Why haven't you replied to my message?
We are a very small rescue run by me & my mom + a volunteer. Especially during high season we receive a very high number of messages every day, while also handling emergencies, strays & caring for the animals already with us. So unfortunately we cannot always reply to every message individually. Thank you for your understanding & for caring!
Can I adopt a stray that I found on my holiday?
Yes, in many cases. If we have space, we may be able to help you with fostering & to prepare all arrangements needed for the animal to travel. Please send us an email at mcqueen.rescues@gmail.com with photos, location details + information about the animal's condition & behavior. It's also important to note that some strays are simply happy where they are, if healthy & fed, so it's better to leave them where they are. We always have many animals available eagerly waiting for their forever home! You can find them from the page Adoption.
I found kittens/puppies, what should I do?
Most of the time young kittens & puppies still have a mother caring for them nearby. You can give them food & water, but if they appear healthy, observe from a distance first, do not remove them immediately! You can play a video from YouTube of kittens crying for example, to see if a mom will appear. Sometimes they leave for multiple hours to search for food etc. If they appear injured or in immediate danger, seek help ASAP.
What should I do if I see an injured stray?
If you find an injured animal, or one that is in immediate danger, please try to get them safely off the road & into a quiet area if possible. You can:
• borrow a carrier/crate from a nearby vet
• buy one from a pet store
• use a local taxi that allows pets
• contact a Pet Taxi at +30 698 744 5010 that can provide a carrier & may be able to assist with catching.
Then take the animal to the nearest vet clinic.
You can also join & post in local rescue Facebook groups for advice or assistance:
• Animal Lovers on Crete
• Noah's Little Ark
• Cats of Crete Foundation, Hersonissos
• Help Strays of Crete
• Animal Welfare Report Crete
Please remember that rescuers are often overwhelmed and pay most costs personally, so it helps greatly if you can assist with vet expenses where possible.
Can tourists help us?
Yes! Tourists can make a huge difference. You can help by donating, fostering, adopting, volunteering, following & sharing our social media profiles & helping the strays you encounter responsibly during your stay. You can also get a stray cat sterilized, which is a very great help for them & us, as we are also active in Trap Neuter Return. Even small actions can save lives!
Why is sterilisation important?
It helps prevent the endless cycle of unwanted litters & suffering on the streets. It also improves their health a lot, by doubling their life expectancy, reduces fights that often result in serious injuries & to stop the spreading of viruses. Sterilizing a cat costs less than 50€ for a male & less than 80€ for a female.
How can I donate?
You can donate by PayPal at paypal.me/McQueenRescues or you can email us for bank account details. You could also spoil our cats by sending them something from our Amazon Wishlist . Also food, medical supplies, towels, carriers, volunteering etc. is much appreciated! Another new way to support us is by purchasing something from our Shop.
Can I sponsor an animal?
Yes! Sponsorships help cover food, vet treatments, vaccinations, sterilisation etc. costs while they're in our care. Some animals stay with us for a long time due to medical or behavioral needs, so sponsorships make an enormous difference to their future!
Do you receive any support from the government?
No. Our work solely depends on donations, sponsorships, fundraising & the kindness of all our supporters & volunteers. Every donation we receive directly helps us continue rescuing & caring for animals in need.