ATHENS, Greece — Pets will soon be allowed into more than 120 archaeological sites across Greece, the country’s Culture Ministry announced last week, although not in the Acropolis or some of the other top tourist draws.
The move, unanimously approved by the country’s powerful Central Archaeological Council, will relax current rules that allow only guide dogs for disabled visitors into archaeological sites. The ministry did not specify when the new regulations would be implemented.
The decision is “a first, but important, step toward harmonizing the framework of accessibility to monuments and archaeological sites with the standards of other European countries, where entry rules for pets already apply,” Culture Minister Lina Mendoni said in a ministry press release.
The council approved the entry of pets provided they are kept on a leash no more than 3 feet long, or carried by their owners in a pouch or a pet carrying case. Owners will also need to show their pet’s health certificate and carry the necessary accessories to pick up their animal’s droppings in order to be allowed entry, the ministry said. Larger dogs will have to be muzzled.
