Volunteering on the Greek island of Syros: Caring for Cats with Free Housing in 2027

Syros Cats, an organization based on the Greek island of Syros, will begin accepting applications for its 2027 volunteer program in September. Participants will receive a private bedroom, breakfast, and partial coverage of living expenses in exchange for five days of work at a shelter for stray animals. Learn more about the terms of participation, list of responsibilities, and requirements for applicants

Greece is opening up new opportunities for long-term stays in the country through volunteer initiatives. On the island of Syros, a local animal welfare organization is inviting volunteers to care for stray cats in exchange for free housing and partial support. UNIAN reports on this.

Further in this article, we’ll cover the application deadlines for 2027, the work schedule, the list of responsibilities, and the requirements for candidates.

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When does the volunteer recruitment for Syros in 2027 begin?

Applications for volunteer positions for the following year open in September. Syros Cats, an organization dedicated to rescuing stray animals on the island, limits the number of participants—there are usually about four volunteers working at the shelter at any given time.

The program’s official terms and conditions do not impose any restrictions on applicants’ citizenship. Applicants from various countries around the world, including Ukraine, are welcome to apply.

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What’s included in the volunteer package: housing and meals

Program participants are assigned a private bedroom in the volunteer dormitory. The kitchen, bathroom, and common areas are shared with two or three other participants. The host organization also covers a portion of the living expenses.

Breakfast is free for volunteers. Each participant is responsible for their own lunch and dinner, and the organization does not reimburse travel expenses to and from the island.

Work Schedule at the Syros Cats Shelter

The work schedule consists of five days a week, approximately five hours each day. The workday usually starts at 8:00 a.m. and ends around 1:00 p.m. On certain days, you may be asked to assist with evening feedings and administering medication to the animals.

The exact schedule depends on the condition of the cats at the shelter and current tasks. The minimum commitment is one month; preference is given to candidates willing to spend more time on the island.

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What are the volunteers’ responsibilities at the shelter?

Daily tasks include caring for the animals, keeping the premises clean, and providing administrative assistance. Volunteers perform the following tasks:

• feeding cats and refilling their water bowls;
• washing food bowls;
• caring for stray and homeless animals;
• cleaning beds, cages, and enclosures;
• cleaning and disinfecting litter boxes;
• monitoring sick and injured cats;
• administering medications, pills, and eye drops as prescribed by the shelter;
• socializing kittens and playing with them;
• accompanying animals during visits to the veterinarian;
• sweeping and mopping the floors inside the shelter;
• keeping the garden and shelter grounds tidy;
• unpacking food, litter, and other supplies.

Skills in gardening, sewing, crafts, or managing social media are highly valued. The organization makes and sells small souvenirs to raise funds for cat food, medication, and veterinary care.

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Requirements for Volunteer Program Applicants

Syros Cats accepts applications from both individual volunteers and couples. Applicants must be of legal age, though the organization gives preference to participants aged 25 and older.

Basic requirements for candidates:

• age 18 or older, with preference given to those 25 and older;
• good physical condition to carry bags of food weighing up to 15 kg;
• comfortable interacting with cats;
• willingness to spend at least one month on the island;
• fluency in English.

Experience working as a veterinary assistant, animal caretaker, or shelter staff member is considered an additional advantage during the selection process.

Health Insurance for Your Stay in Greece

Long-term participation in a volunteer program abroad requires obtaining an insurance policy in advance to cover medical services in the event of sudden illness or injury. For your stay on Syros, you’ll need insurance valid in Greece and other Schengen countries for the entire duration of your trip.

Health insurance from the Visit World portal is tailored to the specific duration of your stay abroad and covers a wide range of medical services in EU countries.

Get your policy online in just a few minutes and head to the Greek island with confidence in your own safety!

Reminder! We previously reported that seven islands in Greece have declared a state of emergency due to water shortages.

Photo: Magnific

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