Our Story

A tale of Community and Care

PAWS began its heartfelt journey in the small town of Paleochora, back in 2012. It all started with a small group of kind-hearted individuals, united by a common passion and a pressing need. Witnessing the widespread neglect and mistreatment of animals, a reality all too common in Greece, we decided to take matters into our own hands.

Our growth is fuelled not by commercial gains but by the unwavering support of people who share our vision. We are proud to say that our entire operation, including our governing bodies, is run by volunteers.
Governance Team

Meet the People behind PAWS

Our governing bodies, composed of five key members, form the core and legal framework of our organisation. However, PAWS is a lot more than that, our true power lies in the boundless energy and compassion of our volunteers, members and donors.
About volunteering
Join as a member
A photo our president, Monika Haechler. She is smiling and looking at the camera
Monika Haechler
President
Steering PAWS' projects and facilitating international collaborations.
A photo of our vice president, Anastasia Michelaraki. She is smiling and looking at the camera
Anastasia Michelaraki
Vice President
Cultivating new relationships through social media visibility.
A photo our treasurer, Eftihis Botonakis. He is smiling and looking at the camera
Eftihis Botonakis
Treasurer
Enhancing PAWS' impact with technological solutions.
A photo our board member, Kartara Schmitz. She has her cat on her shoulder and is smiling at the camera.
Kartara Schmitz
Board Member
Coordinating and executing feline related tasks and objectives.
A photo our board member, Alexandra Pirovolaki. She is smiling and looking at the camera
Alexandra Pirovolaki
Board Member
Spreading awareness through visual communication.

Our Mission

Rescue, Rehabilitate, Rehome

As an animal welfare society, we focus our efforts on direct action — from rescue to adoption — sustained by the heartfelt donations of those who share our values.

1. Rescue

Our mission begins with the critical task of rescuing abandoned and mistreated animals. We're dedicated to identifying, tracking, and providing immediate aid to strays in dire need, ensuring their safety and wellbeing.

2. Rehabilitate

Beyond medical care, rehabilitation is about nurturing the animal’s overall well-being. Our approach includes behavioural training and socialisation, not just to ease their adoption, but to ensure they lead happier, more balanced lives. This process helps them regain trust, develop healthy interactions with humans and other animals, and ultimately thrive in any environment.

3. Rehome

The final step in our journey is rehoming. Here, we carefully match animals with loving homes, facilitating a smooth adoption process to ensure each animal finds a forever family where they can thrive.

Growing Beyond Today

Our Struggles & Vision for the Future

At PAWS, we confront a fundamental challenge that resonates with many organisations dedicated to animal welfare: financial resources. The majority of our funds are devoted to immediate animal needs, such as medical care, food, and shelter. While this commitment ensures the well-being of animals under our care, it also highlights our ongoing need for financial support to sustain and expand our operations.

Our vision extends beyond our current capabilities. We aspire to evolve from a welfare organisation into an official non-profit entity. This transition is not just a change in status; it represents an opportunity to gain more legal leverage and authority, allowing us to broaden our impact on animal welfare significantly.
Our in house accountant working on financial statements for PAWS.

Be a Part of the Change

Ways to Contribute

Every helping hand brings us closer to a world where every animal is cherished. From fostering and adopting to volunteering and donating, discover how you can make a meaningful difference in the lives of animals in need.

Donate

Support our mission with your generosity. Every donation, big or small, plays a crucial role in providing care and shelter to animals in need.

Volunteer

Be the change you wish to see. Your time, skills, and passion as a volunteer can create a lasting impact on the lives of animals and our community.

Adopt a Rescue

Give a forever home to a rescue animal and experience the joy of unconditional love. Your adoption can change an animal’s life and enrich yours.

Become a Foster Parent

Join our foster program and provide a nurturing temporary home for animals awaiting adoption. Your care can be the bridge to their forever home.

Join our Membership

Deepen your commitment to animal welfare by joining our membership program. Your ongoing support helps us sustain and grow our vital work.

Become a Flight Escort

Embark on a heartwarming journey by escorting one of our newly adopted strays to their forever home.

Testimonials

Voices of our Community

Hear from the individuals who've walked with us - adopters, volunteers, and supporters.
"Excellent, the level of care and attention is absolutely incredible. The organisation is totally committed for the wellbeing of animals. I cannot express more support and gratitude for their work"
Massimo
Donor
"PAWS is a wonderful organisation that works tirelessly to help animals in Crete. Their dedication to the cause is admirable, providing necessary treatment and care to animals in desperate need."
Ryan Taylor
Donor
"Paws has been a very important part of my life since I was 4 years old. Working with the dogs is special because most of them are really smart and really fast learners. I am honoured to be a part of this."
Koralia
Volunteer
"We found our initial dog Loulousi as a puppy in 2014 at the port of Paleochora. PAWS helped us to transfer her to Munich, same with Eleni 2015 and Lucy 2023. Our Cretan Girls!"
Sigmund
Adopter
"Working with the animals makes our life so rich! To see how they develop from the moment they appear until they find their forever home. I'm grateful to be part of the wonderful PAWS team."
Sabina Koufidakis
Volunteer
"In July 2023 my fiancé and I found 2 kittens abandoned at volakas beach. We reached out with the organisation PAWS & they responded immediately. Everyone should support them they do an excellent work."
Katerina Angelatou
Donor
"PAWS is doing a perfect job, which helps the animals but also makes people happy. They arranged everything around the adoption – It was clear and simple to me. You are amazing, thank you very much!"
Adela Krausova
Adopter
"We found an injured and abandoned kitten on the beach in Tavronitis. Paws in Paleochora and Kartara took care of her until she was fit to fly. Thanks so much for saving Lillie! ❤"
Rita
Adopter

Support

Frequently Asked Questions

We're here to help with any additional questions.
How can I adopt a pet from PAWS Paleochora?
To adopt a pet, please visit our 'Adopt a Stray' page, browse the profiles of our animals, and fill out the interest form for the pet you wish to adopt. We'll guide you through the subsequent steps, including a meet-and-greet, adoption paperwork, and discussing the best ways to welcome your new family member home.
What are the requirements to adopt a pet from PAWS?
Our adopters need to have a loving and safe home environment, experience with animals, and the ability to provide for the pet's long-term needs. We also ask for a donation to help cover medical bills and transport costs.
Can I adopt a pet if I live outside of Greece?
Yes, we facilitate adoptions outside of Greece, particularly in Germany, where we have partner organizations. We handle all necessary transport and legal requirements for international adoptions.
How do I donate to PAWS Paleochora?
You can donate through our website via PayPal, bank transfer, or if you're local, in cash at designated drop-off points. Visit our 'Donate' page for more details and options.
Are my donations tax-deductible?
As we are an animal welfare society and not a registered nonprofit, donations may not be tax-deductible. We recommend consulting with a tax professional in your area.
Can I see where my donation goes?
Absolutely. We pride ourselves on transparency. You can see updates on how donations are used on our website and in our regular newsletters.
How can I volunteer with PAWS Paleochora?
We welcome volunteers in various capacities, from on-site help at our facility to assisting with events and becoming a flight chaperone. Please visit our 'Volunteer' page to fill out our application form.
Do I need specific skills to volunteer with PAWS?
While any help is appreciated, certain tasks do require specific skills or experience, especially those involving direct animal care. Please indicate any relevant skills on your volunteer application.
What does fostering an animal involve?
Fostering involves taking a stray animal into your home and providing them with care, love, and attention until they are adopted.
What are the requirements to become a foster parent?
Foster parents should have previous experience with animals, be able to commit to at least two weeks of care, and live in an environment suitable for the pet's needs.
Is PAWS a no-kill shelter?
Yes, we are a no-kill organization. We believe every animal deserves a chance at a happy life, and we work tirelessly to find forever homes for all our rescues.
How can I contact PAWS Paleochora?
You can contact us through the form on our 'Contact' page, via email, or by phone. We aim to respond to inquiries within 48 hours.

Contact us

Still have questions? Please don't hesitate to get in touch with us. Our team would love to hear from you.
paws73001@gmail.com
Paleochora 73001, Crete
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Dedicated to helping the voiceless, our furry little friends.
©2020 Paleochora Animal Welfare Society. All rights reserved.
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