If a could, I would definitely go for this volunteering experience again. All of the volunteers, local team, the staff at the hostel and the people of Athens were very friendly and helpful with anything I needed. I already miss the dogs and Athens so much as it had such an impact on me, and it was made so much better by the people surrounding me. I made such great friends on this trip and I will never forget this experience!
Animal Care Volunteer Program in Greece - Athens
Purpose
Care for abandoned animals
Start dates
Programs start every first and third Monday of the month
Duration
Choose from 2-12 weeks
Volunteer hours
Up to 5 hours a day
Age
Volunteers aged 18+
Accommodation
Sustainable hostel in Athens
Who is going?
Group video calls
Once you have secured your place, join regular video calls to meet your Program Manager and other volunteers before your trip.
This program is ideal for:
As you will be volunteering with the support of local staff, you do not need any experience of working with animals. However, a love for dogs and cats is a must!
Project details
Ready to make a real difference for animals in Athens? Join International Volunteer HQ’s Animal Care project in Greece, where your efforts will directly impact the lives of abandoned and rescued dogs, cats, and urban wildlife like birds, turtles, and hedgehogs. By volunteering at a local animal shelter, you’ll play a crucial role in providing these animals with the care and safety they desperately need, helping them recover and find a better future. Your commitment can truly change their lives—this is your chance to take action now!
What to expect and how you'll make an impact
Join the Animal Care Program in Athens, Greece! This program offers a fantastic opportunity to support local organizations dedicated to caring for our furry four-legged friends and other endangered animals that have been lost or abandoned. In 2017, research showed that there are approximately 3.8 million stray cats and dogs throughout Greece, with nearly 2 million in Athens alone. The high number of abandoned animals makes these shelters indispensable, but they are often overcrowded and under-resourced, relying heavily on volunteers to manage daily tasks.
Your role as a volunteer will involve socializing and training the animals, many of whom may have experienced trauma, violence, neglect, or illness. The mission is to make them feel loved, stimulate them, and help them build trust in people again. The ultimate goal of these shelters is to ensure the well-being of the animals and improve their behavior, making them more social and increasing their chances of being adopted into a loving permanent home.
Your assistance and support to the local staff and volunteers will be crucial in keeping the shelter running smoothly, ensuring that all animals receive the attention they need and that the shelter remains well-maintained and clean.
Your tasks will vary day-to-day but can include:
- Animal Socialization: Spend time playing and socializing with the animals, helping them build trust in people and improve their behavior.
- Feeding and Care: Feed the animals and ensure they are clean and healthy.
- Walking the Animals: Take the dogs for walks, providing them with exercise and social interaction.
- Support Adoption Events: Assist with organizing and running adoption events to help find new homes for the animals.
- Promote Adoptions: Take photos and videos of the dogs and cats to help promote their adoption through social media and other channels.
As you will be volunteering with the support of a local team and placement staff, you do not need to be qualified or experienced to participate on this project.
Why do Animal Care volunteering in Athens with IVHQ?
When you volunteer on the Animal Care project in Athens you’ll be adding value to the local community, while also developing personally and professionally by:
- Making an Impact: Help improve the lives of abandoned and rescued animals, giving them a second chance at finding a loving home.
- Gaining Experience: Develop skills in animal care, socialization, and shelter management.
- Cultural Immersion: Experience the rich culture of Athens while making a meaningful contribution to animal welfare.
Ready to Help Care for Animals in Athens?
Volunteer requirements
Volunteers need to be 18 years or over to participate in this program. If you are under the age of 18, IVHQ offers alternative volunteer opportunities for teens. Visit our High School Volunteer Abroad page to learn more.
Volunteers must speak fluent English. All volunteers are required to have adequate volunteer travel insurance and provide a recent criminal background check to IVHQ after registering on the program.
Are you eligible to volunteer?
Submit a free application so we can confirm your eligibility and check availability for your preferred dates.
Not sure which program to join?
Get personalized recommendations >
Who is going?
Group video calls
Once you have secured your place, join regular video calls to meet your Program Manager and other volunteers before your trip.
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IVHQ Animal Care project
IVHQ Homeless Support project
IVHQ Ethical Fashion project
IVHQ Sports & Arts With Refugees project
IVHQ Community Support project
IVHQ Community Support project
IVHQ Creative Technologies project
IVHQ Sports & Arts With Refugees project
IVHQ Animal Care project
IVHQ Homeless Support project
IVHQ Sports & Arts With Refugees project
IVHQ Community Support project
IVHQ Ethical Fashion project
IVHQ Sports & Arts With Refugees project
IVHQ Community Support project
IVHQ Sports & Arts With Refugees project
IVHQ Animal Care project
IVHQ Sports & Arts With Refugees project
IVHQ Community Support project
IVHQ Homeless Support project
IVHQ Sports & Arts With Refugees project
IVHQ Ethical Fashion project
IVHQ Community Support project
IVHQ Community Support project
IVHQ Sports & Arts With Refugees project
IVHQ Community Support project
IVHQ Ethical Fashion project
Exploring Greece during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring Greece during an IVHQ weekend
What recent volunteers said about their IVHQ experience
EG
Emily Gribben
27 Aug 2024
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DH
Daniel Hall
22 Aug 2024
Such an unforgettable experience. This was so far out of my usual comfort zone, it took a bit for me to warm up, but the environment was safe and welcoming, and I am much more confident and ready for another trip!
...
MM
Melissa Muentes
23 Jul 2024
I gained a lot independence and learned a lot about the culture of new country. As person I adapted pretty quickly and made friends as I volunteered which is good because you meet people from all around. Volunteering aboard is fun and takes you out of your comfort zone which is best thing ever as you conquer fears about new country - but as person, you never alone.
...
JB
Joel Baker-Smith
10 Apr 2024
Great opportunity to experience a city in greater detail all the while doing something productive and helpful.
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ST
Sabrina Tomlinson
13 Dec 2023
I can confidently say volunteering was the best decision of my life and I have already signed up for another 12 weeks in Bali with someone I met on the trip. I was a very anxious person before going but I believe this trip has helped settle it. I’ve become so much more confident, I feel I learned so much from the people volunteering at the dog shelter, the dogs, everyone I met, and just from being in Greece for so long. I got to immerse myself in their lifestyle which was very different but amazing. I constantly pushed myself out of my comfort zone and in return it was the most rewarding and impactful trip of my life.
...
FC
Fernando Castro
31 Oct 2023
IVHQ did an amazing job with their guidance and preparation resources, I hope to work with them again. The local team did exceptional work. Their communication and organization were outstanding, making it easy for volunteers to contribute effectively.
Volunteering at a dog shelter in Greece was an incredibly rewarding experience. The opportunity to work closely with the shelter's dedicated staff and the dogs in their care left a lasting impression on me. The shelter staff exhibited an unwavering commitment to the well-being of the dogs. Their passion and tireless efforts to provide food, shelter, and love to these animals were evident every day. Their dedication to creating a safe and nurturing environment for the dogs was truly inspiring.
During my time there, I had the chance to engage in various tasks, from feeding and grooming the dogs to taking them for walks and providing socialization. It was heartwarming to witness the positive changes in the dogs' behavior and demeanor as they received attention and care. Overall, my time volunteering at the dog shelter in Greece was a life-changing experience, thanks in large part to the incredible local staff, and IVHQ, and their dedication. I am truly grateful for the opportunity to have been a part of this meaningful endeavor, and I hope to return in the future to continue supporting their vital work.
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To read all reviews, visit our reviews page.
Academic course credit
Academic course credit
Gain course credit from your college or university and meet your academic requirements when completing a volunteer abroad program with International Volunteer HQ!
Learn about course creditLocation
Location
The IVHQ Greece program is based in Athens, the country’s largest and capital city, as well as one of the world’s oldest cities! Famous for its art, philosophy and culture, you’ll have the chance to step back through time and witness fascinating museums, historic sculptures and ancient ruins up to 5,000 years old.
There are plenty of awesome viewpoints around Athens, from which you can admire the city’s architectural gems, labyrinthe of streets and charming taverns. Or you can soak up the sun on the city’s beaches and nearby islands. Don’t forget to treat your taste buds to the local Mediterranean cuisine - you can’t beat a Greek salad!
Arrival and orientation
The Greece volunteer program begins on the first and third Monday of each month and you will need to arrive in Athens on the Sunday before your chosen start date.
After you have registered for the program, please book your flights to arrive at Athens International Airport (ATH). The cost of your airport pick-up is included in your Program Fee. When you arrive, you will be greeted at the airport by a member of the local team and taken to the volunteer accommodation. Your accommodation is covered by your Program Fee and includes the night before your program orientation.
If you are traveling in Greece prior to your volunteer program, we can arrange for you to be picked up from a meeting point in Athens on the Sunday before your program start date. You are also free to make your own way to the volunteer accommodation.
On Monday, orientation is hosted by our local team in Greece and runs for a full day. Orientation covers everything you need to know for your volunteer program in Athens – an introduction to Greece, culture and customs, rules and expectations, safety, travel opportunities, and an introduction to your project and placement as well as a tour of the local area. The orientation will also give you a chance to meet other volunteers and swap contact details for weekend travel and socializing.
Volunteer schedule example
Weekdays
After the initial orientation, you will have a morning, afternoon or evening shift at your placement and will work for approximately 3 to 5 hours per day. A typical schedule is as follows:
| 7:30 AM - 10:00 AM | Breakfast is available at the volunteer accommodation and is self-service. |
| 8:30 AM | Volunteers usually begin traveling to their placement to join local placement staff and begin work on their project. Please note that start times and daily workload depends on the project that you are participating in - some placements run in the afternoon and volunteers on these placements will have the morning free to use as they wish or to attend Greek language lessons. |
| 2:00 PM - 3.30 PM | Lunch is available at the volunteer accommodation. After lunch, you will continue your volunteer work (where applicable). |
| 4:00 PM | Volunteers with afternoon or evening shifts travel to placement to join local staff and begin work on their project. Please note that start times and daily work load depend on the project you are participating in. |
| 7:00 PM - 9:30 PM | Dinner is available at the volunteer accommodation. After dinner you will have the remainder of the evening free to relax and use as you wish. |
Please note that this schedule will vary depending on the needs of your particular placement.
Weekends
Volunteers have the weekends free and there is no shortage of great things to see and do in Athens, wider Greece and the surrounding Greek Islands.
Accommodation and WiFi
Volunteers are accommodated in a dormitory-style hostel conveniently located in the heart of Athens. Experience the ultimate blend of comfort, community, and cultural exchange. Just a stone’s throw away from the nearest metro station and a short drive from the iconic Acropolis, the hostel is the perfect base for your volunteering adventure.
Immerse yourself in the lively neighborhood, brimming with amenities such as supermarkets, quaint coffee shops, bustling bars, convenient ATMs, and all transportation means. Expect cozy accommodations shared with up to eleven other people per room, complete with air conditioning for comfort. There are two well-maintained shared bathrooms on each floor to ensure convenience, while bedding and towels are provided for your ease. There are staff who clean the accommodation throughout the week; however, volunteers are required to keep their rooms tidy. Each volunteer is provided with their own locker.
The communal areas, including a spacious dining hall/warm lounge, a fully equipped communal kitchen, inviting backyard, and an expansive terrace, celebrate the different cultures and stories that arrive at the hostel. This vibrant space is a hub of social inclusion and sustainability, offering a welcoming atmosphere where guests from around the globe can connect. The hostel extends occupational opportunities to migrants and refugees in Athens, embodying a spirit of community empowerment. Its decor, an ode to sustainable living, features charming second-hand furnishings and supports local, ethical businesses.
WiFi is available at the volunteer accommodation and is free of charge. Please note that the signal may be weaker in some areas. There is also WiFi available at many cafes and restaurants in the area.
Meals
Volunteers at the hostel are provided with breakfast, lunch, and dinner each day. Breakfast is served buffet-style, typically offering tea, coffee, milk, bread, jam, cereal, and seasonal fruits.
Lunch and dinner menus usually feature a variety of options including fish, meat, rice, pasta, lentils, vegetables, and salad.
Volunteers are encouraged to communicate any special dietary needs when submitting their application, so arrangements can be made accordingly. As you will be living and volunteering abroad, you should not expect to eat as you normally do at home; however, the local team will do their best to ensure you are well taken care of.
Accommodation reception
Typical volunteer bedroom
Typical volunteer bedroom
Typical volunteer bedroom
Typical volunteer bathroom
Volunteer lounge & dining area
Volunteer lounge & dining area
Accommodation upgrade
Accommodation upgrade
Accommodation upgrade
Double accommodation upgrade
Typical volunteer quiet space area
Typical volunteer outdoor common area
Typical volunteer outdoor common area
Typical volunteer outdoor common area
Typical volunteer kitchen
Typical volunteer meal service area
Typical volunteer breakfast
Typical volunteer lunch
Pricing
Secure your place for just US$299 (approximately CA$437), pay your Program Fee later.
Spots are limited. For a Registration Fee of just US$299 (approximately CA$437) you secure your spot and unlock all our preparation and training tools.
You don't need to worry about paying your Program Fee until you get closer to your start date.
Duration |
Program FeeDue 30 days before you start, or within 48 hours if you register inside of 30 days. Covers the cost of hosting you.
|
|---|---|
| 2 weeks | $1,060 Equivalent to $76/day |
| 3 weeks | $1,420 Equivalent to $68/day |
| 4 weeks | $1,780 Equivalent to $64/day |
| 5 weeks | $2,140 Equivalent to $61/day |
| 6 weeks | $2,500 Equivalent to $60/day |
| 8 weeks | $3,220 Equivalent to $58/day |
| 10 weeks | $3,940 Equivalent to $56/day |
| 12 weeks | $4,660 Equivalent to $55/day |
- All programs attract a Registration Fee of US$299 (approximately CA$437) in addition to the Program Fee. This covers all pre-departure support services.
- A 5% international banking fee is added at point of payment.
- Recommended spending money: Volunteers in Athens generally find US$100 to be sufficient for weekly expenses including, transportation, water and miscellaneous spending.
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Airport pick-up
- Accommodation
- 24/7 in-country support
- In-country program orientation
- Pre-departure support from your Program Manager
- Personalized preparation tools, guides and check lists
- Access to IVHQ’s preferred insurance and flights partners
- Certificate of International Volunteer Service
Learn more about what's included in your IVHQ Registration Fee and Program Fee.
- Transport to and from your placement each day
- Return to the airport when your program finishes
- Flights
- Visa (if required), travel insurance (mandatory), vaccinations, criminal background check.
- Personal spending money for snacks, laundry, public transportation, drinks and leisure activities during your free time.
Check what's required to visit Greece
Safety and support
Safety and support
IVHQ follows best practice and industry-leading health and safety procedures, which are regularly reviewed and optimized as part of the B Corporation recertification.
- All volunteers encouraged to complete our interactive pre-departure training.
- All local teams trained on best practice volunteer management & First Aid.
- All IVHQ programs are required to adhere to IVHQ's Risk Management Policy.
- All volunteers have access to 24/7 in-country support from our local team.
Essential country information
Essential country information
| Capital | Athens |
| Population | 11.18 Million |
| Languages | Greek |
| Currency | Euro (EUR) |
| Time zone | UTC+02:00 |
Weather and climate
The climate in Greece is a very typical Mediterranean climate: mild and rainy winters and hot and dry summers with long periods of sunshine and no rain.
Apply to check if you're eligible!
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