RULES FOR KEEPING PETS IN GREECE

Although the law does not prohibit keeping pets in an apartment, pet owners must comply with certain requirements to avoid violating the rights and interests of other residents. The regulations for keeping animals in Greece are governed by Law No. 4830/2021.

According to Article 15 of this law:

1. It is allowed to keep pets in a residential dwelling, provided that conditions 2, 3, and 4 are met.

2. In apartment buildings consisting of at least two apartments, keeping pets is permitted under the following conditions:

• The animals live in the apartment with the owner or may be placed in common areas of the building (such as the porch, terrace, open spaces, or garden), but only with the unanimous decision of the general assembly of apartment owners;

• Proper pet care conditions are ensured, meeting sanitary standards and public order requirements established by law and police regulations;

• It is prohibited to keep pets permanently on terraces, balconies, verandas, or other open spaces;

• The pet owner must have a valid pet passport, and the pet must be registered in the Unified Register for Pet Registration and Tracking.

3. The rules of an apartment building cannot prohibit keeping pets if condition 2 is met. However, they can limit the maximum number of allowed pets to three per apartment.

4. In private houses, keeping pets is allowed under the conditions that they are microchipped, registered in the Unified Register for Pet Registration and Tracking, and properly cared for according to humane treatment, sanitary standards, and police regulations ensuring public order.

5. The numerical restrictions mentioned in condition 3 apply only to dogs and cats.

According to Article 2 of Law No. 4830/2021, "favorable conditions for keeping pets" means ensuring their physical and mental well-being by providing a comfortable, safe, and suitable living environment adapted to their natural needs. Animals must not experience pain, fear, or stress.

Additionally, to ensure the well-being of pets, the following conditions must be met:

• Free access to water and food that meets their physiological needs, in sufficient quantity and of appropriate quality;

• Availability of safe, clean shelters or resting places protected from adverse weather conditions;

• Proper care, including regular veterinary check-ups and timely treatment;

• An environment that allows them to live according to their physiological characteristics and needs.

Failure to comply with the established conditions, sanitary standards, or public order regulations set by police directives may result in a fine of €500 per animal.