The Santorini Animal Welfare Association – SAWA
is a non-governmental, non-profit organization, founded in 1992 by active and devoted animal lovers of the island of Santorini, Greece.
SAWAs purpose is to protect the island’s animals - ranging from stray dogs and cats to abandoned donkeys and mules, care for their wellbeing and being an advocate of their rights.
In close cooperation with the Municipality of Thira and the local vet, SAWA insures that all the stray animals are neutered and spayed, vaccinated, treated in case of injury, disease or poisoning and if possible re-homed in Greece or abroad.
Moreover, SAWA oversees the implementation of the “Code of Practice” for all donkeys and mules engaged in the Bay of Fira and is constantly making efforts towards the mitigation of their health and working conditions.
During the last 10 years we’ve been promoting
well-being and respect for these wonderful animals.
NEWS
05.02.2025
Santorini is in dire straits- PLEA to get our DOGS OFF the ISLAND!
Dear friends, first of all a big thanks to all of you for reaching out and sending your wishes and concerns about the wellbeing of both animals and our team. As you have probably heard by now from the beginning of February our island has been experiencing an unprecedented situation of consecutive earthquake activity that has spread immense panic and fear of a possible catastrophic climax and the truth is that nobody really knows how this situation is going to play out. In just 5 short days we have experienced hundreds of earthquakes in forms of seismic swarms some just a couple of minutes apart and the strongest ones hitting 5 on the Richter scale. Almost 11.000 residents (more than half of the permanent inhabitants) have already evacuated the island and it is a matter of days that abandoned dogs will start popping up in the streets. Dave and myself (Christina) have decided to stay as we have no means to move the old and injured donkeys, mules, horses, pigs, goats, birds and phobic dogs. Nevertheless we will need space that we clearly do not have in order to take in freshly abandoned animals. Our GREATEST NEED at the moment is to help us get some of our dogs out... Absolutely amazing characters, friendly, easy going, sterilized, fully vaccinated and ready to find their forever homes.If you are looking for a life companion please check out our babies and give them a chance to get off this island and to safety. Look up on our adoption page. We will go on as by our own choice we lead our lives on this island and the Shelter is our home. Our daily morning walks to doggy beach continue, always with the safety of big earthquake alarms on our phones in order to flee back to the shelter at a safety altitude of 60 meters in case of Tsunamis. All our infrastructure for animals and humans is basically containers and wooden stables, nothing heavy and no obstacles around us in case of a very big earthquake. As for a much dreaded "worst case scenario" we have started closing up areas so hopefully everyone can be safely indoors. Hopefully this is just another storm we have to sail through.
"The secret of realizing the greatest fruitfulness and the greatest enjoyment of existence is: to live dangerously! Build your cities on the slopes of a volcano! Send your ships out into uncharted seas!" Friedrich Nietzsche
07.02.2025
The situation remains unchanged, and we are still preparing for the worst-case scenario. Our priority is to relocate as many healthy, young, and friendly dogs off the island as possible.
How you can help: Adopt, foster, or donate.
14.02.2025
Our little Rock is still Rocking!
We keep going on and as the big animals cannot be evacuated we are trying to get as many of our dogs off Santorini. If you are thinking about adopting the time is now!
Every creature on this planet needs TO LOVE and TO BE LOVED! Happy Valentine's Day to all!
11.03.2025
Since the earthquakes began, many of our dogs have found their forever homes or are currently staying with foster families. We are deeply grateful to everyone who has helped during these difficult times. Every dog that leaves the island makes room for another in Sawaland, as more people continue to leave due to an uncertain tourist season, leaving animals behind.
We Care
At SAWA Santorini we care for the animals on the island
and occasionally also help animals from nearby islands.
We practice and believe in a non-kill shelter approach.
We believe that all animals deserve a new chance in life, and are working hard to insure that all animals are adopted and get a second change and the possibility for a new life.
Our goal is to provide a happy home for these animals and, where possible, give them a second chance for a life in a loving family. This shelter is one of the few places in the world that allows animals to coexist in groups instead of individual cages and that uniquely creates a safe haven for animals until they can be adopted.
Our Beloved Animals
Our shelter is a haven for animals of all shapes and sizes, each with a unique story and personality.
From playful pups to wise old souls who've found refuge with us.
Our animals are the heart and soul of SAWA.
Every tail wag and affectionate nuzzle reminds us of the importance of our work.
Current SAWALAND residents:
30+ equines
4 goats
3 pigs
many chickens & ducks
1 parrot
1 cockatoo
Our loving dogs are eagerly waiting to find their forever homes.
Each one has a unique story and a heart full of love to give.
Browse through our gallery of adorable pups, learn about their personalities, and consider making a difference by adopting one of these wonderful companions today.
.jpg)
The shelter is open daily from 8am till 12 noon.
Because of the heat the doggy walks are currently at 6:45 am and 8 am.
If you want to join us for an unforgettable experience, please message us in advance so we can be prepared for your visit.
Join Us in Making a Difference:
With your support, we can continue to provide shelter, care, and hope to these beautiful creatures.
Whether through adoption, volunteering, making a donation or taking a dog on walk to the beach, you can be a part of our mission to create a brighter future for Santorini's animals.
Thank you for visiting our website and for considering becoming a part of the SAWA family.
Together, we can make a world of difference for the animals we hold so dear.
Let's build a brighter future for Santorini's animals, one paw at a time.