Rescue Center Assistant

Non-profit
·
founded in 2004
Jenny
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Coordinator | Jenny
Coordinator | Jenny
Book with Flex Option! Choose new departure dates or change to a different volunteer program at no extra costs.

High­lights

Volunteer with Costa Rica's wildlife animals surrounded by beautiful and unique nature
Experience the rewarding feeling of saving wildlife by helping injured animals to get back on track
Meet like-minded volunteers from all over the world and build life-long friendships
Enjoy your weekends by visiting stunning beaches and improving your surfing skills
Learn this beautiful language by attending Spanish lessons
Designed for veterinary students, families and all who are interested to assist in tasks like feeding, maintenance and entertaining animals of the shelter. This volunteer program is especially suitable for:
Age 18+
Singles
Couples
Families
Groups
50+
Wheel Chairs

Our rescue center is considered one of the best animal Volunteer program in Costa Rica. We are located in Guacima, Alajuela ,on a 10 acre farm which is just short drive from Juan Santamaria International Airport. 

We have an on-site hospital staffed by dedicated vets/interns and comfortable living quarters which can house up to 60+ volunteers at any time. The animal enclosures include but are not limited to an aviary, sloth gardens, and monkey cages all surrounded by nature in order to allow the animals a place as close to their natural habitat as they recover from their wounds.

It's amazing how much of a tight-knit community we've become. With one common goal of caring for injured and displaced wildlife, we have built a family of caring, likeminded people who truly want to make a difference.We work incredibly hard, but our reward isn't financial in nature. Instead, it's seeing the animals we care for survive and thrive. Our Costa Rican volunteer program is instrumental in making that happen.

We have welcomed thousands of volunteers over the years from countries around the world. The passion and commitment they bring to our program has made everything possible for us to continue not to mention the countless injured animals who have been saved. The experience and friendships you make at our program will last a lifetime and the difference you make will be noticed and remembered for years to come.

How to get started?

It's actually very simple to be part of our program. Simply register on the right hand side of this page. The money you spend to stay with us with ensure the animals can eat, receive medication and live a happy life. The cost per day you personally will also get all of the following benefits below:

  • Private transportation from the airport.( to go back to the airport is not included because some volunteers decide travel around Costa Rica when finished the program).
  • Very safe and comfortable lodging (4 persons per room) with the option to upgrade to a private glamping tent or tiki-hut.
  • 3 delicious and healthy meals per day prepared by our private chefs (also, we cater to vegetarians, vegans, gluten-free diets.
  • Daily volunteer night activities including zumba lessons.
General Requirements:
  • No use of illegal drugs and no abuse of alcohol.
  • Smoking only in approved areas.
  • Personal insurance policy.

Typical day

As a team member of our Costa Rica volunteer program, you can expect the following daily responsibilities:
Prepare daily food for over 100+ animals.

  • Cleaning and maintenance of animal enclosures.
  • Construction of new enriched enclosures.
  • Building and implementing new animal toys (animal enrichment).
  • Participating in educational community projects.

In addition, volunteers are encouraged to develop their own individual projects. If you see potential for such a special project, let us know and we will work with you to translate that idea into practice. We love when a new volunteer leaves their mark on the Rescue Center for all future visitors to enjoy.

Free-time activities

Normally volunteers have the weekend free to do different activities such as:

  • Surf Lessons
  • Spanish lessons
  • Tours by the city of Carribean Side , Puerto Viejo Town and Tortuguero Canales
  • hike to Volcanos like Arenal Volcano
  • visit Beaches
  • visit National Parks like Manuel Antonio and Monterverde
  • Horse Ride,  Canopy

We can help with reservations.

Water Sports
Swimming
Concert/
Music
Diving/
Snorkling
Shopping/
Souvenirs
Safari/
Zoo
Hiking
Museum/
Opera
Sports
Riding
Yoga/
Meditation

Require­ments

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 Spanish (basic level) or 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, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 08:00 - 17:00

What's Included

Services by Volunteer Now Costa Rica

Includes: pick up airport, 3 daily meals, lodging, laundry and wifi, pool.

Local transportation and back to the airport is not included. 

Airport Pickup at Juan Santamaria International Airport

 Volunteers are picked up from the San Jose International Airport by the local coordinator or representative. 

Those volunteers who are arriving overland or are already in Costa Rica will be picked up at a meeting point decided beforehand. 

Transport to the airport is not include because some volunteers decide to travel by themselve around the country.

Accommodation

Shared with other volunteers in our dorm style accommodation.

Food & Beverages

Three meals a day: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Includes fruits, typical food from Costa Rica but we also have special food for vegans and vegetarians, GF, allergies volunteers.

Internet Access
Good access at the project site
What's NOT included?
Visa, flights, travel insurance or vaccinations are NOT included in the program fees.
Flight Tickets
The nearest airport is Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) in San Jose. We assist you to find cheap flights to Costa Rica.
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.
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.

Dates & Fees

NO CREDIT CARD FEES

Details on arrival

We have volunteers from every country and background possible. Spanish fluency is not necessary and we are open 24 hours a day and seven days a week all year long so the volunteers are welcome every day and every season.

Availability
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Duration
1 - 50 weeks

Program fees

Costs: Prices in USD
1 week (min. stay)
$350
2 weeks
$700
3 weeks
$1,050
4 weeks
$1,400
8 weeks
$2,800
16 weeks
$5,600
50 weeks (max. stay)
$17,500
Average fees
$350 /week

Please note that the above shown program fees are estimated. Volunteer Now Costa Rica will let you know about the final price during your application process.
Deposit (15%)
The deposit is simply to reserve your volunteer placement. Payments are handled by PayPal, our trusted global payment provider. If you don't have a PayPal account, you can also pay using a credit card.
Final Payment (85%)
Your final payment will be agreed with Volunteer Now Costa Rica during the application process. Common solutions are either via bank transfer or a cash payment at the project site.

Why book with Volunteer World

Extra security layer by Volunteer World
Volunteer World is the world's leading comparison platform for international volunteer opportunities. We guide you through a safe and easy application process - including all necessary payments. Planning your next meaningful trip with Volunteer World gives you free access to our:
Quality Assurance
High ethical standards & transparent social impact
Flex Option
Change your reservation at no extra costs
Refund Guarantee
We refund your fees if Volunteer Now Costa Rica cancels your trip
Support & Mediation
We cover your back no matter what happens
Our services are free of charge!
All program fees are charged directly by Volunteer Now Costa Rica.

What are people saying about Volunteer World?

Rescue Center Assistant

Designed for veterinary students, families and all who are interested to assist in tasks like feeding, maintenance and entertaining animals of the shelter.

$350/week

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