We are located near the town of Ierapetra and 94 kilometers from Heraklion International Airport.
Mailing Address
To send a letter or ship a package, please use the mailing address below.
Please do NOT mail donation checks as our banks here in Greece cannot accept or cash them.
Note: this is NOT the location of the shelter.
Takis Proestakis
Emm. Lampraki 16
Ierapetra, TK 72200
Crete, Greece
Phone Number
The shelter does NOT have a phone number. If you wish to contact us please fill in the contact form below.
What to do if you see an injured animal
In Greece there are many stray dogs and cats. Please understand that Greek animal laws are different than in many other countries.
The Greek law states that:
Municipalities are responsible for the health of the stray animals living within their boundaries.
If a dog/cat is hurt, hit by a car, etc. the municipality is responsible to treat it, bring it back to health, microchip it, give it annual shots and spay/neuter it.
After the animal is healthy, it must be put in a kennel for a maximum of six (6) months and be promoted by the municipality for adoption.
After the six-month period, and if no one wants to adopt the animal, the municipality must release the animal in the area where it was found, as the animal has a right to live even without an owner in the natural environment and not imprisoned.
If you see an uninjured or unabused stray, the local authorities will not respond as stray animals are allowed by law to live in the streets.
If you see an animal that is a stray and needs medical attention, you MUST call the local authorities:
Agios Nikolaos
28413 40135
8am-2pm Monday-Friday
Chania
28213 41645
8am-3.30pm Monday-Friday
Heraklion
2810 336122
adespota@heraklion.gr
8am-2pm Monday-Friday
Ierapetra
2842340371
8am-2pm Monday-Friday
Rethimnon
28310 57940
8am-2pm Monday-Friday
Sitia
28430 23037
8am-2pm Monday-Friday
Please note that only Heraklion has a separate department and response team for stray animals. In all other cities, stray animals are handled by the counselors responsible for environmental issues. In some cases you must be persistent and remind them that, by law, it is their responsibility to minister to injured strays. Thank you!
How to report animal cruelty in Crete
Help end animal suffering. Be a voice for the voiceless.
Under the Greek law (Article 16, Law 4039/2012 & Article 1, Law 1197/1981) any of the following acts is considered animal abuse:
Active animal abuse: Poisoning, hanging, drowning, crushing, mutilation, cutting of ears and/or tail, abandonment, neglect, illegal trade, and sexual abuse.
Passive animal abuse: Animals that are constantly being exposed to weather conditions (heat, cold, rain, etc.) on balconies, roof terraces, yards, fields, etc., with no proper, dry and comfortable housing, animals that are constantly chained, that receive improper or no food and/or water, that are not vaccinated and/or de-wormed on a regular basis, who lack veterinary care, daily exercise, and daily walks.
If you are an eye-witness of any such abuse, please be aware of the following:
Immediately call the police (Phone number: 100) so that they can come and record the incident.
Taking pictures of the animal is strongly advised. In cases of passive abuse, pictures of the animal’s daily living conditions are also needed, preferably with a date stamp which can certify the length of the abuse. Please note that taking pictures of the interior of a house, the residents of the premises or any sign that can reveal the specific address are prohibited.
Police officers that arrive on the scene cannot press any charges. Their responsibility is to record the incident and your testimony and also arrest the perpetrator should you be willing to press charges. In cases of active abuse, having more witnesses to confirm the abuse is highly advisable.
To press charges, you must go to the nearest police station or any other police station (either case is totally legal) as soon as possible, at any time during the day, clearly stating the whole situation so that a case file on active/passive animal abuse can be formed against the perpetrator.
Since animal abuse is considered a self-contained offense, it is crucial to report it as soon as you witness it. This way the police have the right to arrest the suspect within the next 48 hours. After this deadline, the suspect cannot be arrested until the trial is completed and they have been found guilty.
It is very important to know that the offense is considered ex-officio and no monetary fee is required.
Contact Takis Shelter
“Until he extends the circle of compassion to all livings things, Man will not himself find peace.”