“Fit, mature, healthy and independent” people can still volunteer for 2027 and look after the island’s kittens for 5 hours a day, 5 days a week. In return, they receive accommodation and breakfast, with basic expenses included.
If you’re a cat lover and still don’t have plans for summer, here’s a bold idea. An animal protection association on the Greek island of Syros is recruiting volunteers to work at a cat sanctuary: offers free accommodation in exchange for daily support in animal care routines.
The initiative is being promoted as an opportunity for feline lovers to spend the summer in a Mediterranean destination while helping with animal welfare, seeking “fit, mature, healthy and independent” peopleavailable for stay for a minimum of one month.
The project belongs to the organization Syros Catsoperating since the 1990s and described as a pioneer in the organized response to the cat problem on the island. The sanctuary’s mission is to manage the feline population through TNR programs (capture, sterilization and return), monitor the health status of the animals, refer cases that require veterinary care and ensure regular feeding.
Anyone volunteering on the Greek island will have to clean the spaces, distribute food, facilitate and promote the socialization of rescued puppies (to facilitate future adoptions) and carry out “kitten cuddling” — establish frequent contact with the kittens to get them used to human touch.
The expected commitment is five hours a day, five days a week in direct animal care. You Volunteers receive accommodation, expenses included (utilities) and breakfast in exchange.
Syros Cats’ activity is part of a broader effort that involves another local structure, . “We want to show the world that animals count,” says Richard Bowell, co-founder of the organization, quoted by .
As applications for next summer have already closed, but the organization indicates that the process should reopen in the fall, for volunteering in 2027. Those interested are advised to follow the Syros Cats official website or subscribe to the newsletter.
