For many dog owners, a summer trip to the sea isn’t complete without their four-legged friend. Before bringing a pet to the beach, however, there are some rules to know, since the law sets different conditions depending on the type of coastline.
Eleni Arvaniti, legal advisor at the Ministry of Interior’s Special Secretariat, and Petros Mitsakos, a dog trainer, offered useful answers covering everything pet guardians need to know.
Access to unorganized beaches
Law 4830/21 allows pet owners access to unorganized beaches, provided they supervise their animals. When the pet is out of the water, it needs to be reasonably contained, either off-leash right next to the owner, on a leash, or in a carrier. Owners must follow hygiene and animal welfare rules while on the beach.
“First of all, my animal needs to be in the shade, have cool water, and I shouldn’t put it through the heat. If it makes a mess, I’m required to clean up after it, just like I would on a walk,” Arvaniti told ANT1.
Pet owners need to carry the animal’s legal documents with them, meaning its microchip registration and digital pet passport. “On unorganized beaches, the animal can go into the sea freely. Outside the water, it needs to be contained.
The law doesn’t specify a leash requirement once you’re in the water, but every owner knows their animal’s particular traits, whether it’s large or high-energy. That’s what the law sets out. Beyond that, an owner who doesn’t comply will face the legal consequences,” she added.
Access to organized beaches and Blue Flag beaches
Organized beaches and those with Blue Flag status don’t allow pet access, except for therapy dogs and service dogs. Arvaniti clarified, however, that the beach operator can choose to allow entry. That means there needs to be clear signage at the entrance stating that pets are permitted.
Dog trainer Petros Mitsakos said problems often arise between pet owners in public spaces. “Not all pet owners are equally responsible, so we often see dogs off-leash in parks or on beaches.
As a result, the animal might either disturb other people or end up in a dangerous situation itself. Every owner needs to show responsibility and make sure their pet’s presence doesn’t affect or endanger the people around it. In turn, everyone else needs to understand that dogs have rights too.”
Safety rules for dogs at the beach
- Sun protection: Keep your dog in a shaded spot. It’s best to visit the beach during the cooler hours of the day, morning or late afternoon, and avoid the intense midday heat.
- Gentle activity: Exercise should be moderate, without overexerting the animal or keeping it constantly on the move.
- Watch the sand: Before letting your dog walk on the beach, check the sand’s temperature so its paws don’t get burned.
For extra protection from the heat, owners can also use cooling collars along with special mats or pads for the sand. If any dispute or incident involving a pet comes up, people can contact the police to resolve it.
