Ferry to Greece with Pets

Documents You Need

Greece is a member of the European Union, which means standard EU pet travel rules apply. Whether you are crossing from Italy (also EU) or from a non-EU country, your pet needs to meet the following requirements:

• Microchip: your pet must be identified with an ISO 11784/11785 compliant microchip (15-digit). This must be implanted before the rabies vaccination to be valid. The chip number must match the number recorded in the pet passport.
• EU Pet Passport: this is the document that records your pet's microchip number, vaccination history and identification. Any EU-registered vet can issue one. If you are travelling from outside the EU, you will need an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) issued by an official government vet in your country – check the specific requirements for your country of origin.
• Rabies vaccination: a valid rabies vaccination must be recorded in the pet passport. The vaccination must be administered after the microchip is implanted, and there may be a waiting period (typically 21 days for primary vaccinations) before cross-border travel is permitted. For annual boosters, there is no waiting period as long as they are given within the validity window of the previous vaccination.

Some operators also require a health certificate issued by a vet within ten days of travel. This is separate from the pet passport and confirms that your animal is healthy and fit to travel. Not all operators require this, but it is worth checking with your specific operator when you book.

Kennels on Board

The standard arrangement for pets on Italy–Greece ferries is an on-board kennel on the vehicle deck or in a dedicated kennel area. Kennels are individual enclosed spaces – effectively a cage or pen – where your dog or cat is secured for the crossing. You bring your pet to the kennel area at boarding and collect them again when the ship reaches port.

Kennel access during the crossing is typically permitted at scheduled intervals – often two to three times during a long overnight voyage. You can use these windows to check on your animal, offer water and food, and give dogs a brief walk in the kennel area. Between access windows, your pet is attended by ship crew.

Kennel spaces are limited. On popular crossings, especially in peak summer, kennels can fill up. Always book a kennel space at the same time as your ticket – do not assume space will be available on the day. Some operators charge an additional fee for the kennel; others include it in the ticket price. Confirm the cost and availability when booking.

Pet Cabins

A number of operators on the Italy–Greece routes offer pet cabins – private cabins where you and your pet can stay together for the duration of the crossing. These are a much more comfortable option than a kennel: your animal is with you throughout the night, you can attend to their needs freely and there is no need to visit a kennel area at scheduled times.

Pet cabins are in high demand and are very limited in number on each ship. They are usually standard two-berth cabins with modifications that allow pets (washable flooring, no carpeting, etc.) and may be located in a specific part of the ship. Operators that have offered pet cabins on the Italy–Greece routes include Superfast Ferries, Minoan Lines and ANEK Lines, though availability varies by ship and departure.

Because of their scarcity, pet cabins often sell out months in advance for peak summer crossings. If you want to share a cabin with your pet, contact the operator as early as possible – ideally at the time you first decide on your travel dates – and ask specifically about pet cabin availability on your chosen sailing.

Travelling with Pets and a Campervan

For motorhome or campervan travellers, the interaction between pets and the ferry is quite different from foot-passenger travel. If you book a camping-on-board tariff, your pet remains in the vehicle with you on the vehicle deck. This means continuous access to your animal, the ability to feed and walk them (within the on-deck area) and a familiar sleeping environment – a significant advantage for anxious animals or those that travel poorly.

The main consideration for campervans with pets is ventilation and temperature, especially in summer. The vehicle deck can become warm in July and August, even at sea. Ensure your vehicle has adequate ventilation – opening vents, roof fans – and check on your pet regularly. Provide extra water. If your camper has a compressor fridge on shore power, keeping a cool interior is much easier. Never leave a pet in a sealed vehicle on a hot vehicle deck.

Even if you are camping on board, check the operator's rules about walking pets. On some ships the vehicle deck has a specific exercise area; on others, you may be restricted to the space immediately around your vehicle.

Operator Comparison for Pet Travellers

Pet facilities vary by individual ship, not just operator. Always confirm the exact arrangements for your specific sailing when booking.

Tips for a Smooth Crossing with Your Pet

• Exercise before boarding: give your dog a long walk and the chance to empty before you drive onto the ship. The next opportunity may be several hours away.
• Water in the kennel: bring a spill-proof water bowl and enough water for the crossing. A bowl that attaches to the kennel door is useful. Top up water at each access window.
• Familiar items: put a blanket or item of your clothing in the kennel or crate. Familiar smells reduce stress for anxious animals.
• Don't feed just before boarding: many animals are sick on ferries, especially in rough conditions. A light meal a few hours before boarding, rather than immediately before, helps.
• Medication: if your pet is prone to travel anxiety or motion sickness, speak to your vet before the trip about sedation or anti-nausea medication. Give it in sufficient time before boarding.
• Collar and ID: make sure your pet's collar has an ID tag with your phone number in addition to the microchip. In the unlikely event of a kennel escape on board, you want to be contactable immediately.
• Documentation ready: keep the pet passport, vaccination records and any health certificates in an easily accessible folder. Ferry staff will check these at boarding.

Summer Heat Warning

Travelling with a pet in July or August on the Italy–Greece ferry requires extra care. The vehicle deck is enclosed on most ships and can reach very high temperatures when the ship is stationary in port or when warm air circulates below deck at sea. Even with ship ventilation running, temperatures in kennels can be uncomfortable for animals.

For campervan travellers camping on board in summer, the same warning applies to your vehicle. Keep vents open, use roof fans where possible and check the temperature inside the vehicle at the access windows. A portable thermometer inside the camper can give you peace of mind.