Found an animal in need - what to do 

While visiting Rhodes, you may come across animals in poor health or needing urgent medical care. Please don’t look away just because you’re unsure what to do. Keep this page bookmarked and follow these basic steps until local volunteers can step in.

1. Assess the situation.

Take a moment to understand what’s wrong with the animal. What exactly seems to be the problem? Why do you think it’s an emergency? Always take clear photos and save the exact location using Google Maps (share the link if possible). This information is essential for anyone who might assist later.

2. Contact the Nearest Vet

Use the interactive map below (works directly with the Google Maps app) to locate the closest veterinarian.

• Call the vet directly – don’t rely on emails or messages, as they may not be seen in time.

• If your phone plan doesn’t allow calls, kindly ask a local shop to help you make the call; it’s usually free for them.

• Describe the situation clearly and ask if the vet can connect you with a local organisation or volunteer.

👉 Important: Always speak with a vet first before contacting animal organisations. In many cases, a quick vet visit resolves the issue — involving organisations too early can create unnecessary logistical complications.

3. Help capture the animal

If possible, try to safely capture the cat to bring it to the vet, or stay nearby until help arrives. Volunteers are unpaid and often help in their free time — your presence and cooperation make a huge difference. Please don’t just call and leave; this shifts the emotional and logistical burden to volunteers who are already overwhelmed by the stray situation on Rhodes.

If you decide to capture the cat yourself, you can either improvise with a cardboard box (from a nearby shop or recycling bin), ask your hotel staff for a pet carrier or purchase a pet carrier from a nearby pet shop (see map below).

4. Help cover the costs

Most local volunteers and organisations rely entirely on donations, as there is little government or city support. If you can, please contribute financially to cover immediate treatment costs until the volunteers can secure more funds. If even more funds are needed, consider starting a crowdfunding campaign (e.g., on GoFundMe) to help raise additional support.

👉 Important: Always ask for a receipt from the vet to ensure your donation is properly used.

Who to contact

1. The closest vet during working hours (see map above).

2. If it's late or if it's a weekend, contact Tsambicats by email at tsambicats@gmail.com or via Instagram (preferred) or Facebook. Whatsapp will be available upon request.

3. If no other option is available and it's a real emergency, please try to transfer the cat in a card board box to some safe, dry and warm place, cover the animal with a soft blanket to keep warm and feed with sugar water to help gain strength. If you find kittens that need to be be bottle fed, give them dissolved condensed milk (1 part milk, 2 parts water) with a syringe and keep them warm with a cover AND a bottle with warm (not hot!) water. Please contact the closest vet first thing in the morning.