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Brilliant 4.73rating (12)
  • Life On Land

Resident Animal Care

location
2 - 12 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+
Verified

Highlights

  • Feel the true joy of helping to heal an animal in need by showing them love and kindness.
  • Create long-lasting friendships with our passionate team of volunteers.
  • Relax at the local beaches, rivers, waterfalls, mountains, forest and jungle which are full of wildlife including monkeys, macaws, iguanas, sloths, whales, dolphins and much more.

Highlights

  • Feel the true joy of helping to heal an animal in need by showing them love and kindness.
  • Create long-lasting friendships with our passionate team of volunteers.
  • Relax at the local beaches, rivers, waterfalls, mountains, forest and jungle which are full of wildlife including monkeys, macaws, iguanas, sloths, whales, dolphins and much more.
  • Build a better future for the entire community by participating in our local events.
  • Find you new best friend and adopt from the shelter before you leave!
    • You don't have to pay anything yet

    Especially good for

    Age 18+
    Singles
    Couples
    Groups
    50+

    About the program

    As a Volunteer in Residence you will work with an inspiring team of local and international volunteers who love and care for the animals as they wait for forever homes.

    Each day we receive requests from the local community to take in cats and dogs that have been abandoned or are otherwise homeless and in need of care.   We are the only rescue group in the southern zone of Costa Rica therefore we are the ones everyone turns to for help.  Our ability to help these ...

    About the program

    Each day we receive requests from the local community to take in cats and dogs that have been abandoned or are otherwise homeless and in need of care.   We are the only rescue group in the southern zone of Costa Rica therefore we are the ones everyone turns to for help.  Our ability to help these animals depends on several factors including available space, number of foster homes available, number of volunteers to take care of the animals, as well as our financial resources.

    Our Volunteers in Residence (VIR) play a critical role in helping us to help more animals by working multiple shifts per week while they stay with us and also contribute to our financial resources through donations in exchange for accommodations. Typically our VIRs are with us for extended periods of time and work with the animals more frequently than our "local volunteers" thereby allowing them to become resident experts on the animals.  

    As a volunteer in residence, you will care for the cats and dogs at our shelter by feeding, bathing, cleaning, walking and most important cuddle time.  In addition to the volunteer shifts,  there are other opportunities for you to get involved:  
    • tending wee kittens and puppies
    • assisting with basic veterinary care
    • helping at a local spay & neuter clinic
    • taking animals to special events
    We have several rooms directly onsite inside our gated property where you will stay.   There is a shared kitchen and a pool reserved for VIRs only.  There are also outside spaces to relax and enjoy.  Outside of the property, there are many restaurants, shops, and markets within walking distance.  We offer bikes if you prefer riding to walking.  There are several beaches also within walking distance or a short taxi to the many waterfalls and other outdoor activities.  

    You will be volunteering with our local and visiting volunteers as well as our one paid animal care employee who is available to answer any questions you may have.  

    You can expect training sessions to get you comfortable with both the animals and how we do things to keep everyone safe and happy. 

    You must be:
    • Comfortable in warm humid climate
    • 18 years or older
    • Capable of lifting 18 kilograms / 40 pounds (for example a bag of food)
    • Able to communicate in English language

    Typical day

    Each volunteer shift starts off with a team meeting which provides updates on the days activities, who is responsible for what, and anything new with the animals.  

    You will have a schedule of hours that are between 8 – 11 a.m. and 3 – 5 p.m, for a total of 20 to 25 hours per week. This gives ...

    Typical day

    Each volunteer shift starts off with a team meeting which provides updates on the days activities, who is responsible for what, and anything new with the animals.  

    You will have a schedule of hours that are between 8 – 11 a.m. and 3 – 5 p.m, for a total of 20 to 25 hours per week. This gives you free time from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m., after 5 p.m., and two full days off per week to unwind, recharge, and discover the nearby beaches, nature, and vibrant local culture.

    Caring for dogs includes feeding, walking, playing, spending quality one-on-one time, bathing, and limited cleaning.
    Caring for cats involves feeding, scooping, limited cleaning, and most importantly, showering each of them with the love they deserve.

    All other time is your free time to explore, relax, take a swim in the pool onsite at the property or whatever you imagine.  

    Free-time activities

    Set in one of the most magnificent areas on earth and surrounded by an awe-inspiring diversity of flora and fauna, you will be in the small town of Uvita, on Costa Rica’s pacific coast. The unique landscape is rich with wildlife including howler monkeys, white-faced capuchins, scarlet macaws, ...

    Free-time activities

    Set in one of the most magnificent areas on earth and surrounded by an awe-inspiring diversity of flora and fauna, you will be in the small town of Uvita, on Costa Rica’s pacific coast. The unique landscape is rich with wildlife including howler monkeys, white-faced capuchins, scarlet macaws, green iguanas, tamanduas, sloths, and so much more.

    All the essentials you will need are located within easy walking distance: restaurants, groceries, pharmacies, banks, and the local farmers market.

    If you love nature, you will be in seventh heaven, with the nearby beaches, rivers and waterfalls accessible by foot, bike, or a quick taxi ride. Bicycles are available for your use, and taxis are always close-by.

    The climate is warm and humid all year long with cooling rains, typically from April through November, contributing to the region’s lush green environment.

    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)

    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, Friday, Saturday and Sunday

    What's Included

    What's Included

    On-site Services

    These prices are per person, for our shared room (2 double beds and a shared bathroom) if available.  

    Accommodation included in the Program Fees.

    Private Single Room Pricing available upon request or in the event the Shared Room is unavailable.



    Accommodation

    Your room will be a restful retreat, furnished with a comfortable double bed. We offer three private single rooms and one double shared room, each with ensuite bathrooms. All rooms have ceiling fans and two have air conditioning to keep you cool. Bed linens and bath towels are provided

    See our photo gallery for photos of the rooms and shared kitchen area.


    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 Quepos Airport

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

    Food & Beverages

    Food, snacks or beverages are at extra costs.

    Flight Tickets

    The nearest airport is Quepos Airport (XQP) in Quepos. 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

    We try to coordinate training for Tuesdays so arrivals on Mondays are best, but we can be flexible depending on your schedule.  Most volunteers fly into Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) which is about 3.5 hours away by car, or slightly longer by bus.  There is also a closer airport (Quepos) which is only a short flight from SJO.


    Prior to your arrival we will share some paperwork and a volunteer guide to get you started.  Upon your arrive, a local volunteer will meet you and provide an overview of the facilities.  Most training will begin the next morning.


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

    Program Fees

    $212 per week 2 - 12 weeks Age 18 - 50+

    Payment methods

    Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

    NO CREDIT CARD FEES

    Duration

    2 - 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

    4.73
    ・
    12 reviews

    •
    2026
    My Stay in the Shelter was amazing. Everyone was very welcoming and helped me get trained and settled so I could start getting to know the ...
    Zoey Manunta

    Resident Animal Care

    •
    2025
    Helping abandoned animals (cats and dogs) in a magnificent setting…This shelter, based in Uvita (Costarica) is simply incredible! I joined ...
    Veronique Reusse

    Resident Animal Care

    •
    2025
    I was trained to work with dogs by request (allergic to cats). I met wonderful people. A genuinely good organization that I’m proud to ...
    Laura Lawrence

    Resident Animal Care

    •
    2025
    My time at the El Refugio was truly amazing! Not only did I get to help out in the community and feel like I was making a real difference, ...
    Elaine Gschwandtner

    Resident Animal Care

    •
    2024
    I spent a month at the El Refugio shelter as part of the Volunteer in Residence program. The program is great, gives you an opportunity to ...
    Enikő Tóth

    Resident Animal Care

    •
    2026
    I spent the whole month volunteering at the shelter and it is so difficult to leave ! People here are amazing, truly concerned by the ...
    Emilie GRADEL

    Resident Animal Care

    Location

    Americas > Central America > Costa Rica > Uvita

    Meet your project coordinator

    Sandra
    12
    reviews
    4.73
    Brilliant
    2017
    Founded

    Verified

      Below average response rate
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    Travel dates

    1. - 1. Jan 1

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