Greece is introducing a new official certification for pet-friendly tourist accommodations, allowing hotels and rentals that accept animals to display a distinct “Pet-Friendly Tourist Accommodation” label. The initiative, established through a joint ministerial decision by Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni and Deputy Interior Minister Vasilis Spanakis, seeks to improve travel experiences for visitors accompanied by pets while encouraging a broader culture of animal welfare.
Standards for Pet-Friendly Hospitality
To receive the certification, accommodations must meet specific requirements, including the provision of dedicated pet rooms designed with approved flooring, furnishings, and materials that ensure hygiene and comfort. The decision also outlines the responsibilities of pet owners, such as cleaning up after their animals, respecting quiet hours, and following designated walking areas.
The regulation extends beyond domestic pets to include service dogs, working animals, and therapy animals, reflecting a more inclusive approach to animal accommodation.
Encouraging Animal Welfare and Adoption
The new policy also encourages cooperation between hotels and local animal welfare organizations, which are officially registered under Greece’s Ministry of Digital Governance. These partnerships aim to promote the adoption of stray animals and foster responsible pet ownership within the hospitality industry.
Additionally, under the framework of Corporate Social Responsibility, certified accommodations will have the option to donate part of their revenue to local shelters or animal welfare groups, supporting the care and protection of companion animals.
“Quality Tourism Means Quality for All”
Minister Kefalogianni highlighted that this is the first targeted legal framework to ensure appropriate conditions for pets in Greek tourist lodgings. “We continue to upgrade the quality of hospitality for all visitors to our country, while also promoting compassion toward animals. Quality tourism means high standards of hospitality for everyone,” she said.
Deputy Minister Spanakis added that the reform builds on Greece’s 2021 animal welfare law, which established the Special Secretariat for the Protection of Companion Animals within the Ministry of the Interior. “This decision marks another step toward a modern, European framework for animal welfare—one that evolves in collaboration with the country’s vibrant animal rights movement and local authorities,” he noted.
With this new certification, Greece aims to position itself as a leader in pet-friendly tourism, combining hospitality, responsibility, and humane values in its travel sector.
