from 363€

Great 4.4rating (85)
  • Life On Land

Rescue Center Assistant

location
1 - 50 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+
rating  Great 4.4  · 
  Verified by Volunteer World
  Excellent response rate

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

Highlights

  • Highly personalized and differentiated service to offer you a unique experience making sure you have the best time of your life.
  • This is what differentiate us from the rest of the programs.You can cross check this with our outstanding reviews.
  • 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
  • Volunteer with Costa Rica's wildlife animals surrounded by beautiful and unique nature .
  • Enjoy your weekends by visiting stunning beaches and improving your surfing skills. Learn this beautiful language by attending Spanish lessons

Especially suitable

Age 18+
Singles
Couples
Families
Groups
50+
Wheel Chairs

About the program

Join the mission! Contribute to the shelter by feeding, maintaining, and caring for animals. Ideal for vets students, families and animal lovers.

Our rescue center is considered one of the best animal Volunteer program in Costa Rica. We are located in Alajuela Town ,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 ...

About the program

Our rescue center is considered one of the best animal Volunteer program in Costa Rica. We are located in Alajuela Town ,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).
  • Parti

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

Beyond the adventure: While other programs offer stunning sunsets and rainforest hikes, ours goes beyond the typical itinerary. Jenny, your dedicated program leader, weaves in personalized touches and meticulous attention to detail, crafting an experience tailored just for you so you can feel part ...

Free-time activities

Beyond the adventure: While other programs offer stunning sunsets and rainforest hikes, ours goes beyond the typical itinerary. Jenny, your dedicated program leader, weaves in personalized touches and meticulous attention to detail, crafting an experience tailored just for you so you can feel part of a true costa rican family. Additional to the volunteer, you can ask Jenny to set you up differentiated adventures from bespoke tours to surprise picnics under hidden waterfalls to hand-picked accommodations reflecting your preferences, everything is curated to exceed your expectations. Prepare to be pampered, surprised, and utterly captivated by Costa Rica's magic, all under Jenny's attentive care.

 Unlike other programs with rigid schedules and impersonal service, Jenny ensures every moment feels bespoke. Listen to what past participants say:

·       "Jenny went the extra mile, organizing a private horseback ride to reach a hidden viewpoint just for me! It was breathtaking." - Sarah M.

·       "I felt like Jenny was my Costa Rican guardian angel. She anticipated my every need and made sure I experienced the authentic side of the country." - David L.

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.

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 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 and Saturday from 08:00 - 17:00

What's Included

What's Included

Services by Volunteer Now Costa Rica

Program Fee includes: 

  • pick up airport
  • 3 daily meals
  • lodging
  • laundry
  • 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 back to the airport is not include because some volunteers decide to travel by themselves around the country.

Accommodation

Shared with other volunteers in our dorm style accommodation and / or private room with extra charge

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?

What's NOT included?

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

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.

We pick up the volunteers in the Airport and take them to the project.

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

Program fees

1 week (min. stay) 363€
2 weeks 728€
3 weeks 1,040€
4 weeks 1,351€
7 weeks 2,287€
8 weeks 2,599€
50 weeks (max. stay) 19,058€
Average fees 372€/week

Program fees

372€ 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

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

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.

Meet your organization

Volunteer Now Costa Rica

Great 4.4 rating (85 reviews)

Non-profit - founded in 2004

Verified by Volunteer World

  Excellent response rate

Coordinated by

Jenny

Spoken languages: Spanish, English

About the project

We are a major organization with more than 10 years of volunteer experience creating lifetime experiences amongst our participants.

Meet your organization

VOLUNTEER NOW COSTA RICA is located in Escazu and Guanacaste, San Jose, Costa Rica. This is a family company that has been around since 2004 and enlisted the aid of hundreds of volunteers from all over the world, which come to our country to work on the ecological and social projects our company offers.

The further you have to travel to get here and the more eager you are to participate and learn about our great history and culture, the more we at Hospedaje Casa Escazu will appreciate and love you for your commitment to being the change in our great country. When you dedicate your time and effort to us, we promise to dedicate all of our resources to making sure your efforts make the greatest difference possible.

VOLUNTEER NOW COSTA RICA is located in Escazu City at 20 minutes from the airport Juan Santamaria.

We work with volunteers from different countries helping in the public Schools and Day Care Centers that don't have enough money to supply for the needs of the children that aren't supported by the Goverment.

Our Values at VOLUNTEER NOW COSTA RICA are:

  • Respect
  • Responsibility
  • Honesty
  • Integrity
  • Quality in our services
  • Reliability
  • Safety
  • Commitment
  • Trust
We say this because our goal with every day that passes and why we even became a business entity is to provide an enjoyable and eye opening experience for each volunteer the spends time with Hospedaje Casa Escazu in Costa Rica. At the same time we want to dramatically increase the quality of life for the local citizens and protect the natural beauty that in its self makes Costa Rica, the unique and enchanting place that it is.

85 reviews · rating4.4

Klaudia Maruszczak rating5

2023 at Rescue Center Assistant

What an experience! We worked in the animal rescue center near Escazu where we could learn how to take care of the wild animals as well as to learn about them. The people in the centre were extremely kind and inspiring. Our host, Jenny, made us feel like home immediately. She helped us navigate in ...
Britt-Marie Tikkala rating4.8

2023 at Rescue Center Assistant

Jag var hos Jenny Delgado Coordinator. Vi var 7 volontärer som bodde i hennes hus. Jobbade mellan 9-15. Blev lämnade och hämtade till Animal Center Escazu. Dem på centret var underbara och hjälpsamma. Väl rekommendat. Regards Britt-Marie ...
Isabel Hartwig rating4.6

2023 at Rescue Center Assistant

All in all it was a great first experience in another country for me alone. You making fast friends. The problem was that we getting too much people and don’t work everytime with the animals. There are different types of grouped for the days, like construction or enrichment… you building ...
Montserrat Castellanos rating4

2022 at Rescue Center Assistant

The centre does a great work and the staff and atmosphera are very nice. I have enjoyed a lot. If you like animals and mainly for veterinarians and students it is a good project. The countey is amazing also. ..
julie Morley rating4.6

2022 at Rescue Center Assistant

What a fantastic opportunity to look after lots of different animals and meet people from all over the world. Everyone was very friendly and although it’s hard work it’s definitely something I would recommend to ...
Ines Ropatiz rating2.8

2022 at Rescue Center Assistant

Very friendly staff but I feel like they could do way more for the animals! The "hospital" is more like a house with cages and special food and bandages but that's it, no medical procedures are happening there. The people working there and the other volunteers are very nice and invested in their ...

Location

Americas > Central America > Costa Rica > Alajuela

You might also be interested in

Volunteer Abroad  >  Animals  >  Wildlife Conservation in Costa Rica
Contact Jenny
  Excellent response rate
Spanish, English

Most volunteers ask about

Do you have any more questions? Send a message to Jenny
Please do not share personal contact details for your privacy