Frequently asked questions

Many people mistakenly believe that animal welfare organizations operate as public services, with paid members and funding from the state or municipalities, or that they function as Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs).

However, the truth presents a different perspective:

– Animal welfare groups consist of volunteers who dedicate their time to educate and raise awareness about various animal-related issues, including domestic, agricultural, and wildlife concerns.

– These organizations collaborate with the municipalities to enforce legal obligations regarding the protection, welfare, and management of stray and captive animals.

– They prioritize education and public outreach, conducting special programs in schools and distributing printed materials and advertisements to influence and change Greek attitudes toward animals.

– Animal welfare groups promote adoption initiatives and organize group sterilization efforts with partner or volunteer veterinarians.

– They provide guidance to citizens regarding complaints of abuse and other animal-related offenses.

– They advocate for competent authorities to fulfill their responsibilities and duties regarding animal welfare.

– The actions of these organizations stem from voluntary private initiatives, which may include the hospitalization and care of injured or sick animals, transportation to local veterinary clinics, and daily feeding of stray animals in various areas.

– The primary goal of animal welfare groups is not to collect stray animals but to combat the issues leading to their abandonment.

– Financial resources for these organizations typically come from membership fees, sponsorships, and occasional fundraising events. However, individual volunteer members often bear the cost of feeding and some medical expenses.

Volunteering is a responsibility shared by all members of society.

Harmonious coexistence with animals is not only necessary but also mandatory.

The microchip is a tiny capsule weighing about half a gram, about the size of a rice grain, containing a unique 15-digit number that represents your dog’s electronic identity. This code corresponds to his (breed, etc.) but also to your personal information, which is then registered with the Veterinary Services. This is the most reliable way of electronic signage, used all over the world and can be detected anywhere on the planet with a scanner available from all veterinary clinics.

If you lose your dog, this is the most reliable way to find it. Sure, announcing it to local veterinarians, posting announcements or even posting ads in newspapers, magazines and online will help, but the microchip is definitely not the safest way to find it.

The nametag collar actually has many advantages. It is the fastest way to find your dog. Most people will bother to call the number on the card than, unfortunately, the dog goes to the vet for a check (you should know that a scanner check is never charged by veterinarians).

Putting microchips on pets not only makes it easier to identify lost animals, but mainly helps to cope with stray animals and to prevent pet abandonment, by cultivating a sense of responsibility among owners and thus enhancing the legality of the laws. animals, which criminalize the abandonment of a pet.
This also controls the illegal movement of animals between states.

The microchip is so tiny that your dog doesn’t feel it at all! It is injected by the vet, just like with the vaccine, just with a slightly thicker needle. It is usually placed between the dog’s shoulder blades so that the animal does not feel the slightest discomfort.

source : P.A.W.S.

Sterilization is the surgery in which the uterus and ovaries are removed in females and testes in males. It is done by a veterinarian. Sterilization is performed under general animal anesthesia.

Other benefits of neutering, as a veterinarian will confirm, are that neutering can prevent breast, ovarian and pyometra cancers. A dog neutered before the first estrus has zero chance of developing breast cancer.

The “equation” of neutering weight gain is a myth. Indeed, post-neutering animals tend to eat more food and therefore in cases where the owner does not pay proper attention to the animal’s diet there is an increase in his weight.

Sterilization is usually done after the age of 6 months when a male animal is present, and after the first estrous period (around 10-12 months) when a female. It is advisable to consult with your veterinarian about what is the ideal procedure for your animal depending on breed, weight, etc.

source : P.A.W.S.

Behind every stray animal lies an irresponsible former owner.

– Ensure compliance with the law by microchipping and neutering your pet.
– Keep up with vaccinations and monitor its health regularly.
– Show persistence and commitment in caring for your pet, just as you would for your own child.

Animal responsibility is a reflection of morality and culture.
– Show respect towards animals.
– Provide protection and affection.
– Report cases of animal abuse, mistreatment, or abandonment.
– Consider adopting a stray.
– Extend kindness by providing food and water to neighborhood strays.
– Collaborate with local authorities and animal welfare organizations to address the issue of stray animals.

Indifference towards a problem only exacerbates it.

Saying ‘call animal welfare’ is the typical response of those who believe it’s the solution to the stray animal problem. However, they fail to understand that no matter how many animals the shelter takes in, the issue of strays persists.

Many people feel a sense of relief after making that call, believing they’ve fulfilled their duty as responsible citizens. But merely reporting an animal sighting doesn’t make one an active and responsible animal advocate.

Want to assist a stray you’ve encountered in your neighborhood?

– Provide food and water, ideally in a safe outdoor area.

– If unable to foster the animal yourself, reach out to friends and acquaintances.

– Take the animal to a veterinarian if injured or to check for a microchip.

– If there’s no stray sterilization program available, contact your municipality to inquire about fundraising for sterilization with the assistance of animal welfare organizations.

– Share the animal’s photo online with detailed information to reunite it with its owner or find a new adoptive family.

In Greece, abandoning animals is illegal. While it’s acceptable to house strays temporarily in shelters (as long as they receive proper care) before reintegrating them into their natural habitats.

It’s crucial to learn to coexist with strays. Stray animals do not simply “appear”; they’re created by human actions and the uncontrolled breeding of domestic animals.

“Call the animal welfare organization” to support them and not assign them what we can ALL do.