On Monday, June 15, 2026, we attended an event organised by the Special Secretariat for the Protection of Companion Animals (SSPCA) at the Galatsi, Athens, where a new National Animal Protection Mechanism for Natural Disasters was officially announced.
The event was attended by representatives of local authorities, and volunteers and members of animal welfare organisations from across Greece. In a positive indication of a new seriousness towards an aspect of companion animal welfare in government circles, the Greek Prime Minister, a number of senior government ministers and other officials also attended and gave their support.
The National Animal Protection Mechanism, co-developed by Dogs’ Voice in collaboration with animal welfare organisations and experts, includes the following key actions:
- A representative of the Special Secretariat for the Protection of Companion Animals will have a role in the Unified Crisis Management Coordination Center.
- Provision of emergency guidance to pet guardians through the ‘112 Emergency Alert’ system.
- Operation of a Helpline for animals at risk – 10400 – designed and managed by Dogs’ Voice.
- Establishment of a specialised animal rescue team by Dogs’ Voice, officially registered with the Civil Protection Authority.
- Operation of a permanent animal reception and care station in Galatsi to support emergency response efforts, initially across the Attica region.
Although such a complex mechanism will undoubtedly face challenges in its effective operation, we are hopeful that by taking these steps to ensure that the welfare of animals is integrated into the national planning of emergency management and civil protection, both preparedness and response will be strengthened and better coordinated, resulting in improved outcomes for companion animals when disaster strikes.
Speakers at the event included:
• Elena Dede – Founder of Dogs’ Voice
• Theodoros Livanios – Minister of Interior
• Nikos Papaefstathiou – Secretary General for Civil Protection
• Marinella Soukouli-Miliari – Deputy Minister of Environment and Energy
• Vasilis Spanakis – Deputy Minister of Interior
• Nikos Chryssakis – Special Secretary for the Protection of Companion Animals
• Kyriakos Mitsotakis – Prime Minister of Greece
During the event, members of our team also had the pleasure of meeting Boubis, a young dog currently training to become an assistance dog. After completing around a year of foundational training, Boubis will go on to receive specialist training to support a child with autism.
This life-changing work is carried out by Assistance Dogs Greece, an organisation dedicated to training and placing assistance dogs with people who need them. We wish Boubis every success as he continues his journey towards making a profound difference in a child’s life.
