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Animal Care Volunteering Program in Costa Rica
Are you passionate about animals? Would you like to contribute to the rescue and rehabilitation of endangered animals in Costa Rica? Join our animal care volunteer program!
Costa Rica, a true paradise, offers a diverse landscape transitioning from cool highlands and rolling mountains to steamy jungles and stunning coastlines. Within a few hours' drive, you can engage in various activities such as surfing, hiking, ziplining, rafting, or exploration. The country's natural beauty provides diverse experiences for every adventurer.
Unfortunately, in Costa Rica, animals often don't receive the status of family members, and there's limited awareness of animal rights. Challenges include insufficient education about animals and their needs. Abandoned dogs and cats facing hunger, abuse, and health issues are commonly found on side streets. Lack of spaying and neutering leads to rapid breeding. Exotic species are sometimes kept illegally as pets, and farm animals may suffer due to poverty and limited resources, with inadequate veterinary care.
Global Crossroad Volunteers provides an opportunity to collaborate with grassroots organizations dedicated to saving and rehabilitating animals. These projects focus on medical care, education, and services to protect animals. They aim to find loving homes for pets, rehabilitate wild animals for release, and advocate for proper care of farm animals. Volunteer placements are available at specialized facilities, including dog and cat shelters, and horse care and rehabilitation centers in Costa Rica.
Volunteer Responsibilities & Impacts
Volunteers are typically placed in either a local family-run dog and cat shelter, providing a home for numerous dogs and cats with minimal government funding. Alternatively, volunteers may assist in the care of horses involved in Equine Assisted Therapy, a therapeutic approach helping individuals overcome physical, emotional, and psychological challenges.
As a volunteer, your responsibilities include aiding in veterinary care, cleaning cages, grooming, basic obedience training, and interacting with the animals through play. Additionally, you may contribute to spay/neuter programs, engage in educational outreach, and participate in organizing fundraising events. The success of all animal care projects relies on the dedication of volunteers who share a genuine love for animals!
Skills and Qualifications
Spanish language knowledge is not essential, but it can be beneficial. A positive and helpful attitude is crucial. We encourage you to be outgoing and ready to assist whenever needed. Regular attendance and adherence to the schedule are important for maximizing your impact on both yourself and the project. Keep in mind that the work at animal care projects may be physically demanding, requiring independence and occasional leadership.
Expect to work around 3-4 hours a day, Monday to Friday, with your shift in the morning or afternoon, depending on your project's needs. Although the exact hours may vary, here's a general idea of what a typical day might look like:
First Day:
Your first day as a volunteer in Costa Rica begins with our coordinator guiding you to your project. During this introduction, you'll meet the local project staff and get a thorough orientation about your duties, schedule, safety rules, and Costa Rican culture.
Weekdays:
Your volunteer work officially starts on the second day, and your schedule will vary based on your project. A regular day could look like this:
7:00 to 7:30 AM:
Begin your day with a traditional Tico breakfast with your host family. It includes gallo pinto, a popular dish with rice, beans, eggs, tortillas, fresh juice, and coffee with milk.7:45 AM:
Travel from your host family's place to your project site. If you take the local bus, be early to account for delays and crowds. Enjoy your fulfilling day as a volunteer in Costa Rica!12:00 PM:
Break for lunch. Find a local restaurant or bring your lunch, and use this time to connect with fellow volunteers.3:00 PM:
Finish your volunteer duties, and your evenings are free to explore. Relax with your host family or explore the nearby areas with fellow volunteers.6:45 PM:
Each evening, share a traditional dinner with your host family. Immerse yourself in local culture, practice Spanish, and make the most of your time in this captivating country.Dates and Fees
Program Dates
Global Crossroad volunteer programs begin every Monday year-round. We still allow flexibility if you have travel constraints. Volunteers can join our programs from 1 week up to 12 weeks.
Fees:
Global Crossroad is committed to offering the most affordable and highest quality volunteer trips in Costa Rica. We strive to keep our costs low. The humanitarian side of the business is our passion.
Global Crossroad’s volunteer opportunity in Costa Rica application and registration fee costs US $299. The application fee covers the cost of advertising, program promotion, and office expenses (rent, utilities, and staff salaries in the USA office).
In addition to the application fee, you are required to pay a weekly program fee. You will pay your weekly fee directly to your host family and project (via the country coordinator). This way, the fees that you pay will benefit those who rightfully deserve them, and are not for company profit.
| Duration | Fee San Jose | Fee Manuel Antonio | 1 Week | $455 | N/A |
|---|---|---|
| 2 Weeks | $765 | N/A |
| 3 Weeks | $1,075 | $1,255 |
| 4 Weeks | $1,345 | $1,535 |
| 5 Weeks | $1,530 | $1,730 |
| 6 Weeks | $1,715 | $1,925 |
| 7 Weeks | $1,900 | $2,120 |
| 8 Weeks | $2,085 | $2,315 |
| 9 Weeks | $2,270 | $2,510 |
| 10 Weeks | $2,455 | $ 2,705 |
| 11 Weeks | $2,640 | $2,900 |
| 12 Weeks | $2,825 | $3,095 |
Comprehensive Travel Insurance $3.49/day ( below 28 years) and $4.49/day ( above 28 years) »
Spanish Immersion Classes
Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica - $150/week
San Jose, Costa Rica - $125/week
How your fee is allocated?
The Costa Rica volunteer program fees cover expenses from the first day of your program to the last day of your program. If you arrive before the first day of the program or you decide you stay beyond your program’s last day, you will be responsible for any additional expenses.
Program fees cover:
- Shared Accommodation with a host family or in dormitory-style accommodations, from Sunday to Saturday
- 2 meals per day (Breakfast & Dinner) when in San Jose, 3 meals per day when at the Sea Turtle Conservation project
- Airport Pick up
- In-country support
- Program Orientation, Walking Tour, Safety Presentation
- Project Management
- Volunteer Certificate
- Discount for returning volunteers
- Letter of Recommendation (upon request)
- Emergency contact 24/7
- Access to computer lab, high-speed office-wide wifi at the institute, and access to weekly salsa dance classes and cooking classes
- Free coffee and tea at the on-site snack bar
Program fees exclude:
- Visas
- Airfare
- Personal expenses such as soft drinks and snacks
- Daily transportation
- Airport return transfer
- Extra nights of housing (can be booked at an additional cost)
Accommodation and Meal
While volunteering in the Animal Conservation program in Costa Rica, you'll be hosted by local Costa Rican families. This choice not only aids the local economy but also plays a role in animal protection. Be assured that the rooms are simple, clean, and crafted for your comfort.
Learn more about GCR’s accommodations and meals in Costa Rica.
Free Time and Weekend Exploration
San Jose, Costa Rica, boasts a vibrant cultural scene with museums, theaters, live music, excellent restaurants, and a historic downtown shopping area. Additionally, it serves as a convenient base for day and weekend excursions to nearby attractions such as volcanoes, the cloud forest, rainforests, beaches, mountains, waterfalls, and more. The city offers abundant opportunities for exploration and enjoyment!
Learn more about the places you can visit while in Costa Rica.
Safety and In Country Support
At Global Crossroad, your safety is our top priority. We want you to concentrate on your volunteer work without any concerns, so we carefully evaluate every detail of your trip to ensure a secure and fulfilling experience abroad. Our dedicated in-country team will be there to offer guidance and support throughout your journey.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
It's completely normal to have a few questions before embarking on your volunteer journey to Costa Rica, which could be the adventure of a lifetime. With a track record of assisting over 20,000 volunteers since 2003, we've gathered valuable information to provide you with the answers you seek.
Arrival and departure
Upon your arrival at Juan Santamaria International Airport in San Jose, Costa Rica, your airport pickup is included in your volunteer fee. A designated representative will be there to greet you and ensure your safe transfer to your accommodations. However, it's your responsibility to arrange transportation after completing your project.
Visa
To participate in this animal care volunteering opportunity in Costa Rica, you might be able to get a visa upon arrival at San Jose airport. However, it's important to research and understand the specific requirements. In most cases, volunteers qualify for a 90-day tourist visa. Be aware that you'll need to show proof of onward travel. If you have a round-trip ticket, it typically serves as sufficient proof. For detailed visa requirements, it is recommended to check the official Immigration site of Costa Rica.
Vaccination
Be sure to make an appointment with you doctor a few weeks before you travel in order to get up to date on your vaccines. You should be up to date on your routine vaccines, as well as Hepatitis A & B and Typhoid. You can also find information on CDC website.
Why volunteer with animals in Costa Rica?
Make a Positive Impact:
Volunteering in the Animal Care program lets you help diverse and endangered animals. Your work ensures they get the medical care and protection they need.
Addressing Animal Challenges:
In Latin America, not everyone knows how to take care of animals. As a volunteer, you help with issues like abandoned pets, illegal capture of exotic animals, and farm animal neglect.
Various Volunteer Opportunities:
You can work with different organizations like dog and cat shelters or horse care centers. This variety makes your volunteering experience interesting and meaningful.
Building Connections:
Volunteering in Animal Care lets you connect with other volunteers, local staff, and, of course, the animals. Making these connections makes your volunteer journey more memorable.
Contact Global Crossroad today to join the Animal Care Volunteer program in Costa Rica!