Santorini Animal Welfare Association - SAWA

The Santorini Animal Welfare Association – SAWA is a non-governmental, non-profit making organization, founded in 1992 by active and devoted animal lovers of the island. Its purpose is to protect the island’s animals – ranging from stray dogs and cats to abandoned donkeys and mules, care for their wellbeing and become an advocate to their rights.

In close cooperation with the Municipality of Thira and the local vet, SAWA insures that a great majority of 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.