Stray Souls Ilia
More than 3 million dogs and cats in Greece live on the streets.
We want to make a difference. Let’s help these souls together.
About us
Welcome to Stray Souls Ilia! We are an NGO based on the west coast of the Peloponnese and we are dedicated to improve the lives of stry dogs and cats in the province of Ilia. The situation of those pour souls that have to live on the streets in Greece gets worse year by year. Together with you we want to make a difference.
Thats why we founded “Stray Souls Ilia”. We have a lot of passion and year long experinece with animals and work with local communities, locals and people abroad to help to find a new home for our Stray Souls.
We take care of food, shelter, neutering, chipping, vaccination, parasites treatment, operations when needed, registration, papers, adoption, etc.
This is a lot of work and needs a lot of hands and ressources — you are welcome to join our team, help to find a new home for a Stray Soul, donate to our cause, or just say “hello” in one of our spots in Ilia, Greece or here online. We are happy to meet you!
Our Goals
1. Improving the situation of stray dogs and cats in Ilia, West Peloponese, Greece
2. Reducing over-population, vaccination and medical care for stray animals
3. Find new homes for the Stray Souls
4. Work together with local authorities and networking with other organisations
5. Helping and supporting local animal owners in their every day struggles
6. Emergency care and medical treatment of stray animals in need
7. Collecting material and financial aid to tinue and grow our mission
8. Working with volunteers and growing the network
Our Team
Sarah, Nette and Heli
Stray Care
Sarah, Nette and Heli run the Filía Laundry Shop in Kakovatos. One of the many interesting things going on here is the stray dog and cat project Straystories Kakovatos.
The full story ...
We foster animals in need, especially hurt, sick and very young cats and dogs. We offer them a safe space to heal and take care of their medical treatments – sterilize them, train and socialize them by offering them a lot of love and affection. This helps the often shy and scared strays to learn to trust humans and eventually get a chance to be adopted. Thanks to a lot of volunteers who have stayed with us during the past years and given us sooo much time and energy for the animals we have been able to save precious lives and create a future for numerous helpless beings that would otherwise not have survived.
Apart from bonding and training, there are a lot of unpopular tasks to do when you work with animals – cleaning after them, feeding, walking, vet visits several times per week, waking up every night to calm some barkers down…and all this without getting paid. The dedication of our volunteers is stunning.
Some animals stay here for a few weeks until they find their forever home, some stay for years. We have limited space and resources and can not take in all the strays in need – for some of them we can only offer a castration and anti-parasite treatment and have to put them back on the streets…but if we see that an animal can not survive outside due to young age, a chronic illness or a handicap we usually welcome it to our little shelter.
Luckily, we are quite successful concerning the adoptions as our laundry shop and community project is frequented by a lot of travellers and campers. When people fall in love with one of our animals they have the chance to spend some time here, get to know each other and find out if it’s the right match for them. If this is the case, we proceed with the adoption and let our strays go on their adventures with their new families, with all necessary vaccinations, microchip and EU passport of course.
In the past three years we were able to give almost 100 dogs and a hand full of cats a home and our gallery is bursting with pictures of happy souls running through mountains, swimming in lakes and sleeping in the coziest beds with their humans. This makes us unbelievably happy and gives us the power every day to get up and do our job for the strays. We love to stay in touch with the adopters to see how our Filía babies are growing and developing.
Without your contributions, our work would not be possible. Thank you for your support – whether through donating, visiting us, volunteering here or sharing our contents!
Henrik
President / Stray Sanctuary
Hi! I am Henrik and the vice president of stray souls Ilia. Back in October 2022 we bought 3 acres of property to fulfill our lifelong dream of running this beautiful, non-profit animal sanctuary called grove of the voiceless.
We are based in the small village of Varvasaina, Greece near ancient Olympia.
Our dream is to create a safe space for neglected and /or abused animals and have them live the rest of their life loved and in dignity. This means that the bulk of the animals that arrive at our place are mostly very old, sick or have some kind of problem that makes adoption highly unlikely. This is a place of peace and calmness to enjoy retirement.
While dogs make up the majority of our current residents, we also care for every species that we can accommodate: Horses, donkeys or chicken, it does not matter. Hopefully in the near future we are able to rescue more factory farm animals.
Kathy
Treasurer
I have been living in the Peloponnese for 17 years and have been feeding stray dogs and cats for years as a lone fighter, providing them with medical care and having some of them neutered. Now we have joined together to form an NGO animal welfare association and, thanks to your donations, we can care for many more strays. Together we are stronger!
Tino
Supporter
Hi. I’m Tino and I’ve lived and worked on the Peloponnese for over 20 years. Since my childhood I’ve been a big animal lover and as an individual I’ve been helping stray animals for many years. I’m grateful that with the forming of Stray Soul Ilias we have come together to make a real difference for the strays of the region. I’m an all-round helper for the group…including rescuing, local community liaison, translations etc.
Eleni
Supporter
I am Eleni Christodoulopoulou. I live in Western Peloponnese and I m farmer. More than ten years I take care stray dogs because this problem is huge here. I have fifteen dogs big size and the most of them old enough and difficult to be adopted.
The Stray Souls
Adoption
Dina
Dina is our princess and she knows it. That’s why her nickname is “Lady Di”.
She is needy and wants a lot of attention and cuddles. She loves to go for walks, to play and run and interact with humans.
She is ok with cats and other dogs but we think that she would be happiest as a single princess.
Born in 2023, sterilized, chipped, vaccinated.
Socke
Little Socke came to our shelter by herself. She is born 07/25 and is a very sweet and friendly cat, suitable as inside and outside pet.
Batida
Batida was born 07/25 outside in the woods. She moved into the Filía shelter with her two sisters Negroni and Mojito. It is obvious that they grew up without human contact…
The three girls were very shy and scared when they arrived, we could not touch them and they always kept their distance. After some weeks they are making good progress, even starting their leash training now.
Batida is the most outgoing and curios of the three girls but she needs some more time and good experiences to gain trust and grow more confident. She is a barker out if insecurity but once she is familiar with the other dogs she is friendly.
Negroni
Negroni was born 07/25 outside in the woods. She moved into the Filía shelter with her two sisters Mojito and Batida. it is obvious that they grew up without human contact…
The three girls were very shy and scared when they arrived, we could not touch them and they always kept their distance. After some weeks they are making good progress, even starting their leash training now.
Negroni will need some more time and good experiences to gain trust in humans and to grow more confident. She is not a barker, stays more in the background. She is friendly with other dogs and cats.
Mojito
Mojito was born 07/25 outside in the woods. She moved into the Filía shelter with her two sisters Negroni and Batida. it is obvious that they grew up without human contact…
The three girls were very shy and scared when they arrived, we could not touch them and they always kept their distance. After some weeks they are making good progress, even starting their leash training now.
Mojito is the shyest of the three girls but we see in her open curios eyes that she just needs some more time and good experiences to gain trust and grow more confident. She is not a barker, stays more in the background. She is friendly with other dogs and cats.
Löwenzahn
Long ears, blond beard, friendly eyes – Löwenzahn has it all. This young girl was born 09/25 in the streets of Zacharo. The Filía team sterilized the mother and cared for the puppies. Löwenzahn now lives in the Filía shelter and is waiting for her person.
She is open, curios, friendly, playful, not barker, good with cats and dogs, walks well on the leash, loves the garden and the beach.
She will be a medium sized dog and has hunting dog features.
Günther
Günther was found by tourists near Kaiafa lake in a terrible condition. He was almost dead. Only skin and bones, totally weak, full of scars, shivering, scared, a lost soul.
Filía took him in and gave him the necessary love and care – and of course a good number of vet appointments. Luckily Günther’s blood tests for mediterranean diseases were all negative and after some weeks he has gained not only weight but also joy of life and energy.
His character is extremely friendly, he loves to cuddle and play, he is super soft with our other dogs, especially the puppies. Even cats are no problem for him even though he is a pure hunting dog. Günni has something goofy and makes us laugh all the time with his funny looks and movements.
He is vaccinated, castrated and chipped.
His estimated time of birth is 08/22.
Nina
Born 11/25, raised by a friendly dog pack. Nina was found with her sister when they were very young, around 4 weeks old. Our team member Eleni took them in and kept them safe. The Filía team organized the sterilization of the mother and is hosting Nina now.
Nina’s sister was quickly adopted, now little Nina is waiting for her forever human.
She is playful, curios, open and interested, very social with other dogs and friendly with cats. She likes to cuddle with her dog friends and is able to take her time to relax. She even already had her first leash training and behaved very well!
Nina will become a small sized dog.
She had parasite treatment, is fully vaccinated and chipped.
Rosie
Rosie came to us through our friends from Filia Laundry after she was found on the streets in a terrible condition. Her ears had been cut and she carried a large tumor on her side — clear signs of a very hard life before she was rescued.
Despite everything she has been through, Rosie is an extraordinarily loving and people-oriented dog. She seeks closeness, enjoys gentle attention and has a deep need for affection. At the same time, she has developed a very healthy enthusiasm for food and never misses a chance for a meal or a treat — something we can hardly blame her for.
Rosie is around 8 years old and has shown us that beneath all the pain of her past there is a dog who simply wants to feel safe, comfortable and cared for. She does not ask for much: calm days, soft places to rest, kind voices and regular meals.
We strongly believe that after everything Rosie has endured, she deserves a peaceful and protected life at the sanctuary, without further demands or expectations. For this reason, Rosie is not looking for adoption.
We are instead looking for sponsors who would like to support Rosie’s life with us and help cover her food, medical care and daily needs. By sponsoring Rosie, you give her the chance to enjoy a quiet, dignified and loving life — exactly what she should have had all along.
If you would like to support Rosie with a monthly or one-time donation, we would be deeply grateful.
For more information, pictures or videos, please feel free to contact us via e-mail.
Thank you for standing with dogs like Rosie!
Madonna
Madonna is a little star and she knows it.
She is a very open and friendly dog, no fear of people or other dogs, just positive puppy energy. She is playful and interested, eager to learn, used to leash walking.
Born in May 2025 she has now the perfect age for adoption.
Madonna is waiting for her forever human at our shelter in Greece,
John Travolta
This shy little soul doen’t know yet that he will once be a big impressive doggo. He is a beautiful greek shepherd, his end weight might be around 30 kilos.
John is friendly with people, dogs and cats. He observes you carefully before he comes close and needs some time to open up.
He is looking for a loving home with calm and patient people, preferably with some dog experience and a big fenced garden.
Mango
Mango is a sweet teenager in the best age for adoption. He is kind with other dogs, cats and children. Very attentive, friendly, cuddly and playful, medium size.
Nilo
Nilo is a shy and gentle guy with super soft fluffy hair, waiting for adoption at the shelter in Greece.
Born in October 2024, he was found together with his two siblings when they were four months old, abandoned at the beach. This experience seems to have left some traces…
Nilo is a shy and careful guy. Once he knows you he shows his affection and is very cuddly but towards new people and environments he still shows a sceptical and fearful behavior. He likes to stay in the background or tires to escape and hide when he gets nervous.
Nilo needs a confident and patient guidance from his human, someone who leads him steadily and calmly through scary situations and shows him that the world is not that bad.
Another well educated and confident dog in the household could help him to open up and learn to trust more easily. He likes the company of other dogs and is playful.
Nilo is fully vaccinated, dewormed, chipped and already used to leashed walks, car rides, people, dogs and cats.
If you are interested in more information, photos and videos, please contact us via e-mail. Thanks!
Nalo
Nalo is a gentle and soft character, waiting for adoption at the shelter in Greece.
Born in October 2024, he was found together with his two siblings when they were four months old, abandoned at the beach. This experience seems to have left some traces…
Nalo is a shy and careful guy. Once he knows you he shows his affection and is very cuddly but towards new people and environments he still shows a sceptical and fearful behavior. He likes to stay in the background or tires to escape and hide when he gets nervous.
Nalo needs a confident and patient guidance from his human, someone who leads him steadily and calmly through scary situations and shows him that the world is not that bad.
Another well educated and confident dog in the household could help him to open up and learn to trust more easily. He likes the company of other dogs and is playful.
Nalo is fully vaccinated, dewormed, chipped and already used to leashed walks, car rides, people, dogs and cats.
If you are interested in more information, photos and videos, please contact us via e-mail. Thanks!
Juniper
Beautiful Juniper is waiting for adoption in our shelter in Greece.
She is a Greek Harehound/Geka mix, born October 2023, vaccinated, chipped, spayed.
Juniper is used to the company of other dogs and humans, leashed walks, car rides.
Juni is a smart, sporty and active dog who needs mental and physical workouts, clear boundaries and a stable relationship with one person who cares for her and trains her.
She is easy to train with treats and loves to learn new things. She walks already quite well on the leash. She has a strong hunting drive and a very good nose. We see her as a good candidate for dog sports, sniffing exercises, mantrailing, agility etc.
With her 20 kilos, long legs and muscular body she is the perfect companion for long hikes and other sports.
She gets along with other dogs but sets clear boundaries (for example concerning her food bowl) and is quite confident.
She likes to play with her friends here in the shelter and can live with other dogs. But we think that she doesn’t necessariliy need another dog in her home – a strong bond with her human is more important for her.
An owner with hunting dog experience would be perfect for Juniper as she shows the typical characteristics of a young Geka.
We would not recommend a home with cats, other small animals or young kids for Juni.
Are you interested in Juniper? For more pictures, videos and information please contact us via e-mail. Thank you!
Sponsorship
Nani
Nani is one of those dogs who carry an entire story in their eyes — even though she herself can no longer see.
Nani was found together with her five sisters tied inside a sack and thrown into a canal, all of them barely alive. At just three weeks old, we bottle-raised the puppies around the clock. As the smallest of the litter, Nani had the hardest start. She developed a severe pneumonia and had to fight for her life, including assisted breathing.
Nani survived — but the lack of oxygen during this critical time caused her to lose her eyesight. Possible neurological effects or behavioral differences cannot be ruled out. What we do know for sure is that Nani chose life with incredible determination.
Today, Nani is a bundle of pure energy and curiosity. She is playful, bold and constantly on the move — running, jumping, exploring and chasing sounds and scents. She experiences the world in her own way and does so with impressive confidence. You can rarely take your eyes off her… or your ears. Nani makes sure you know she is there.
Because of her blindness, her history and her special needs, Nani requires a very experienced, patient and well-prepared home. Adoption is something we would only consider under exceptional circumstances, with people who truly understand what living with a blind and potentially neurologically affected dog means and who are able to offer long-term stability, structure and safety.
Until — or unless — such a home is found, Nani will continue to live with us at the sanctuary, where she is safe, understood and deeply loved.
We are also looking for sponsors who would like to support Nani’s life with us and help cover her food, medical care and daily needs. By sponsoring Nani, you support a dog who fought her way into life and continues to live it with remarkable intensity and joy.
If you would like to support Nani with a monthly or one-time donation, or if you believe you could offer Nani the exceptional home she would need, please feel free to contact us via e-mail.
Thank you for helping us care for dogs like Nani 🤍
Freckel (Luna)
Luna, affectionately called Freckel, is a small dog with a very big personality.
True to her nickname, Freckel is a confident little character with a strong sense of self. She moves around the sanctuary as if it were entirely hers — proud, fearless and absolutely convinced that she knows exactly where she belongs.
Luna came to us after spending many years in another shelter, without any real chance of adoption. Despite this, she is an incredibly sweet, affectionate and lovable dog who enjoys human company and closeness. She bonds deeply with the people she trusts and has a way of charming everyone around her.
At the moment, we believe that Luna is best suited to stay here with us, where she knows her surroundings, feels secure and copes well with the local climate and environment. After such a long time without stability, she deserves a place where nothing is expected of her anymore — except to be herself.
Luna is therefore not looking for adoption. We are instead searching for sponsors who would like to support her life at the sanctuary and help us provide for her daily needs, food and medical care.
By sponsoring Luna, you support a small dog with a big ego, a brave heart and a strong sense of belonging — exactly as she is.
If you would like to support Luna with a monthly or one-time donation, we would be very grateful.
For more pictures, videos or information, please feel free to contact us via e-mail.
Thank you for standing by dogs like Luna 🤍
Barneby
Barneby came to our friends at Filia Laundry as a chubby little foundling, full of life and confidence. He was originally meant to find an adoptive home, but medical examinations revealed that he suffers from severe hip dysplasia that cannot be operated on.
Because of his condition, Barneby moved to us at Grove of the Voiceless, where he will stay for good and is no longer looking for adoption.
Barneby is around 3 years old and weighs about 35 kg — and he fills every single one of those kilos with personality. He is an energetic, strong-willed dog who likes to take charge and can be quite bossy at times. Barneby knows what he wants and is not shy about expressing his opinion.
At the same time, he is incredibly affectionate and emotionally attached to the people he trusts. Behind his bold attitude is a dog who seeks closeness, reassurance and love. He thrives on attention, routines and familiar faces, and is deeply bonded to those who care for him.
Barneby’s medical condition requires ongoing management, pain control and a lifestyle adapted to his needs, which we are committed to providing for him for the rest of his life. Here, he is safe, accepted exactly as he is and surrounded by people who love him — bossy moments included.
We are looking for sponsors who would like to support Barneby’s life at the sanctuary and help cover his food, medication and veterinary care.
By sponsoring Barneby, you support a dog with a big body, a big character and a surprisingly soft heart.
For more information, photos or videos, please feel free to contact us via e-mail.
Thank you for supporting dogs like Barneby
Flora
Flora is one of our senior residents at our sanctuary in Greece.
She is around 15 years old, Leishmaniosis positive, and despite her diagnosis she is surprisingly strong and stable while she of course spends a lot of time conserving her energy. Flora knows exactly what she needs and lives very much at her own pace.
She loves sleep and rest, enjoys calm surroundings and long, peaceful naps — but she is also very affectionate and seeks closeness with the people she trusts. Gentle cuddles and soft attention are deeply appreciated. Every day, Flora makes sure to come outside to soak up the sun, which she clearly enjoys and needs.
Flora’s condition requires ongoing care, monitoring and medication, but she handles her routine with great dignity and calmness. She is well settled in her familiar environment and feels safest where she is.
Because of her age and medical condition, Flora is not looking for adoption. We are instead searching for kind sponsors who would like to support her life at the sanctuary and help us cover her food, medication and veterinary care.
By sponsoring Flora, you help us ensure that she can continue to live a peaceful, comfortable and respected life, surrounded by people who understand her needs and give her the calm she deserves.
If you would like to support Flora with a monthly or one-time donation, we would be very grateful.
For more pictures, videos or information, please feel free to contact us via e-mail.
Thank you for helping us care for our senior dogs!
Karotti
Karotti is one of our oldest souls and a very special resident of our sanctuary in Greece.
She is around 17 years old, blind, and an incredibly kind, gentle and loving dog. Despite her age and blindness, Karotti is still remarkably independent and has a strong will to live. She confidently finds her way around, knows exactly what she wants and isn’t afraid to let you know — she will bark to communicate when she needs something or wants attention.
Karotti surprises us every day with her independence and curiosity. She still explores her surroundings on her own and sometimes even manages to climb onto tables or higher places, reminding us that age does not define spirit. She enjoys her routines, her familiar environment and the people she trusts.
Due to her age and special needs, Karotti is not looking for adoption. Instead, we are looking for kind sponsors who would like to support her life at the sanctuary and help us cover her food, medical care and daily needs.
By sponsoring Karotti, you help us ensure that she can spend her remaining years safe, respected and loved, surrounded by people who know her and understand her.
If you would like to support Karotti with a monthly or one-time donation, we would be deeply grateful.
For more information, pictures or videos, please feel free to contact us via e-mail.
Thank you for helping us care for our senior souls!
Schrippen-Fred
Fred is your easy going, laid back best friend who will make you smile and chill you down every day. Unfortunately he suffers from severe hip dysplasia and sometimes has problems getting up. He needs pain killers regularly.
Our team member Konstantin gave Fred a home because his adoption chances were basically down to zero.
Fred was lucky to find this very lovely foster home in the mountains where he can chill in the olive groves around the house and be a free happy dog.
Fred was born in 2020-22 (hard to estimate), he is a lovely and gentle Greek Shepherd mix. Everyone loves him for his peaceful energy.
We took him in after he suddenly appeared in our village, maybe recently abandoned, maybe a stray since a long time – nobody knows.
If you want to support Fred, please donate once or on a monthly base for his food and medical costs. Thank you!
Pig Family Sponsorship
Elli (mother), Pepe, Gustav and Theo (boy) and Romy (girl) The pig family were brought to the grove after they were found rummaging around the garbage of an abandoned building. All of them were severely malnourished and underfed. After some investigation friends were...
Louise
5 years old · Greek Harehound · 16 kg · Vaccinated · Chipped · Spayed We are looking for a special person to sponsor our beautiful Louise. Because of her difficult past, it is extremely hard for her to fully settle into a new...
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Our Locations
The shelter and sanctuary are located in Kakovatos and Varvasena in Greece.
Contact
Thank you for visiting our website. Together we can improve the situation of strays in greece. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us.
We look forward to hearing from you!
Your Stray Souls Ilia Team