If you’re an English-speaking resident or expat in Thessaloniki and need pet burial or cremation services, this guide covers your options. Thessaloniki has one licensed pet cemetery, plus partnerships with crematoriums in Attica and Western Greece. Written for the English-speaking community.
Note: Information current as of May 2026. Verify directly with facilities before committing. Greek version: Νεκροταφείο Ζώων Θεσσαλονίκη.
Verified Pet Cemetery in Thessaloniki
Carlos and Friends — Vasilika
The main licensed pet cemetery in the Thessaloniki area.
Location: Vasilika, Thessaloniki (about 20-25 km southeast of city centre).
Type: Pet cemetery.
Services:
- Individual burial
- Communal burial
- Memorial space for visiting
- Personalised memorial plaques
- Home or vet pickup
- Grave visits during set hours
Licensing: Declared licensed pet burial facility.
Best for: Thessaloniki city, Pylaia, Thermi, Kalamaria, Panorama.
What About Cremation?
Carlos and Friends focuses on burial. For cremation, vets in Thessaloniki coordinate with:
- Pet Service Cremation (Patras) — operates a nationwide service via courier
- Cats n Dogs (Koropi, Attica) — through vet partnerships
The process:
- Body received at Thessaloniki vet.
- Refrigerated and prepared for transport.
- Sent by overnight courier to Patras or Athens.
- Cremation occurs at the licensed facility.
- Ashes returned by courier to your Thessaloniki address or pickup at the vet.
Total timeline: 7-10 business days.
Costs in Thessaloniki
Cost ranges vary by service:
| Service | Indicative Cost |
|---|---|
| Individual burial (2-year term) | €150-280 |
| Communal burial | €70-150 |
| Memorial plaque with engraving | €30-100 |
| Home pickup of body | €30-60 |
| Annual burial renewal | €30-80 |
| Communal cremation (via partner) | €100-180 (including transport) |
| Individual cremation (via partner) | €200-350 (including transport + courier) |
Always request a written quote.
Distance from Thessaloniki Neighbourhoods
| From | To Vasilika |
|---|---|
| Thessaloniki centre | ~25 km |
| Neapoli, Sykies | ~25 km |
| Kalamaria, Panorama | ~22-28 km |
| Pylaia, Thermi | ~15-22 km |
| Oreokastro, Evosmos | ~32 km |
Carlos and Friends offers pickup from home or vet, so distance shouldn’t deter you.
English Speakers and Service
Thessaloniki has a significant English-speaking expat community (American Farm School, international students). Carlos and Friends staff may have English speakers, but bringing a Greek-speaking friend is recommended. Most veterinary clinics in central Thessaloniki and Kalamaria/Panorama have at least basic English-speaking staff.
Step-by-Step Process
1. Initial Contact
- Call Carlos and Friends directly, or
- Call your veterinarian in Thessaloniki to coordinate.
2. Body Preparation
- Keep in cool room (18-22°C).
- Wrap in clean sheet.
- Don’t use airtight plastic.
3. Transport
- Home pickup by the facility.
- From vet clinic by the facility.
- Self-transport allowed in some cases.
4. Service
- Burial: attend if you wish; grave plot assigned with number.
- Cremation via partner: ashes returned in 7-10 days.
5. Documentation
- Certificate of burial or cremation.
- Receipt with detailed breakdown.
- ΕΜΖΣ notification via vet.
Alternative: Burial in Greece if You’re Departing
If you plan to leave Greece and want a permanent burial spot for your pet:
- Carlos and Friends offers 2-year burial with renewal.
- You can pay for renewals remotely by bank transfer.
- Many expats use this for pets that lived in Greece long-term.
Tourists in Thessaloniki
If your pet died while visiting Thessaloniki:
- Call a local vet immediately.
- Choose communal cremation for fastest closure (no ashes returned).
- Or individual cremation if you want ashes — wait 7-10 days or have them couriered to your home country.
- See: Pet died in Greece: guide for tourists.
What If You’re Outside Thessaloniki
For surrounding areas:
- Chalkidiki (Kassandra, Sithonia): closest licensed option is still Carlos and Friends in Vasilika.
- Kavala, Drama, Serres, Xanthi: vet coordination + Vasilika or Patras transport.
- Western Macedonia (Kozani, Florina, Kastoria): closer to Larissa cemetery or Patras crematorium.
Greek detail: Northern Greece pet cemetery options.
Common Questions
Is Burial or Cremation Better for Thessaloniki Residents?
Burial makes sense if:
- You’ll be in Thessaloniki long-term.
- You want regular grave visits.
- The 2-year term + renewals work for you.
Cremation makes sense if:
- You may move away.
- You prefer keeping ashes at home.
- You want simpler logistics.
Can I Visit the Grave Whenever?
Yes, during the facility’s opening hours. Confirm specific times.
What If I Don’t Drive?
Vasilika is accessible by car. Public transport options are limited. Most owners use:
- Pickup service from facility.
- Vet coordination so you don’t have to travel.
- Taxi if you want to attend in person.
How Long Until I Receive Ashes (via Partner)?
For individual cremation routed through Patras or Athens: 7-10 business days total.
Summary
For pet end-of-life services in Thessaloniki:
- Burial: Carlos and Friends (Vasilika).
- Cremation: Coordinate via your vet with Patras or Athens facilities.
- Costs: €150-350 depending on service.
- English service: Limited but improving; vet partnership recommended.
See Also (English)
- Pet cemetery in Greece: complete guide
- Pet cremation in Greece
- Pet died in Greece: guide for tourists
- Travelling with pet ashes from Greece
- Pet cemetery near Athens
- Directory of facilities