A Greek island is recruiting volunteers to care for cats in exchange for free accommodation and breakfast. The animal welfare organisation Syros Cats, based on the island of Syros, will begin accepting applications for 2027 volunteer positions in September, according to startlap.hu.
Volunteers are expected to work five days a week, around five hours a day, for a minimum of one month. In return, they receive a bedroom, breakfast, and a contribution toward living costs. Free time can be spent exploring the island’s beaches.
What the role involves
Each volunteer gets their own bedroom but shares a kitchen, bathroom, and common areas with two or three other participants. Volunteers must cover their own lunch and dinner, and the organisation does not reimburse travel costs.
Work typically runs from 8am to around 1pm, with some days requiring help with evening feeding and medication. Daily tasks include feeding cats, cleaning bowls, cages and litter trays, monitoring sick or injured animals, socialising kittens, administering medication, and helping at veterinary visits.
Skills in gardening, sewing, crafts, or social media are noted as useful, as the organisation makes and sells small items to raise funds for food, medicine, and veterinary care.
Who can apply
Syros Cats welcomes individual volunteers and couples. Applicants must be adults, with a preference for those aged 25 and over, be in good physical condition, be comfortable around cats, and have a good command of English. The role can be physically demanding, with volunteers required to carry cat food bags weighing up to 15 kilograms.
No citizenship restrictions are listed, and the organisation accepts volunteers from countries worldwide. Capacity is limited, with around four volunteers working at the organisation at any one time.
