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Brilliant 4.72rating (254)
  • Life On Land

Animal Care and Rehabilitation

location
3 - 12 weeks  ·  Age 16 - 50+
Verified

Highlights

  • Stay right on the beach in beautiful Manuel Antonio!
  • Live like a local in a friendly host family
  • Get hands on in daily care with the animals

Highlights

  • Stay right on the beach in beautiful Manuel Antonio!
  • Live like a local in a friendly host family
  • Get hands on in daily care with the animals
  • Help local veterinary clinics, shelters and organisations in the care of abandoned and injured animals.
    • You don't have to pay anything yet

    Especially good for

    Age 16+
    Singles
    Couples
    Groups
    50+

    About the program

    Costa Rica coastal areas must manage ongoing problems with abandoned stray dogs and cats. Help at local centres, giving daily care to the animals.

    Overview
    Costa Rica is faced with a significant challenge of caring for orphaned or abandoned domestic animals, including dogs, cats, and others. Sadly, these animals are often in poor health, suffering from unattended injuries and hunger. In order to provide care and love for these lonely and ...

    About the program

    Overview
    Costa Rica is faced with a significant challenge of caring for orphaned or abandoned domestic animals, including dogs, cats, and others. Sadly, these animals are often in poor health, suffering from unattended injuries and hunger. In order to provide care and love for these lonely and vulnerable animals, veterinary organisations and social projects have been established to help with the problem.

    These animal care projects rely heavily on volunteer efforts, and your contribution is both necessary and greatly appreciated. However, it’s important to note that this project can be physically demanding and is therefore best suited for true animal lovers.

    As an international volunteer, your responsibilities may include bathing and grooming the animals, providing basic obedience training, cleaning cages and kennels, feeding the animals, maintaining the project area, interacting with and hosting visitors, playing with and walking or exercising the animals, participating in medical treatments, spay/neuter programs, fundraising, outreach, and administration work, and helping with local education programs.

    Please be prepared for some independence and leadership as well, as you will not always have on-site support from our in-country coordinators. Work at these animal care projects can be physically demanding at times.

    Location
    Manuel Antonio is a small beachside village, situated right on the Pacific Ocean. There is a nearby National park which is considered one of the most biodiverse parks in the world. You may even spot a howler monkey or a sloth! The area is known for its biodiversity, as well as perfect white sand beaches. There are lots of activities to do in the area, like mountain and rainforest trails.

    Project Tasks
    • Hosting visitors
    • Playing with and walking or exercising the animals
    • Participating in medical treatments
    • Spay/neuter programs
    • Fundraising
    • Admin
    • Feeding and cleaning

    Typical day

    Working hours may vary slightly, but you can expect to work 3-4 hours per day, Monday to Friday. You will volunteer in either the morning or the afternoon depending on the needs of your project. If you have Spanish classes, they are scheduled during your free time.
    Example day:
    • 8am - breakfast
    • 9-1pm - ...

    Typical day

    Working hours may vary slightly, but you can expect to work 3-4 hours per day, Monday to Friday. You will volunteer in either the morning or the afternoon depending on the needs of your project. If you have Spanish classes, they are scheduled during your free time.
    Example day:
    • 8am - breakfast
    • 9-1pm - volunteer work
    • 1pm - lunch
    • 2pm - free time or Spanish lessons
    • 6-8pm - dinner

    Free-time activities

    San Jose

    San Jose is the capital city and has plenty to do from city tours, watching a show at the theatre, markets, museums, parks, and city walking tours. You can also take day trips to mountains, volcanoes and the beach.

    Arenal Volcano

    Situated about 90 km northwest of San Jose is Arenal volcano, ...

    Free-time activities

    San Jose

    San Jose is the capital city and has plenty to do from city tours, watching a show at the theatre, markets, museums, parks, and city walking tours. You can also take day trips to mountains, volcanoes and the beach.

    Arenal Volcano

    Situated about 90 km northwest of San Jose is Arenal volcano, measuring 1,633 metres high. This scenic volcano is one of the most popular tourist attractions, with daily tours walking around it, plus it’s proximity to the nearby rainforest and waterfalls make it a popular place to visit.

    Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio

    Close by the where a lot of our projects are, this National park is one of the most popular in Costa Rica. With beautiful beaches, rainforest walking trails and an abundance of wildlife, this is a must visit for any traveller!

    Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve

    Another stunning destination to visit and a lush oasis of green rainforest and misty fog and clouds sitting at the top of the canopy. There are around 420 different types of orchids, ferns mosses, as well as a large bird population- perfect for nature and wildlife lovers. There are also night time walking tours.

    Corcovado National Park

    A stunning national park with plenty of hiking trails, natural swimming holes, waterfalls, rainforest, wildlife, flora and fauna and camping. Here you will find more than 400 bird species, monkeys, sea turtles, over 40 frog species, 100 butterfly species and perhaps even a jaguar.

    Adventure activities

    Costa Rica has so much to do for those who like to live on the wild side! From ziplining, white water rafting, canyoning, surfing, snorkelling, diving, horse riding and paddle boarding. This is a nature and adventure lovers paradise!

    Beach Hopping

    There is no shortage of beautiful beaches in Costa Rica. From white sand, black sand, beaches that meet jungle and all with crystal clear, blue waters. Many of the beach town have cafes, restaurants, accommodation and places to grab a fresh coconut juice, the perfect way to chill out after a hot day!

    Requirements

    Requirements

    Minimum Age: 16 years

    In order to join the program you need to be at least 16 years old on the program start date.

    Language Skills

    You need to speak English (basic level)

    Criminal Background Check

    required

    Nationality Restrictions

    No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.

    Time Commitment

    Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday

    What's Included

    What's Included

    On-site Services

    Program fees include:

    • Airport pick-up
    • Host family accommodations
    • Breakfast and dinner, 7 days/week
    • 1 day orientation
    • 24/7 in-country support
    • Walking tour
    • Official certificate of volunteer service
    • Letter of recommendation
    • Spanish language tutoring table
    • Tandem Conversation Program
    • WiFi and computer lab
    • Salsa dance classes
    • Cooking classes
    • Free coffee and tea and on-site snack bar
    • Volunteer centre open 7 days/week

    Airport Pickup at Juan Santamaria International Airport

    For Manuel Antonio

    Our local team will pick you up from San Jose airport on the Saturday or Sunday before your project. It is recommended to arrive Saturday or before 3pm on Sunday, so you can go straight to Manuel Antonio. If arriving after 3pm on Saturday or Sunday, you will stay with a host family for 1 night in San Jose, and transfer to Manuel Antonio the following day.

    The transfer to Manuel Antonio is in two parts. A member of the local team will pick you up from San Jose airport and take you to the bus station in San Jose. You will then get the bus to Manuel Antonio (ticket included), where your host family will meet you at Manuel Antonio bus stop. The bus journey is around 3 hours. 

    If you arrive outside the pickup times, you can book a private transfer for an extra fee.

    If you want to book any extra nights before or after your program, you can do this for an extra fee. 


    Transportation whilst on your project

    Most volunteers either walk or take the bus, depending on how far their project is. Journey time varies widely from project to project, and you should expect to spend 15-60 minutes traveling each way. You might also need to change buses during your trip. Taxi’s are also widely available but do cost more than buses. It can be hard to change your project after you start volunteering, so please be ready to travel to your designated project every day. 

    PLEASE NOTE: Volunteers are required to pay for the daily transportation to and from your project. Local buses are very affordable, and a one-way trip will cost around ₡350 (around $0.60) on average. Taxis are more expensive, and costs vary based on how long the journey is. A budget of around US $5 is recommend per day for transportation to and from your project.


    Accommodation

    The majority of our volunteers will stay with a pre-approved middle-class Costa Rican family. You have the option of a shared or a private room. For shared rooms, you are placed with 1-3 other people of the same gender and age group. In Manuel Antonio you will stay in the Quepos area. You’ll be given a key to the house and are free to come and go as you please, but you must respect the house rules and practices of your host family.

    The host family can help you with washing laundry. There is a small charge of ₡2,500 or $5 per kilo (2.2 lbs) which is paid directly to the family. If you are staying at a student residence, hostel, hotel or apartment that does not have a laundry service available, you can use a nearby laundrette (lavanderia).


    Private Room Upgrade: please contact us directly for options and pricing

    *Please note: Upgrade prices can change, so please check the price with us first

    Food & Beverages

    Breakfast and dinner will be served 7 days a week and will usually be local cuisine, cooked by your host family. The food in Costa Rica is a mix of African, Italian, French, Chinese, and Spanish cuisines. Common food are grains such as rice, corn, and beans and different meats mixed with spices like coriander, saffron, parsley, oregano, thyme and nutmeg. The food is usually mildly seasoned and has plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables.

    Internet Access

    Good access at the project site
    You don't have to pay anything yet

    What's NOT included?

    What's NOT included?

    Flight Tickets

    The nearest airport is Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) in San Jose. We assist you to find cheap flights to Costa Rica. FIND CHEAP FLIGHTS

    Travel Insurance

    Going abroad is an adventure and it is always best to be prepared. Sudden illness or injury, cancellation or theft - a travel insurance for Costa Rica provides security and is a plus to have. GET A QUOTE

    Vaccines

    If you are intending to volunteer in Costa Rica you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for Costa Rica. VACCINE CHECKER

    Details on arrival

    Program starts every Monday. Arrivals on Sat/ Sun. If arriving on Saturday, you may have to stay in San Jose for 1 night, and travel to Manuel Antonio the next day. If staying with a host family, Saturday night may be free of charge, just check with us :)

    Availability
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

    Program Fees

    $530 per week 3 - 12 weeks Age 16 - 50+

    Payment methods

    Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

    NO CREDIT CARD FEES

    Duration

    3 - 12 weeks

    Deposit

    Reserve your spot with just a few clicks and a small, secure deposit. You can pay by credit card, PayPal, or other convenient methods.

    Final Payment

    You’ll agree on the final payment method with your local organization during the application process. This final payment is only due closer to the start of your trip.

    You don't have to pay anything yet
    4.7
    Top Pick
    One of the top picks on Volunteer World, according to travelers
    •
    2025
    I supported a loving team with daily tasks such as keeping the enclosures clean, shredding antelopes and feeding the kittens. Comments on ...
    •
    2025
    Very well organised, had no problem checking in. The work was so nice and the people were wonderful. Staff is also there to help out with ...
    Sarah Damaschin

    School Construction

    Location

    Americas > Central America > Costa Rica > Manuel Antonio

    Meet your project coordinator

    Lauren
    254
    reviews
    4.72
    Brilliant
    1989
    Founded

    Verified

      Very high response rate
    Spoken languages: English
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    Contact Lauren
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    Travel dates

    1. - 1. Jan 1

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