Let’s face it: there are few things more important to the average British family moving abroad than the relocation of their pets, especially if they have children.

The standard requirements for bringing a pet into Greece are that your pet must be micro chipped and registered, and must have had a rabies vaccination within the last 12 months, more than 30 days prior to travel.

Cats and dogs travelling to Greece need to comply with the Pet Passport Scheme; throughout the EU there are standard rules for the issuing of a PET passport and animals travelling within the EU are required to have one. More information on the passport scheme and travelling with pets is available on the DEFRA Website:

http://www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/quarantine/pets/regulation/eu_reg.htm

You are able to bring your dog or cat from EU and non-EU listed counties into, or back into, the UK without quarantine provided it complies with the stringent rules as laid out on the above website. These include anti-rabies, blood sampling and anti-worm/anti-tick hygiene requirements.

The pet must be micro-chipped, vaccinated against rabies and blood tested. They can be brought back into the UK only after six months have elapsed after a satisfactory blood test. My daughter omitted to do this and her cat, screaming its head off, has been left with an endlessly patient neighbour until the six months are up and he can be flown to rejoin his family!

In addition to this pet will need to be treated for ticks and tapeworms 24 hours prior to the flight. The airline will also require a ‘fit to fly’ statement to be completed prior to export.  This can also be completed on the "clinical examination" page of the Pet Passport.  The statement will need to be done by a LVI (Local Veterinary Inspector) - most vet practices have one.  We recommend that this is done within 5 days of travel.

A number of airlines are currently authorised to bring non-quarantined animals into the UK – you need to check before you book your flights if your airline is one of them.

It would be wise to find out the location of a local vet (ktiniatros) and obtain an emergency telephone number as soon as you arrive in Greece with your pet.

Bear in mind that travelling with an animal in Greece, unless in your own vehicle, presents problems so make arrangements accordingly if you need to get your pet to the vet. No matter how well behaved the animal is, taxi drivers are loath to transport it and buses and trains refuse to do so.  If you do finally manage to find a taxi, expect to pay a heavy surcharge and be prepared for the fact that your pet may have to travel in the boot of the car.