity to enjoy the sea with our four-legged friends, as long as we show respect – to the environment, others, and above all, to the animal itself by following the animal welfare rules.

For many owners, bringing their dog on vacation and to the beach is a necessity – not just a wish. After all, who wants to leave their best friend behind? Here’s what you need to know:

• On non-organized beaches, companion animals are allowed both on the shore (on a leash) and in the sea (without a leash).

• Outside the water, leashing is mandatory.

• Furthermore, subject to Article 21 of Law 5043/2023, dogs are prohibited from accessing beaches certified with the Blue Flag by the Hellenic Society for the Protection of Nature.

• Animals are not allowed on organized beaches, unless:

• They are assistance or therapy dogs accompanying a person with a disability (with the proper certificates), or

• There is a clear sign from the beach operator stating that animals are allowed.

• Owners must be able to present their pet’s electronic health booklet via pet.gov.gr if requested.

5 Assistance Dogs and Therapy Animals

Assistance dogs and therapy animals play a unique role in the lives of people with disabilities or increased care needs, offering both practical help and emotional support in daily life.

It’s important to know your rights in relation to your assistance or therapy dog, to ensure your freedom of movement and unhindered access to all public and private spaces, as provided by law.

• Assistance and therapy animals can accompany the people who need them in all areas open to those individuals, such as restaurants, hotels, hospitals, schools, public services, sports venues, and places of worship (provided that its size and specific characteristics allow it).

• The person must carry certificates confirming the animal’s official status – as assistance or therapy dog – and show them if asked.

• These animals are permitted in hospitals, nursing homes, rehab centers, and detox facilities for therapeutic purposes (known as pet therapy or Animal Assisted Therapy).

• They must meet all health requirements according to national and EU law.

For specific groups, like sensitive and vulnerable groups, livestock farmers and hunters, see separate section about your rights.