If you are a cat lover, this message is for you. There is an island in Greece that is looking for volunteers for a cat shelter in exchange for free accommodation. Take a look.
The world is divided into two imaginary camps, namely team cats and team dogs. Mostly these two teams work on a very simple principle – you love cats and can’t stand dogs, or you love dogs and avoid cats. If your love for cats is really big and knows no bounds, you might think about the really tempting offer that the Greek island of Syros makes possible. There, in exchange for free accommodation, you can volunteer and take care of local cats. How does it all work?
Greece and cats
A sunny island that is not a tourist attraction, free accommodation and breakfast, energy coverage and lots of four-legged friends. Sounds like a dream, right? For some, this dream can become a reality. The volunteer organization Syros Cats is behind this project, which has been trying to improve the lives of wild animals for several years and on this island, since there is no state system for the care of stray animals on the island. All the help that the cats get therefore comes mainly from local residents, volunteers and cat enthusiasts.
The organization Syros Cats therefore tries to reduce the suffering of animals and improve their living conditions. This is what they strive for through a humane sterilization program, daily feeding programs, veterinary care and many other activities. And right now they need help from volunteers. Of course, it is necessary to submit an application first. If you are successful in your application, you will have five hours of work five days a week, mainly during the morning and afternoon. During this time, the volunteers take care of the cats and in exchange they receive free accommodation, breakfast and energy coverage.
So what daily tasks await the volunteers? Of course feeding and replenishing water for catsthen, socializing young and shy cats, helping with vet visits and neutering programs, but also light gardening and maintenance work, or interacting with visitors and helping with tours. The organization is looking for reliable, responsible and patient people who don’t just want an almost free vacation, but above all really help improve the lives of the animals on this island.
Underlined, summed up
So what are the pros and cons of this well-deserved working holiday? The pros are of course clear, as it is essentially an exchange of services and a large number of costs, so the volunteers will cover them. The location is absolutely beautiful with lots of sun and sea, and if you love cats, you’ll definitely enjoy some of the volunteering duties. On the other hand, however, it is necessary to take into account that this is definitely not a vacation, and you will be required to do serious work, which can be demanding and quite dirty in places. It is necessary to take this task responsibly and with a real desire to help animals. The minimum length of stay is one month, longer stays are definitely welcome. This year’s offers are already closed, but next year’s offers should appear sometime in the fall.
