Volunteers sought on the Greek island: accommodation and breakfasts for taking care of cats.

Volunteering on the island of Syros

According to ТСН: The recruitment of volunteers willing to help homeless cats has begun on the Greek island of Syros. Participation in the program offers free accommodation, breakfasts, and coverage of utility expenses. Volunteers are required to feed and care for the animals.

Details about job vacancies for cat lovers were provided by the charity organization

Syros Cats

Conditions of volunteering

The island of Syros, located about 110 km from the port of Piraeus in the Aegean Sea, is home to approximately 3,000 homeless cats. The Syros Cats Foundation is recruiting volunteers for a term of at least one month.

Work involves 5 hours a day, 5 days a week. Volunteers' responsibilities include:

• feeding the animals;
• cleaning litter boxes;
• grooming;
• assisting with medications;
• transporting sick cats to the veterinarian;
• guiding tours for shelter visitors.

Selection criteria

Adults who are energetic and responsible are invited to participate. Candidates with experience as a veterinary nurse or those who have previously cared for stray cats are preferred. Individuals under 25 have lesser chances of acceptance, and those with children or pets are not allowed to participate.

Only 4 volunteers can work on the island at the same time. Each volunteer will have a separate bedroom, while the kitchen and bathroom are shared. Volunteers also cover their own costs for flights, lunches, and dinners. Citizens from non-EU countries must adhere to Schengen zone regulations and arrange for health insurance.

The organization also welcomes digital nomads, but their remote work must be flexible and not interfere with primary responsibilities at the shelter.

Current news

Due to the high volume of applications, recruitment for 2026 is currently halted. Potential candidates can follow

Syros Cats

Interestingly, similar offers for accommodation in exchange for work can be found in other countries. For example, in Japan, the Asahi Ryokan hotel offered a room for just 50 pence a night if the resident streamed their life on YouTube.

Previously, it was also reported that one of the islands in the Aegean Sea offers payment for those who move and live there.

Thus, volunteering on Syros is not only an opportunity to help homeless animals but also a chance to spend time on a beautiful Greek island, meet new people, and gain valuable experience. However, despite the attractiveness of the offer, one should keep in mind certain restrictions that may pose barriers for many who wish to participate.