Pets will soon be allowed to accompany their parents to more than 120 archaeological sites in Greece. Previously, only service animals were allowed to stay by their owner’s side. But soon, many places will provide accommodations where dogs can wait while their owners explore or enforce very specific guidelines for our canine companions’ admittance.
According to the Associated Press, the new rules will require dogs to either be on a leash that is less than three feet long, or they will need to be secured inside a carrier. Larger dogs must be muzzled. Pet parents must also carry a health certificate and the proper supplies to pick up their dog’s poop.
Certain high-traffic tourist destinations will continue to enforce their current “pet-free” policies. This includes the Acropolis, Knossos in Crete, ancient Olympia, and Delphi, which tend to get very crowded. And, as it has always been, animals aren’t allowed inside theaters, temples, tombs, or monuments with mosaic floors. Some of these places are dangerous for dogs, and others are hoping to do their best to preserve the historical integrity.
But, 110 additional locations will be installing crates where pets can wait while their parents peruse.
“The new policy is a ‘first, but important, step’ toward a framework of accessibility to monuments and archaeological sites on the model of other European countries,” says Culture Minister Lina Mendoni.
Prior to Greece’s announcement, other European countries have made similar policy changes. Travelers to Venice, Italy, can now arrange for a dog walker to meet them at the entrance to certain museums. This way, their dogs can accompany them around the city but have somewhere to go when their mom and dad want to go into buildings where their four-legged friends aren’t allowed. Tourists can simply sign-up online and the service costs about $10 an hour.
In addition to easing restrictions on animals, Greece has been increasing accessibility at popular tourist destinations. For example, they installed a wheelchair-friendly elevator and pathway at the Acropolis. All of these improvements make sense, as Greece relies heavily on tourism revenue. Prior to the pandemic, tourism was bringing in more than $18 billion per year.
These pet-friendly policy changes are great news for people who love to travel with their pets. Though, you may not want to hop on a plane with your pup just yet. A specific timeline for when the new changes will take effect has yet to be announced.
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