When a companion animal dies, the owner suddenly faces a difficult and practical decision: what must be done legally, respectfully and safely? Greece now offers options for licensed pet cemetery burial, pet cremation, ash return, memorial plaques and organised transport from home or veterinary clinic. This English guide covers everything you need to know — written for expats living in Greece, tourists visiting with pets, and English-speaking residents.
Note: Informational article. Not legal advice. For specific questions consult a lawyer, veterinarian or the relevant Greek authorities (municipality, veterinary service). A Greek version is also available: Νεκροταφεία Ζώων στην Ελλάδα.
What Is a Pet Cemetery
A pet cemetery is a licensed facility where companion animals — dogs, cats, rabbits, birds and other small pets — can be buried respectfully under public-health and environmental rules set by Greek legislation.
Options When a Pet Dies in Greece
The main legal options are:
- Veterinary clinic handling — the vet coordinates the entire process.
- Burial in a licensed pet cemetery.
- Individual cremation with ash return in an urn.
- Communal (collective) cremation without ash return (most economical).
- Sanitary burial following local veterinary specifications.
- Municipal collection for stray or roadside animals.
- Transport from home or vet to the cemetery / crematorium.
- Memorial plaques and grave visiting at selected cemeteries.
Burial vs Cremation: Full Comparison
| Option | Meaning | Best for | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Individual burial | Pet placed in a dedicated grave | Owners who want a place to visit | Usually 2-year term with renewal |
| Communal burial | Shared burial in a common area | Lower budget | Ask how it’s handled exactly |
| Individual cremation | Only one animal cremated | Owners who want ashes returned | Request certificate |
| Communal cremation | Multiple animals together | Lower-cost disposal | Ashes not returned |
What Greek Law Says
Greek law on dead-companion-animal management follows national and EU rules. Two key references:
- Law 5056/2023 — added/updated provisions on collection, burial and cremation of dead animals within the animal-welfare framework.
- Presidential Decree 307/1990 — the foundational operational text for small-animal cemeteries. Sets a minimum land area of 1 stremma (~1,000 m²), mandatory fencing, green zones, internal roads, minimum grave dimensions, water supply, sewage handling and drainage.
In general:
- Pet cemeteries must follow strict sanitary and environmental specifications.
- Licensed facilities require proper land, fencing, grave dimensions, drainage and infrastructure.
- Random burial in forests, parks, public areas or fields is not appropriate.
- Municipalities are involved in managing dead animals, especially strays and roadside animals.
As reported by ERT in coverage of the topic, arbitrary burials create public-health risks, and the law sets strict specifications to protect public health.
Can I Bury My Pet in My Garden?
In Greece, pet burial should be done through licensed facilities or according to applicable sanitary and environmental rules. Random burial in forests, parks, public spaces, fields or non-approved areas can create public-health and environmental issues and may be illegal.
Before burying an animal on private land, the owner should check with the local municipality or a veterinarian, because soil, water table, depth, disease risk and local rules all matter.
The safer option is a licensed cemetery or crematorium. See also: Can I bury my dog in my garden in Greece? (Greek).
How Much Does It Cost
Prices vary by provider, animal size, region and accompanying services. Reference data:
- Kathimerini (2026 report): pet burial or cremation services in Attica around €200, with burial continuing past the two-year mark on an annual fee.
- ERT (Thessaly 2025 report): at the Thessaly cemetery, two-year cost around €168 + burial cost for the specific facility.
Typical ranges: from approximately €150 to €300+, depending on size, transport, individual vs communal service, urn, memorial plaque and location.
Always request a written quote before committing.
Checklist: What to Ask Before Choosing
- Is the facility licensed?
- Where exactly will the pet be buried or cremated?
- Is it individual or communal cremation?
- Can I receive the ashes back?
- Is there a certificate?
- Can I visit the grave?
- How long does the burial last (2 years, more, renewal)?
- What happens after 2 years?
- Is transport included?
- Do they collect from home or vet?
- Are prices written clearly?
- Is there a 24/7 emergency option?
- Are memorial plaques available?
For the full 20-point checklist: How to choose a licensed pet cemetery (Greek detailed version).
Step by Step: What to Do When Your Pet Dies
- Call your vet first for information and coordination.
- Ask if the pet should be refrigerated until transport.
- Do not place the body in a public bin or public land.
- Contact a licensed pet cemetery or cremation service.
- Ask about transport options (from home or vet).
- Choose burial or cremation based on preference and budget.
- Request written confirmation/certificate.
- Update the pet’s microchip / National Pet Registry (ΕΜΖΣ) via your vet.
Full step-by-step in English: What to do if your pet dies in Greece (for tourists).
Verified Locations by Region
See the curated directory of pet cemeteries and crematoriums in Greece. Brief overview:
Attica (Athens area)
- Cats n Dogs (Koropi) — ~4 stremmata private grounds; burial + cremation.
- Elaiwnas (Megara) — small-animal cemetery with stated operating licence; ~37 km from Athens.
Read in detail: Pet cemetery near Athens.
Central Macedonia
- Carlos and Friends (Vasilika, Thessaloniki) — burial, memorial space, personalised plaques.
Greek detail: Νεκροταφείο Ζώων Θεσσαλονίκη.
Thessaly
- Larissa Small Animal Cemetery — first such facility in Thessaly per ERT (2025), with 2-year burial terms and strict public-health specs.
Western Greece (Patras)
- Pet Service Cremation — declares the first small-animal crematorium in Western Greece with operating licence. Serves cases nationwide. Ashes can be accompanied by a written confirmation, including international transport.
Greek detail: Αποτέφρωση Ζώων στην Πάτρα.
FAQ
Is pet cremation legal in Greece? Yes — through licensed crematoriums operating under current sanitary and environmental rules.
Can I keep the ashes? Yes, if you choose individual cremation. Ashes are returned in an urn with a written certificate.
What happens after 2 years of burial? Many pet cemeteries operate on 2-year cycles, renewable through an annual fee. Confirm specifics with the facility.
Can a vet arrange everything? Yes. Many vets partner with licensed facilities and coordinate pickup, cremation/burial, and certificate handover.
Can tourists cremate a pet in Greece? Yes. Some facilities serve nationwide cases, and ashes can travel internationally with a written declaration. Always check your airline’s and destination country’s rules.
Can I travel abroad with my pet’s ashes? Generally yes, with the written certificate from the licensed facility. Airlines have their own rules — check ahead. See: Travelling with pet ashes from Greece.
See Also (English Cluster)
- Pet cemetery near Athens
- Pet cremation in Greece
- Pet died in Greece: a guide for tourists
- Travelling with pet ashes from Greece
- Directory: Pet Cemeteries in Greece
Greek Versions
For full detail in Greek: