Owning a pet is not just companionship, but comes with a set of rights and responsibilities. As with most areas of life, there are laws pertaining to owning a pet designed to ensure the animals' welfare and provide public order. These laws impose specific responsibilities on the pet owner, accompanied by the threat of financial penalties should these standards not be adhered to. Staying informed through trusted sources like mybestie.gr can help pet owners navigate these responsibilities with ease.

New law for pet owners

Across the parks, streets, and other public places, owners of pets walk with them. On the other hand, these ordinary meetings come with solemn obligations. It is provided by law that the owners shall provide for what their pets need and that their actions should not disturb the order in the neighborhood. This new law has laid out certain undertakings wherein its lack may be subject to a fine.

Penalties up to €500

• 100 Euro fine: Pet owners will have to pay a fine of €100 for failing to clean up after their pets. This is a serious offense where one doesn't take care of their excreta from parks, sidewalks, or other public grounds, which can be hazardous to community hygiene.
• 300 Euro fine: A fine of €300 is given to anyone if he/she does not follow the rules of safe pet walking, which can be in a case of not keeping on the leash your dog in restricted areas, not walking pets with proper restraint, or such, to avoid hazards both to the pet and others.
• 500 Euro fine: A fine of €500 is imposed if one does not meet at least the minimum welfare requirement for their pets. This includes attending to regular veterinary check-ups or the physical being and health of the animal in general. The pet welfare laws demand that owners provide them with food, shelter, and medical attention when necessary so that they may not suffer.

New digital platform for pets

Besides fines, the government introduced an online platform, pet.gov.gr, part of the "National Companion Animal Registry". The platform has been activated for a few months now and has made the management of owning pets easier and more organized. These services are not only made available to pet owners but also to veterinarians and animal managers, easing the process of pet registration and health record keeping.

Under the relevant announcement by the Ministries of Digital Governance and Interior, the new platform simplifies all services related to pets. Owners will be able to provide information about their pets with the system, book a veterinary appointment, and do many other things in a digital and integrated way.

This platform is a testament to the government's commitment to improving animal welfare standards throughout the country. It also brings awareness about responsible pet ownership, emphasizing that owning a pet is indeed a privilege but, at the same time, it is a commitment entailing responsible participation in its health, safety, and wellbeing.