How To Help – athens-best-friend.

Join us in making a difference by adopting, fostering, volunteering, donating, or spreading the word.

Our Friends

Snapshots of Athens’ stray dogs finding hope and warmth through kindness.

A large, fluffy dog with a brown and white coat stands on a snow-covered street. A tag is visible on its ear, suggesting it might be a stray or monitored animal. The background features bare trees and a blurred view of buildings and a parked car, indicating a cold, wintry environment.

A small brown dog lies on a cobblestone street in a narrow, deserted alley. The background is blurred, showcasing old, rustic buildings with wooden doors and green shutters.

Two dogs are standing on a narrow street lined with parked cars and older buildings. The scene has an urban feel, with concrete surfaces and muted colors.

How You Can Help

Helping stray dogs does not always require big actions. Even small efforts, when done thoughtfully, can improve the lives of dogs living on the streets of Athens. Below are some practical ways individuals can get involved and support stray dogs in meaningful ways.

Adoption

Adopting a stray dog is one of the most direct ways to help. By offering a dog a permanent home, you provide safety, care, and stability. Adoption also helps shelters and organisations by freeing up space and resources so they can support other animals in need.

Give Your Time and Care

Animal shelters and rescue organisations rely heavily on volunteers. Giving your time, even occasionally, can make a real difference to both the animals and the people working to support them.
Volunteers may help with walking dogs, feeding, cleaning shelter areas, or providing social interaction to animals that may be anxious or shy. Volunteering also helps dogs become more comfortable around people, increasing their chances of adoption.

Support Animals in Need

Donations are essential for shelters to continue their work. Financial contributions help cover veterinary care, food, medication, and general shelter maintenance. Many organisations also accept donations of supplies such as blankets, food, or toys.
Even small donations can help improve the daily lives of stray dogs and support organisations that work to protect them.

Be a Voice for Animals

Raising awareness is another important way to help. Sharing information about stray dogs and responsible pet ownership encourages others to become more informed and involved.
This can include talking to friends and family, sharing reliable information online, or supporting campaigns that promote humane treatment and animal welfare. Increased awareness can lead to more responsible decisions and long-term improvements.

Provide a Temporary Home

Fostering a stray dog is a valuable way to help when long-term adoption is not possible. By offering a temporary home, you provide a dog with safety, care, and stability while it waits to be adopted. This also helps shelters reduce overcrowding and allows them to focus on animals that need urgent care. Even short-term fostering can make a positive difference by helping dogs adjust to home life and increasing their chances of finding a permanent family.