Exploring Thessaloniki's Dog Park and Zoo: A Pawsitive Team's Journey Toward Stray Animal Advocacy

Visiting places dedicated to animal care offers valuable insight into how communities support their furry residents. In December 2025, the Pawsitive Parks volunteer team took a meaningful trip to the Dogs-Park of E Local Community in Thessaloniki Municipality, along with its nearby zoo. Their goal was to assess these organized spaces and gather information to strengthen their campaign focused on the welfare of stray animals in the city. This blog post shares their observations, highlights, and suggestions for improving animal care and protection in Thessaloniki.

Discovering the Dogs-Park of E Local Community

The Dogs-Park is a well-maintained area designed specifically for dogs to exercise, socialize, and enjoy a safe environment. The park features:

• Spacious fenced zones that separate small and large dogs, reducing stress and potential conflicts.

• Clean water stations and shaded resting spots to keep pets comfortable during their visits.

• Waste disposal bins placed conveniently to encourage responsible pet ownership.

  
  

The Pawsitive Parks team noticed the park’s popularity among local dog owners, which shows a growing awareness of pet care in Thessaloniki. However, they also identified areas where improvements could help stray animals indirectly:

• Adding informational boards about stray animal rescue and adoption.

• Organizing community events to promote responsible pet ownership and support for strays.

• Increasing collaboration with local shelters to provide resources and education.

  
  

Insights from Thessaloniki’s Zoo Visit

The zoo visit offered a different perspective on animal care within the municipality. It serves as an educational center and a refuge for various species, including some rescued animals. Key takeaways from the zoo include:

• The importance of proper enclosures that mimic natural habitats, which improve animal well-being.

• The role of educational programs in raising public awareness about wildlife and domestic animal protection.

• Challenges faced in funding and maintaining facilities that meet high standards of animal welfare.

  
  

The Pawsitive Parks team discussed how some zoo practices could inspire better care for stray animals, such as creating safe shelters and providing medical attention.

Building a Stronger Campaign for Stray Animals

The combined experience of visiting both the Dogs-Park and the zoo helped the volunteers develop practical suggestions for their campaign:

• Promote community involvement through volunteer programs and educational workshops.

• Advocate for municipal support to improve infrastructure for stray animals, including shelters and feeding stations.

• Encourage partnerships between local authorities, NGOs, and citizens to share resources and knowledge.

• Raise awareness about the importance of neutering and vaccination to control stray populations humanely.

  
  

These steps aim to create a more compassionate and organized approach to stray animal care in Thessaloniki.