To transport pets into or between EU countries dogs, cats and ferrets will need to be identified by a micro-chip which meets ISO standards 11784/11785 (the Avid EURO Chip is recommended) and accompanied by their owner or by a person responsible for the pet on behalf of the owner. The pet must have a Blue Pet Passport if traveling between EU Countries or the Form EU998 if entering the EU from another country. This passport must show that the pet has been vaccinated against rabies and distemper by a licensed veterinarian at least 15 days prior to travel, and that it has been treated for echinococcosis within 30 days prior to travel. The passport must be in the official language of the EU country and in English. It must be completed in block capitals.

Greece requires that the certificate then be stamped by the USDA if you are traveling from the US. As a final step you must have the certificate legalized by the Greek Consulate.

The three ways to transport a pet via air are listed below (note: not all airlines provide all three options).

1. As excess baggage:
Depending on the airline, you may be able to have your pet travel on the same flight, either in the cabin or in the cargo hold. The airline may consider a pet transported this way as excess baggage and charge you accordingly. Do not assume that you can take your pet on the same flight with you. You must confirm this in advance with your airline. As a rule animals weighing 100 lbs. or more will travel as cargo even if they are transported on the same flight as you.

2.As air cargo:
You may arrange for your pet to be transported on a separate flight as air cargo shipment. In this case you do not have to accompany your pet, however, you need to make arrangements for picking it up at the destination. Be aware that the cost of this service is generally considerably higher than excess baggage.

3.As air cargo via a commercial shipping company:
You may arrange with a licensed commercial shipper to handle the arrangements to ship your pet as air cargo. The charges you pay are the cargo rate plus the shipper’s fee. Please note that several airlines require this method unless the pet is small enough to fit in the cabin.

You may want to check the Independent Pet and Animal Transportation Association International, Inc. website at www.ipata.com. This is an international trade association of animal handlers, pet-moving providers, kennel operators, and veterinarians who care for pets locally, nationally, and worldwide.