Frequent questions

Adopting a pet is not mandatory, it’s not something you do to be in sync with your friends, or fashionable nor is it temporary! When you go ahead and adopt a pet you are from then on the “parent” of whom a breathing soul you must learn to communicate with and take care of all its needs for the rest of its life.

Ask yourself:

• Why do I want to adopt a pet?
• Am I ready to change my lifestyle and plan my time according to my pet’s needs?
• Does my lifestyle allow me to adopt a pet?
• What am I going to do and where will I be leaving my pet when I go on vacation?
• Do the household members share my desire to adopt a pet?
• Does my landlord allow pets?
• Is there tension at home? Tensed environments (eg.screaming) tend to stress animals. Do I live in such an environment?
• Is there an adult within your household that is willing to be in charge of your dog’s daily walk needs (two to three times per day)?
• Do you already have a pet? How will she/he accept a new pet? Is your pet neutered? Does it have any health issues you need to take into account? Do you have enough time and money to add another pet to your household?

• How do you imagine life with a dog?

  • Are you an outdoor person who enjoys nature, walks, and hiking?
  • Or are you more of a homebody who prefers the couch?

• If you’re considering a young dog:

  • Do you have the time and patience to meet their needs?
  • Are you prepared for the training process, which requires consistency and positive reinforcement?

• What kind of dog are you looking for?

  • Are you open to working with a dog that has behavioral challenges?
  • Or do you prefer a dog that is easier to handle?

• Are there children in your household or environment?

  • If yes, ensure you choose a dog that is good with kids.
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While having a pet brings immense joy, it also entails significant responsibilities. It’s important to recognize that your new companion may require time to acclimate to their new environment. The transition from a shelter or boarding house to a home can be stressful for them, and it may take days or even weeks for them to adjust and feel comfortable.

In the initial days of living together, it’s crucial to provide your pet with patience, stability, and understanding.

After adopting your pet:

• Ensure their safety and well-being by providing regular veterinary care.
• Comply with legal requirements by ensuring your dog carries an ID, including a microchip and a collar tag.
• Provide nutritious food and access to fresh water at all times.
• Dedicate time for exercise, training, and play to ensure your pet remains mentally and physically stimulated.
• Above all, embrace the companionship and love of your new furry friend, and cherish the journey of building a fulfilling life together.

It’s important to note that SPAZ doesn’t operate a traditional shelter facility. Instead, the dogs available for adoption are housed in a boarding house located in Koropi and a temporary shelter in Glyfada.

To facilitate the adoption process, appointments are arranged after a series of phone calls to gather relevant information about the dogs and potential adopters. This helps us recommend dogs that we believe would be suitable matches based on the interested party’s preferences and lifestyle.

While some individuals may prefer to visit the premises directly to view all available dogs and make a selection, this isn’t feasible for a few reasons. Dogs in shelter or boarding environments often experience stress and tension, and the presence of unfamiliar individuals can exacerbate these feelings. Additionally, interactions within the shelter environment may not accurately reflect a dog’s true demeanor or temperament.

Instead, we encourage interested individuals to explore our website and reach out to our adoption officer to schedule an appointment. This allows for a more personalized and controlled environment in which to meet and connect with potential four-legged companions.

Through our adoption process, we aim to help you find the ideal pet for you—one that meets your expectations and fits your lifestyle.

The adoption coordinator will guide you to ensure that the adoption experience is positive for both you and your new companion animal.

The long-term well-being of the animals we care for is our primary concern.

• We don’t perform checks on people. If we feel the need to check someone, the relationship we seek and value isn’t there (many successful adoptions will confirm this). Instead, we have discussions, provide information, and spend time together. We are not intrusive; we aim to be friends.

• We do not offer dogs for adoption outside of Attica. Anyone interested in adopting a dog from us must come and meet the dog, let us meet them, and discuss all of the above. We do not ship dogs. However, we would gladly send you flowers or direct you to your local animal welfare organizations and volunteers to help a nearby animal.

• We do not offer dogs for adoption to homes with unneutered dogs or dogs without microchips or other legal requirements. If you cannot afford to neuter your pet, you likely won’t have the resources to care for a second one.

If you witness an act of animal abuse, report the incident to the nearest police station. (There is now the option to file an anonymous report. The principle of ex officio prosecution applies.)

● Your local municipality, which implements a sterilization program.

● The local animal welfare organization.

● A veterinarian.

All SPAZ pets are evaluated by partnering veterinarians. If an animal has any health issues, this is clearly stated on its adoption page.