Syros Cats on the Greek island of Syros will soon open applications for volunteers to care for stray cats in 2027. The program covers housing, breakfast, and supplies, but volunteers must cover their own travel and meals. Minimum stay is one month.
On the Greek island of Syros, an unusual opportunity is set to open for animal lovers willing to dedicate their time to caring for stray cats. Syros Cats, a registered UK charity, will begin accepting applications in September 2026 for volunteers interested in joining their program throughout 2027. While the exact application date remains unannounced, the organization confirms that the minimum commitment is one month, with volunteers expected to contribute around 25 hours per week.
The program is designed for individuals or couples ready to take on daily responsibilities, including feeding, cleaning, and monitoring the health of both domestic and feral cats. Volunteers are provided with a private bedroom in a shared house, where kitchen, bathroom, and living spaces are communal. Breakfast and basic utilities are included, but participants must pay for their own travel to Syros and cover the cost of their meals beyond breakfast. The organization emphasizes that this is a volunteer position, with no salary offered.
Requirements and Daily Routine
Applicants should be in good physical health, self-sufficient, and able to handle the demands of animal care. Previous work experience is required, and those with backgrounds in veterinary assistance or experience with feral cats will have an advantage. However, Syros Cats also welcomes dedicated animal lovers willing to take on cleaning, supply management, and follow instructions from supervisors. The charity notes that candidates under 25 may find it harder to demonstrate the necessary initiative, though there is no strict age limit. Digital nomads are accepted if they can adapt their online work to the fixed volunteer schedule. Stays with children or pets are not permitted, and the organization values volunteers who can commit for several months.
The daily schedule is structured around two main shifts. Mornings begin at 8:00 and run until 13:00, focusing on feeding cats with special needs, outdoor colonies, and those living on the streets or beaches. Tasks include administering treatments, cleaning litter boxes, washing bowls, changing bedding, and observing for signs of illness. Any health concerns must be reported promptly. A second shift starts an hour before sunset, involving evening feeding, water checks, medication, cleaning cages, and preparing cats for the night. Additional duties may include vet visits, socializing kittens, gardening, laundry, and assisting with sterilization efforts. Volunteers are required to use gloves and appropriate footwear due to the rural environment, which can include encounters with snakes, scorpions, and unpredictable feral cats.
Application Process and Practical Details
The official application form for 2027 will be published on the Syros Cats volunteering page once the window opens. Applicants must specify their preferred dates, work history, and any relevant experience with cats. The organization warns that general inquiries or emails will not substitute for the formal application. In previous years, a non-refundable administrative fee of 10 euros was charged, but details for 2027 have not yet been confirmed. Non-EU passport holders must observe the Schengen Area's 90-day rule within any 180-day period. The European Health Insurance Card covers public healthcare during temporary stays but does not include private care or repatriation, so additional travel insurance is recommended.
For those seeking paid positions, Syros Cats suggests exploring other animal care jobs in Europe that include accommodation. The charity's program, however, remains focused on providing a meaningful volunteer experience, supporting both the welfare of Syros's stray cats and the personal growth of its participants.
