YOUR GREEK HOLIDAY JUST GOT A WHOLE LOT MORE MEANINGFUL

6 days ago

4 min read

Introducing the Let's Be S.M.A.R.T. Adoption Vacation Programme — the most unforgettable thing you'll do in Greece

What If You Flew Home With More Than Just Memories?

Every year, thousands of travellers come to Greece for the sunshine, the history, the food, and the sea. They leave with photographs, olive oil, and stories to tell.

But some of them leave with something far more extraordinary — a rescued cat by their side, a new family member, and a story they'll tell for the rest of their lives.

That's exactly what our Adoption Vacation Programme makes possible. And in 2025, we're inviting animal lovers from around the world to be part of it.

What Is the Adoption Vacation Programme?

It's a one-of-a-kind initiative created by Let's Be S.M.A.R.T. — a registered US 501(c)(3) nonprofit and Greek NGO — that allows you to adopt a rescued cat from Greece during or around your trip, with full support from our team every single step of the way.

It's travel with purpose. It's a holiday with heart. And it's easier than you'd ever imagine.

Two Ways to Find Your Perfect Match

We've made this as flexible and stress-free as possible, because we know every traveller is different.

✨ Choose Before You Travel

Already scrolling through our adoptable cats online and feeling that pull? You don't have to wait until you land. Get in touch with us before your trip, tell us who caught your eye, and we'll begin preparing your chosen cat for travel straight away — microchipping, vaccinations, vet checks, health certificates, and all required documentation sorted before you even pack your bags. By the time you arrive at our sanctuary, your new family member is ready and waiting.

✨ Let Your Heart Decide on the Day

Prefer to meet them in person first? Come visit us. Our sanctuary is just 15 minutes from Athens International Airport, nestled in the peaceful countryside of Kouvaras, East Attica. Walk through our cage-free, home-style rescue, meet dozens of loving, socialized cats, and let one of them find you. It happens every single time — you'll know when you know.

Either way, we handle everything. You just show up and fall in love.

We Handle Every Detail — You Just Enjoy the Journey

This is the part that surprises people most. Adopting internationally sounds complicated — but with us, it isn't.

Our team manages:

🐾 Full veterinary preparation — health checks, vaccinations, spay/neuter confirmation

🐾 Microchipping and EU-compliant pet passports

🐾 All required travel documentation

🐾 Travel carrier provided — whether your cat flies in cabin or cargo, we've got it covered

🐾 Step-by-step guidance on flying home with your new companion

🐾 Full compliance with international pet travel regulations

🐾 Ongoing post-adoption support once you're home

Every cat who joins you on that flight is healthy, vaccinated, socialised, and ready to thrive. We've done this hundreds of times — and we do it with love every single time.

Why This Matters More Than You Know

Greece is home to thousands of stray cats living on the streets — surviving on scraps, exposed to illness, injury, and harsh conditions. Local adoptions alone cannot reach them all. International adopters like you create life-changing opportunities that simply wouldn't exist otherwise.

When you adopt during your vacation, you're not just gaining a pet. You're giving a second chance to a cat who has already survived so much — and forming a bond during your travels that makes the adoption even more personal and profound.

It's not just a rescue story. It's your story too.

Who Could Be Waiting for You?

Our sanctuary is home to cats of every age, personality, and background — kittens full of mischief, seniors full of wisdom, and everything in between. Special needs cats, bonded pairs, shy souls who just need patience, and social butterflies who'll climb into your lap within minutes.

Some of our adopters already knew their cat's name before they boarded their flight to Athens. Others walked through our doors with no plan at all — and walked out knowing exactly who they were taking home.

Your future family member is already here. They're already waiting.

Visit Us: We're Just 15 Minutes From Athens Airport

Planning a trip to Greece? Add us to your itinerary. We promise it will be the highlight of your holiday - our TripAdvisor reviews say it every time.

📍 Kouvaras, East Attica, Greece — 15 minutes from Athens International Airport

🕐 Open daily: 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM

📞 694 203 1950

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Rated 5 stars on TripAdvisor

Ready to Begin Your Adoption Vacation?

Three simple steps to get started:

📩 Email us to reserve your visit or begin pre-adoption arrangements: administration@letsbesmart.org

🐾 Browse our adoptable cats on our website and fall in love from afar: https://www.letsbesmart-greece.org/adoptions

Because the best travel stories? They always include a happy new family member.