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At Let’s be S.M.A.R.T., we believe every act of kindness creates a ripple effect. Our Global Volunteer Program is proof that when people from around the world come together to care for animals, the impact goes far beyond just one sanctuary or one cat - it touches lives across continents. Whether you’re a student on a gap year, a professional seeking purpose, or a passionate animal lover ready for a new adventure, volunteering with us offers an experience like no other. What Is the Global Volunteer Program? Our sanctuary near Athens, Greece, welcomes volunteers from all over the world to help with daily care, enrichment, and wellness of our rescued cats. What volunteers do : Feed and clean for over 80+ cats in our peaceful, cage-free shelter and help with the care of our 5 dogs Socialize cats to prepare them for adoption Assist with medical treatments, grooming, and sanctuary upkeep Support creative projects like enrichment toys, art, and photography Help with social media, events, and educational outreach In return, volunteers gain practical animal care experience, make lifelong connections, and explore the beauty of Greece in their free time.   Why It Matters - For the Cats Many of the cats we rescue have faced abandonment, injury, or severe neglect. They come to our shelter scared, sick, or unsocialized. Volunteers play a critical role in their recovery. Your daily presence brings : Comfort and routine that helps them feel safe Gentle human interaction to rebuild trust Enrichment and play that supports emotional healing Hands-on preparation for forever homes Every cuddle, every cleaned bowl, every moment of patience counts. Without our volunteers, these cats wouldn’t thrive the way they do.   Why It Matters - For You Volunteering isn’t just about giving - it’s about growing.Whether you stay for a week or several months, our program gives you the chance to: Develop skills in animal care, teamwork, and communication Gain insight into rescue work, rehabilitation, and nonprofit operations Disconnect from daily stress and reconnect with purpose Form meaningful bonds with animals and fellow volunteers Immerse yourself in Greek culture and natural beauty Many of our past volunteers describe their experience as life-changing. For some, it's a turning point. For others, it's simply the most fulfilling part of their travels.   Who Can Volunteer? We’re looking for caring, patient, and dedicated individuals who share our love for animals! To ensure the best care for our furry friends, we ask that volunteers have some prior experience with animal care - whether through volunteering, pet ownership, or similar roles . If you have the passion and a bit of experience, we’d love to have you on our team! We welcome : Solo travelers and gap year students Retirees, sabbatical-takers, and career changers Vet students, aspiring rescuers, and animal advocates Travelers who want to give back while they explore Greece Where Are We? Our sanctuary is just 15 minutes from Athens International Airport, in a peaceful countryside setting. Volunteers stay at our sanctuary, enjoy local culture, and participate in activities to explore Greece’s beaches, islands, and historic sites. Ready to Make a Difference?Join our Global Volunteer Program and help transform lives — feline and human. 📩 Reach out today: www.letsbesmart-greece.org/volunteer-program 📸 Follow us on Instagram and Facebook to see our volunteers in action. 🌍 Visit our website to read real stories from past volunteers - and maybe even plan your own journey to Greece with a purpose. Because every cat deserves a second chance - and every person deserves a meaningful experience . Let’s be the change - let’s be S.M.A.R.T. 🌍  www.letsbesmart-greece.org                         📧 administration@letsbesmart.org   Adopt today - and be part of something extraordinary. When you adopt from Let’s be S.M.A.R.T., you’re not just saving a life. You’re gaining a friend, supporting ethical rescue, and making room for more cats in need. Follow us on social media for daily updates, adoption stories, and volunteer highlights! www.facebook.com/LetsBeSmart www.instagram.com/letsbesmart_ www.patreon.com/LetsBeSmartRescue www.tiktok.com/@letsbesmart gr.pinterest.com/LETSBESMART www.youtube.com/channel/UCTh0Kbbg-GGPWZbaeKbhatg Adopt Don't Shop - Adopt shelter cats from Greece: www.letsbesmart-greece.org/adoptions

As the sun shines stronger across Europe, it’s not just us who feel the heat - our beloved cats, dogs, and the countless strays roaming the streets need our help too. Whether you share your life with an indoor pet or care for local street cats, summer safety is essential. Here's your go-to guide for keeping all animals - at home and outdoors - safe, hydrated, and healthy this season. For Indoor Pets: Keep It Cool and Comfortable   Cats & Dogs need cool corners: Close blinds during peak heat hours (11am - 4pm) Create cozy hideaways near fans or air-conditioned rooms Lay out damp towels or cooling mats for them to lie on Provide access to tiled or shaded areas they can escape to Keep walks short and sweet for dogs. Avoid walking your pup on hot pavement—early mornings or late evenings are best. Hydration is Non-Negotiable   Whether it’s your sofa-loving feline or a stray you’ve been feeding - fresh water saves lives.   Place multiple water bowls in shaded spots indoors and out For stray cats or street dogs, refill bowls twice a day and place them in low-traffic areas Freeze a water bottle and place it in a sock near their resting spot to help lower their body temp Add water fountains or dripping taps for playful indoor cats who love moving water Safe Summer Treats Beat the heat with cool snacks: For cats : Freeze tuna water or wet food in ice cube trays For dogs : Mix broth with veggies or treats and freeze for a chew-safe “pupsicle” Leave some frozen treats near feeding areas for strays - even a frozen bowl of wet food can help Heatstroke: Know the Signs   Watch for these warning signs of overheating in any animal: Heavy panting Drooling Lethargy or confusion Vomiting Bright red or pale gums If you see this, act fast: Move them to shade Offer small sips of cool (not cold!) water Dab their paws and ears with a damp cloth Call a vet or animal welfare contact ASAP Paw & Pavement Protection If the ground is too hot for your hand, it’s too hot for their paws. Walk dogs early or late, and never let cats walk on burning asphalt. For strays, provide raised wooden pallets or cardboard pieces so they don’t have to lie on boiling surfaces. Street Animal Support: How You Can Help This Summer   Stray animals suffer in silence under the Greek sun - but a little kindness goes a long way.   What you can do : Leave water bowls in safe, shady public places Put out food in the early morning or at sunset when it’s cooler Offer shaded shelter (a cardboard box with holes, an old carrier, or a covered crate) Use social media or contact your local group (like us!) if you see an injured or struggling animal Trap-neuter-return (TNR) is one of the best long-term ways to help - ask us how to get started   Summer Boredom Busters   Animals don’t just suffer physically from heat - they get bored, too!   Cats : Set up perches near windows, give them cardboard boxes to hide in, and rotate toys Dogs : Puzzle feeders and scent games indoors work wonders Strays : A pile of donated toys or felt in a shaded area can bring enrichment to local street cats Why It Matters  At Let’s be S.M.A.R.T., we believe every animal deserves a safe summer - whether they’re waiting for adoption in our sanctuary or living day to day on the streets. With small, simple acts of kindness, you can change a stray’s life this season. How You Can Help This Summer Donate : Help us buy fans, wet food, flea treatments & bottled water Volunteer : Lend a hand at our sanctuary near Athens Adopt : Offer a forever safe place during the hottest months Spread the word : Share this blog with friends, neighbors, and travelers in Greece   Ready to make a difference?   Your compassion = their second chance.    Let’s be the change - let’s be S.M.A.R.T. 🌍  www.letsbesmart-greece.org                         📧 administration@letsbesmart.org   Adopt today - and be part of something extraordinary. When you adopt from Let’s be S.M.A.R.T., you’re not just saving a life. You’re gaining a friend, supporting ethical rescue, and making room for more cats in need. Follow us on social media for daily updates, adoption stories, and volunteer highlights! www.facebook.com/LetsBeSmart www.instagram.com/letsbesmart_ www.patreon.com/LetsBeSmartRescue www.tiktok.com/@letsbesmart gr.pinterest.com/LETSBESMART www.youtube.com/channel/UCTh0Kbbg-GGPWZbaeKbhatg Adopt Don't Shop - Adopt shelter cats from Greece: www.letsbesmart-greece.org/adoptions