Costa Rica Animal Care Volunteer Program

Project Summary

In Costa Rica, animals don't enjoy the same status as family members, and there's a limited awareness of animal rights. On the side streets, you can often find small groups of abandoned dogs and cats, facing hunger, abuse, and health issues. The lack of spaying and neutering contributes to their rapid breeding. Some exotic species are kept illegally as pets, while farm animals suffer neglect due to poverty and scarce resources. Access to proper veterinary care is not always guaranteed.

RCDP Volunteers offers a chance to collaborate with grassroots organizations committed to saving and rehabilitating a diverse range of animals in Costa Rica. These organizations focus on delivering medical care, education, and various services to protect innocent animals. Their efforts involve finding loving homes for pets, rehabilitating wild animals for eventual release into their natural habitat, and advocating for the proper care of farm animals in safe pastures. Volunteer opportunities are available at specialized facilities, including dog and cat shelters, as well as horse care and rehabilitation centers.

Contact RCDP today to learn more about the Animal Care Volunteer Opportunity in Costa Rica.

Skills and Qualification

No extensive knowledge of Spanish is required, but having some understanding could be beneficial. Maintaining a positive and helpful attitude is crucial. We encourage you to be outgoing and ready to assist whenever possible. Regular attendance and adherence to the schedule are important for making the most positive impact on both yourself and the project. In animal care projects, tasks may be challenging at times, so be prepared to take initiative and handle things independently when needed.

Volunteer's Responsibilities

Join our Animal Care volunteer program in Costa Rica and make a meaningful difference in the lives of diverse and endangered animals. Whether working with dogs and cats in family-run shelters or assisting in Equine Assisted Therapy, your involvement will contribute to their well-being and rehabilitation.

Accommodation/Meals and Supervision

When you volunteer in Costa Rica to help animals, you'll stay with experienced host families. These families are well-respected and make sure you feel safe and welcome. You'll share a room with others of the same gender, and the rooms are simple but clean and comfy. You'll have everything you need like showers and electricity. Your host family will be close to where you'll be working. They'll provide you with two local meals a day, breakfast, and dinner. If you have specific food preferences or restrictions, they'll take care of that at no extra cost.

These host families have hosted many volunteers before, making sure you get a real taste of the local culture. Your safety is our top priority at RCDP. We make sure you have a secure place to stay with friendly host families who help you get around. We team up with reliable organizations to make your volunteering experience safe and sound. Health coverage is also included, so you're taken care of if you ever need medical help. Our in-country team is there for you all the time, ready to help with anything you need during your volunteering journey.

The Fee and Dates

RCDP Costa Rica Volunteer Programs start every Monday throughout the year.

Volunteer Program In Costa Rica

Every year hundreds of volunteers working with UK and USA based organizations end up paying up to $2500 to volunteer in Costa Rica for 2 weeks. Unfortunately, only a small portion of that money actually goes to host the local projects and host families. The local host projects, childcare centers, schools, and local NGO’s in Costa Rica are poor and need external support to run their programs. In our program, you will pay your fee directly to host families and projects upon arrival in Costa Rica. When you join our program, we will make sure that all of your money goes to the projects and host families. Part of your fees also helps us to cover our expenses. The program fee is divided into a registration fee ($279) and weekly fee for room, food, coordination, and project donation.

Click to find the allocation of $279

In Costa Rica, the weekly program fee is divided between coordination (services of local staffs), host family (room/2-3 local foods a day depending on the project), and project donation. Costa Rica is an expensive tourist destination; therefore, nearly 90% of your weekly fee goes to covering your food, room, and coordination. While 10% of your fee goes to the project as a material donation (not cash). Below is the breakdown of cost in on a weekly basis.

• Comprehensive Travel Insurance $3.49/day ( below 28 years) and $4.49/day ( above 28 years) »
• Spanish Language Classes
• Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica - $150/week
• San Jose, Costa Rica - $125/week

On-going volunteer programs in Costa Rica