volunteering with animals

Enjoy life in Greece while volunteering with animals

Lend a hand at our sanctuary! We need compassionate volunteers to care for dogs, cats, and goats in need of love. Join us!

Make a change and go volunteering with animals – requirements & tasks

Make a difference in the lives of rescued animals, including dogs, cats, and farm animals. As a volunteer, you’ll live within our shelter, experiencing the daily care and dedication needed in animal welfare. Learn firsthand about responsible animal care in Greece while enjoying the unique atmosphere of our open shelter, where dogs roam freely in specially designed areas.

Even with over 100 dogs, we make a point to introduce volunteers to each one’s personality right from the start. The dogs’ excitement can be a lot at first, but we’ll teach you how to set boundaries. Safety is key, as there’s always a chance of minor scuffles between the dogs. Spending time with them, though, helps volunteers quickly understand and follow the safety rules. The dogs themselves are all incredibly friendly and love human company, making them a joy to work with.

You’ll work 5 days a week (about 27 hours per week), with 2 days off. We’ll work together to figure out which days those are to best suit your schedule.

You’ll need to be in decent shape for tasks like lifting and carrying heavy buckets of food and water during feeding times. Some experience with dogs is a plus, as they’re free to roam and might jump up to say hello.

You won’t need any special gear, just dress for the weather. Winters can be cold, wet, and muddy, while summers are hot and humid, with lots of time spent outside. No matter the season, make sure to wear comfortable, supportive shoes.

How does the day look like?

The day starts early at the refuge, around 6:30 am, with feeding the dogs, refreshing their water, and tidying their spaces. This morning routine typically wraps up around 9:30 am. Our schedule adapts to the seasons and weather, so you’ll have the chance to experience beautiful sunrises and sunsets here, especially while caring for the goats.

Later in the day, usually around 6 pm (or 3 pm after daylight-saving time), we take the goats out to graze. Our main job is to keep them off the road and away from the neighbor’s olive trees. You might also help with afternoon feeding and cleaning for the dogs. Keeping your own living space clean is also part of the deal.

Make a change and go volunteering with animals – what we offer

We’re a small sanctuary, with living space just for the animals and our founder. We can welcome up to 2 volunteers at a time in a separate 60 square meter house right next door. It has a double bedroom, a single bedroom, a separate toilet, and is equipped with a fridge and washing machine for your convenience.

Our sanctuary is nestled in a peaceful, rural setting, far from the hustle and bustle. The 60 square meter house is also home to our 6 foster cats, so get ready for some purr-fect therapy during your stay! We’ve intentionally kept the guesthouse free of TV and radio, but you’ll have access to reliable, free Wi-Fi. We kindly ask our volunteers to help maintain a quiet and peaceful atmosphere.

There is a landline with a WiFi connection in the volunteer house, accessible 24/7.

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