Greece Launches Pet-Friendly Hotel Certification to Boost Animal Welfare

New tourism initiative links hospitality standards with compassion for animals

Greece has taken a major step toward integrating animal welfare into its tourism industry by introducing the official “Pet-Friendly Tourist Accommodation” certification. This new label, jointly launched by the Ministry of Tourism and the Ministry of Interior, aims to upgrade hospitality services for travelers with pets while promoting responsible pet ownership and animal protection across the country.

Certification Encourages Animal-Friendly Hospitality
The certification sets clear requirements for hotels, guesthouses, and rental properties seeking to become pet friendly. To qualify, participating lodgings must provide dedicated pet rooms designed with hygiene-focused flooring and durable furnishings suitable for animals. The program ensures that both domestic pets and working animals are included under the same framework, highlighting inclusivity and accessibility.

Support for Service and Therapy Animals
The new framework doesn’t stop at traditional pets. It also covers service, therapy and working animals, recognizing their essential role in supporting travelers with disabilities and emotional needs. This expansion aligns with Greece’s broader commitment to ensuring equality and comfort for all guests, regardless of physical or emotional conditions.

Encouraging Responsible Pet Ownership
Beyond hospitality, the government’s program has a strong ethical foundation. Certified hotels and rentals are encouraged to work closely with local animal welfare organizations to promote stray animal adoption and public awareness campaigns about responsible pet ownership. Some businesses may also voluntarily contribute a portion of their profits to local animal shelters as part of their social responsibility efforts.

Promoting Compassion in Tourism

Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni emphasized that the initiative is not only about upgrading facilities but also about promoting compassion. “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 stated. Her remarks highlight how Greece’s tourism strategy is expanding to include ethical and emotional value alongside traditional hospitality standards.

Strengthening Animal Welfare Laws
Deputy Minister of Interior Vassilis Spanakis pointed out that this initiative builds on Greece’s landmark 2021 animal welfare legislation, which created the Special Secretariat for the Protection of Companion Animals. “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 said. This shows Greece’s intention to align with broader European Union principles on humane treatment of animals.

A European Approach to Tourism and Welfare
The certification brings Greece closer to the tourism and animal welfare models seen in leading European destinations such as France, Germany, and the Netherlands. Officials hope that by raising standards, Greece will attract a growing demographic of travelers who prefer ethical, inclusive, and animal conscious accommodations.

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Positive Economic and Social Impact
Experts predict the initiative will have economic benefits too. By making Greece more appealing to pet owners, the tourism sector could attract new visitors who typically spend more on extended stays and specialized services for animals. Simultaneously, it fosters community involvement through partnerships between hotels and local shelters, creating a stronger link between tourism and local economies.

Rising Interest Among Businesses
Since the announcement, several hotel associations and rental property owners have expressed interest in joining the certification program. Tourism officials have begun preparing training workshops to help businesses meet the new requirements. The Ministry of Tourism will oversee compliance, ensuring that pet-friendly labels are granted only to facilities that meet all hygiene and welfare standards.

Balancing Comfort, Cleanliness, and Care
Authorities stress that the framework prioritizes both guest comfort and public health. The hygiene focused criteria ensure that pet-friendly rooms remain safe for all occupants, preventing issues such as allergies or sanitation concerns. The goal is to balance hospitality standards with compassion, setting an example for responsible coexistence between humans and animals in tourism environments.

A Shift Toward Ethical Tourism
Ultimately, the new pet-friendly accommodation label represents more than a tourism reform—it signals a cultural shift. Greece is positioning itself as a country that values kindness and inclusion, extending hospitality not just to humans but to their animal companions as well. This reform reflects a growing global movement toward ethical travel experiences that combine comfort, compassion, and community responsibility.

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