World Animal Day: City of Athens Shows it Cares

Athens Mayor Kostas Bakoyannis at the “Shelter of Socrates”.

The City of Athens is celebrating World Animal Day 2021 with a number of events taking place at its shelter for stray animals in the district of Votanikos.

World Animal Day is celebrated annually on October 4 with the aim to raise the status of animals and improve welfare standards around the globe.

Events at the municipality’s animal shelter started on Saturday, when volunteers visited the site and together with “Lizilia pet bathing & grooming” took care of strays.

The shelter also opened its doors to the public on Sunday, offering the chance to visitors to spend time with stray cats and dogs.

Moreover, on Monday Hellenic Red Cross volunteers visited the to give food to the strays.

During October, Athens’ citizens that belong to vulnerable groups can visit the shelter to have an identification microchip implanted on their pets free of charge.

“Every day is an opportunity to care, love and protect our little four-legged friends. We are happy to have Athens’ volunteers as our valuable allies… Our effort could not bare fruit without their support,” Athens Mayor Kostas Bakoyannis said.

‘The shelter of Socrates’

Athens’ stray animal shelter is named “The shelter of Socrates” in memory of one of the most popular stray dogs that lived in the center of Athens, but lost its life in a tragic car accident.

Its modern warm premises feature a large yard and is fully equipped to ensure the safety and comfort of strays. It is guarded on a 24-hour basis, while five employees are there on a daily basis to clean and socialize with the dogs. Volunteer trainers and citizens who care for animals also help out.

So far, 520 dogs and 75 cats have been adopted, 1,160 animals have been sterilized, while 800 dogs and 1,500 cats have received medical care.

In addition, the City of Athens has installed 20 pet houses in various parts of the city as well as 65 feeders and water bowls for stray animals.

The municipality has launched a website on strays at www.animalscityofathens.gr that provides information on adoption procedures.

Information is also available via social media through the Animal Welfare Department’s Facebook page, at Animals_CityofAthens on Instagram and @animals_cityofathens on Tik Tok.