Login

Select travel dates to see prices

Great 4.40rating (66)
🔥 In High Demand

Animal Keeper Assistant

location
1 - 50 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+
Verified

Complete your reservation as soon as possible. This project fills up quickly and is already booked on certain dates.


Highlights

  • 🐒Help the Animal Keepers give the best care to the animals in need and make a huge impact on conservation.
  • 🙈Baby sloths, baby birds and baby monkeys are in much need of constant cares and love, come join us and help grow them enough to be freed back into the wild.
  • 🙉Help get rescued animals back to nature with your work and care.

Highlights

  • 🐒Help the Animal Keepers give the best care to the animals in need and make a huge impact on conservation.
  • 🙈Baby sloths, baby birds and baby monkeys are in much need of constant cares and love, come join us and help grow them enough to be freed back into the wild.
  • 🙉Help get rescued animals back to nature with your work and care.
  • 🐵Daily tasks are always different as new rescues come on a daily basis.
  • 🙊Visit beautiful places in Costa Rica as you enjoy in this Volunteer Program, we will guide you to the best places and help arrange every trip.

  • 🔥 In High Demand
    You don't have to pay anything yet

    Especially good for

    Age 18+
    Singles
    Couples
    Families
    Groups
    50+

    About the program

    Hands on contribution with everyday chores like feeding, cleaning and giving animals any care they need, to help them recover and go back to nature!

    Our Volunteer Program will allow you to work hands on with lots of different wildlife animals of Costa Rica,  you will learn a lot about taking care of animals in need of help. The Shelter receives more than 1500 rescue animals per year, so there is a lot of work and lots of important decisions to ...

    About the program

    Our Volunteer Program will allow you to work hands on with lots of different wildlife animals of Costa Rica,  you will learn a lot about taking care of animals in need of help. The Shelter receives more than 1500 rescue animals per year, so there is a lot of work and lots of important decisions to make, in order to free the most animals back to nature, were they belong.  

    • Volunteer with us and help animals in need and immerse yourself in a true 24/7 rescue center and their daily needs and tasks.
    • Have the unique opportunity to work alongside sloths, ocelots, macaws, toucans, crocodiles and much more.
    • Rehabilitate animals and release as many as possible back into the wild.
    • Love the opportunity to work with experts, learn lots of animal cares and enjoy the experience in a beautiful environment 

    Experience hands-on volunteering with sloths, baby parrots, owls, baby monkeys, and injured adult animals of all Costa Rican species​

    What are the daily tasks 

    • Animal feeding.

    • Cleaning enclosures.

    • Assisting animals in case of emergency.

    • Participate in efforts to rehabilitate and release animals.

    • Planting trees.

    • Assisting in giving tours of the Sanctuary.

    • Maintenance of animal enclosures and property.

    • Constructing organic structures for the animals.

    • Participate in the environmental enrichment of all types of animals.

    • Providing water to animals.

    • Sanctuary maintenance.

    • Feeding baby animals.

    • And anything else that needs to be done! 

    (Always safety first and nothing is done against your approval)

    On weekends Tours will be organized for extra fee and we will help you get to know Costa Rica as we ticos do! 

    This project offers you the opportunity to travel and volunteer at a beautiful wildlife rescue center. 

    About the project

    The sanctuary itself is located in Santa Ana, just 5 minutes from downtown Santa Ana and downtown Escazu. Located in the middle of a high mountain called Alto de las Palomas, we have planted more than 1000 trees and vegetation, creating a small green lung in the middle of the cities.

    The shelter has more than 12 years of experience and more than 10.000 animals released and relocated back into nature since its beginning. Come and make a change with your work, while you enjoy of Costa Rica! 



    Typical day

    What would your day be like:

    • ​7:00am - 9:00am – Wake up and breakfast 
    • 9:00am - 11:00am – Morning feeding of animals with supervision.
    • 11:00am - 12:00 noon – Daily tasks 
    • 12:00 noon - 1:00pm – Lunch, WiFi, and nap time!
    • 1:00pm - 3:00pm - Afternoon feeding of animals with supervision.

    After the ...

    Typical day

    What would your day be like:

    • ​7:00am - 9:00am – Wake up and breakfast 
    • 9:00am - 11:00am – Morning feeding of animals with supervision.
    • 11:00am - 12:00 noon – Daily tasks 
    • 12:00 noon - 1:00pm – Lunch, WiFi, and nap time!
    • 1:00pm - 3:00pm - Afternoon feeding of animals with supervision.

    After the afternoon feeding, volunteers are free to do whatever they would like for the rest of the day! 

    • Dinner is ready by 6:00pm.


    Free-time activities

    Lots of beautiful tourist places are near by, for example:

    • the beach is only one hour away
    • beautiful volcanos are one hour away too! 

    We will help you book and arrange any visit you might want to go in Costa Rica. 


    Free-time activities

    Lots of beautiful tourist places are near by, for example:

    • the beach is only one hour away
    • beautiful volcanos are one hour away too! 

    We will help you book and arrange any visit you might want to go in Costa Rica. 



    Requirements

    Requirements

    Minimum Age: 18 years

    In order to join the program you need to be at least 18 years old on the program start date. There might be exemptions if you can provide the permission of your legal guardian(s) or if your are accompanied by your parents.

    Language Skills

    You need to speak English (basic level) or Spanish (basic level)

    Nationality Restrictions

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

    Other Skills

    Minors are accepted only if accompanied by a responsible adult who will be in charge of them. Anyone who LOVES animals is welcome to join us and help out in our mission.

    Time Commitment

    Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 09:00 - 15:00

    What's Included

    What's Included

    On-site Services

    The volunteer program includes: 

    • 3 meals per day (Special diets are available, like Keto, Vegetarian or Vegan diets)

    • Shared bedroom with a Single size bed bunks, with a private curtains, light and plug for your privacy 

    • Locker to store any of your belongings 

    • Washing and dryer machine 

    • Fast Wifi 

    • Loft like Living area with dining table, Tv room and kitchen 

    • Security cameras on all the perimeters and common areas 24-7 

    Accommodation

    House EWA Its a beautiful house located on the Shelter property, modern and brand new, it includes: 

    • Large loft like dining, kitchen and living room: with TV, couch to relax and large table
    • Bunk beds with curtains for privacy, intern light and electric plug for your phone. 
    • Storage lockers 
    • Bathroom with hot water 
    • Security cameras in all premises 
    • Volunteers must keep their areas free of plastic litter and respect the property of others.
    • WiFi is currently available in volunteer housing.

    Food & Beverages

    • 3 meals per day (Special diets are available, like Keto, Vegetarian or Vegan diets)

    • The shelter has a delicious typical food restaurant where you will enjoy the first two meals of the day, and dinner is served at House Ewa. 

    Internet Access

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

    What's NOT included?

    What's NOT included?

    Airport Pickup at Juan Santamaria International Airport

    An airport pickup isn't included within the program fees either.

    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

    Airport Pickups are available for small extra fee.

    Arrive to House Ewa and enjoy alongside other volunteers of a nice environment. The Shelter is 20 minutes away from Juan Santa Maria International Airport.

    Volunteers are still welcome to apply, and we recommend inquiring about availability during these periods as alternative dates may be offered.

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

    Program Fees

    $327 per week 1 - 50 weeks Age 18 - 50+

    Payment methods

    Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

    NO CREDIT CARD FEES


    Duration

    1 - 50 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
    4.4
    Travelers’ Choice
    One of the most loved volunteer experiences, according to travelers

    Volunteer photos

    2026
    I stayed at the Refugio for 2 months in total. Most of the volunteers stay 1-2 weeks, but I really liked staying longer because I was able ...
    Larissa Strauß

    Animal Keeper Assistant

    2025
    Everybody at the shelter has amazing knowledge about the animals and what they need, they are super supportive of all the volunteers and ...
    rafaela rodrigues

    Animal Keeper Assistant

    2025
    I didn't know what to expect but this experience exceeded my expectations. The staff and their dedication, the housemates during my ...
    Khristi Levack

    Animal Keeper Assistant

    2024
    It was a great experience. I did a lot more than i thought i would. They make sure you try everything, and listen to you if there is ...
    Nadia Jensen Søhoel

    Animal Keeper Assistant

    2024
    J’ai passé 1 semaine incroyable au sein du Refugio Animal de Costa Rica. Tout d’abord, nous sommes au plus près des animaux. Les ...
    Domitille Roussel

    Animal Keeper Assistant

    Location


    Meet your project coordinator

    Alice
    66
    reviews
    4.40
    Great
    2010
    Founded

    Verified

      Moderate response rate
    Travel safely by using Volunteer World for your communication and bookings. This way, you can benefit from the Flex Option, Refund Guarantee, and Resolution Support.

    You might also be interested in

    Contact Alice
      Moderate response rate

    Most volunteers ask about


    Do you have any more questions? Send a message to Alice
    Please don't share personal contact details for your privacy

    Travel dates

    1. - 1. Jan 1

    Book with Flex Option!

    Choose new departure dates or change to a different volunteer program at no extra costs within 12 months.

    Complete Support for Every Volunteer

    This helps us run our platform and offer essential services like Comprehensive Support, Refund Guarantee, Flex Option without rebooking costs, and Price-Guarantee. This includes VAT.

    Price details