Volunteer Destinations

Experience a Unique Animal Welfare Adventure in Guayabo de Bagaces, Costa Rica

Immerse yourself in a one-of-a-kind volunteer opportunity in the heart of Costa Rica’s rural community of Guayabo de Bagaces. Join us on our pristine 300-acre property, where you’ll play a hands-on role in improving the lives of animals. As a volunteer, you will:

- Assist with Animal Care: Work directly with our medical team and dedicated animal rescuers to provide essential care to our animals.
- Participate in Outreach Clinics: Help deliver vital services, ensuring that domestic animals and livestock receive the care they need.
- Educate: Share knowledge and promote best practices in animal care and welfare.
- Contribute to Wildlife Rescue: Occasionally, you may assist in the care of additional wildlife, which may includ sloths, monkeys, and birds.

This experience offers a rare chance to make a tangible difference in the welfare of domestic animals, livestock, and even local wildlife, all while enjoying the breathtaking beauty of Costa Rica.

Starting days | Year around. Tuesday arrival and Monday departure (can be flexible).

Minimum requirements | One to three weeks subject to visa requirements. An ideal minimum age of 21; however, we can be flexible on age if a student is in a verified college program with references. Experience around animals.

Cost Per Person (up to eight total with same group) | For one person $900 for one week and $750 each additional week; two people $750 for one week and $600 each additional week; three people $650 per week and $500 each additional week, four people $600 per week and $550 per week. Groups of five to eight people $550 per week each additional week $450. (Please note: 100% of all funds go directly back into our rescue efforts.)

What’s included |

Gorgeous villa accommodations (includes AC, full kitchen, washer/dryer, high speed internet, king bed, attached private bathrooms, wrap-around-porch with amazing sunrise/sunset views (and much more), airport pick-up and drop-off, pre-departure support, induction, traveling to local town for supplies/food), in-country staff, a donation towards veterinary equipment and clinic costs, branded tee shirt, ATV ride, horseback scenic ride to view the property, and emergency assistance.

(Note: if professional assistance is needed volunteer will be responsible for any outside medical assistance).

What’s not included | Flights, visas if applicable, travel insurance, professional medical assistance if needed, food, and spending money.

Best for | Animal lovers of all types, not afraid of dogs and have had some experience with them, veterinary medical students, and/or qualified veterinary professionals that would like to experience the challenges of animal rescue and treatment in rural Costa Rica, and most importantly adventurers with a love of the outdoor and animals. Good physical health is ideal and an adaptable laidback personality.

Project Description

Experience a Unique Animal Welfare Adventure
Founded over three years ago by devoted animal lovers Stan & Cindy Merkin, our nonprofit was established to better serve people and pets in a remote part of Costa Rica. What began as a sanctuary has since evolved into a comprehensive animal rescue and veterinary treatment center—one of the few in the region providing essential medical care to animals in need.

Location: Guayabo Animal Rescue and Sanctuary is nestled within 300 acres of untouched wilderness in Guanacaste, Costa Rica. More than just a sanctuary, we are a community committed to making a tangible difference in the lives of animals and the people who care for them. Our mission is to rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome animals, offering them a second chance at life in a loving home. We provide a safe haven and crucial medical services to rescued horses, dogs, goats, and more. Our work extends beyond the sanctuary, reaching the broader community through our pet food bank, spay and neuter programs, and free or reduced-cost medical services.
Preserving our sanctuary is about more than providing a refuge for animals—it’s about protecting a vital ecosystem. We are stewards of this land, committed to safeguarding its beauty and diversity for generations to come.

Project Aims:
– Care and Protection: Provide essential care, support, and socialization for our animals.
– Community Education: Educate the community on the importance of humane treatment.
– Stray Population Control: Address the stray animal population through sterilization programs.
– Empowerment through Education: Promote animal husbandry skills and encourage active community participation in animal care.

Volunteer Requirements: We accept up to eight volunteers at a time. Volunteers should have experience with animals or be studying veterinary medicine, be in good physical health, and have a passion for animals. Adaptability is key. Volunteers must also be mindful of cultural differences and willing to adjust accordingly. Our primary language is Spanish, but we have English-speaking staff on site. WhatsApp is the preferred way of communicating.

Challenges and Rewards: Operating in a rural part of Costa Rica presents challenges, such as limited access to advanced medical equipment, which is an hour away. Despite these obstacles, the reward of saving an animal’s life is immense.

Veterinary and Nursing Involvement: Veterinary students and professionals are encouraged to participate in all aspects of medical care, including diagnostics, treatment, and surgery. Nursing students can engage in various nursing duties within the clinic.

Volunteer Duties:
– Animal Husbandry: Maintenance and cleaning of kennels, stables, and paddocks; dog walking; grooming of all animals; feeding in the sanctuary and for those up for adoption.
– Veterinary Work: Assisting with vaccinations, treatment of animals, daily health checks on animals up for adoption; participating in surgeries, including spaying and neutering; developing skills in wound care; assisting in soft tissue surgeries; gaining clinical confidence through consultations and diagnosis without lab tests; learning to triage emergency cases.
– Cleaning pastures, trails, and general animal shelter maintenance as needed, or comfortable with.
– Other things as discussed and agreed upon.

Schedule:
Tuesday: Arrival, settling in, and meeting the 100 animals on the property.
Wednesday to Saturday: Treatments at the clinic, animal socialization, grooming, photography/video collection, and other duties as assigned (no two weeks are the same).
Sunday: Morning feeding and free time in the afternoon.
Monday: Departure.

If you possess specific skills, studies, or qualifications that could be of extra help, please let us know, as this schedule is flexible.

Accommodation

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Signature: Parent on Behalf of Minor Volunteer

I have read and understand this application and give my child permission to volunteer at Guayabo Animal Rescue, with full understanding and acknowledgement of the risks associated with caring for animals. My signature indicates that I will hold Guayabo Animal Rescue Foundation harmless and not liable for any occurrences. Additionally, my signature indicates permission for the Guayabo Animal Rescue Foundation to initiate emergency medical services for my child, as needed.

Signature: Adult Volunteer

I have read and understand this application with full understanding and acknowledgement of the risks associated with caring for animals. My signature indicates that I will hold Guayabo Animal Rescue Foundation harmless and not liable for any occurrences. Additionally, my signature indicates permission for Guayabo Animal Rescue to initiate emergency medical services on my behalf, as needed.

You will stay onsite in our beautiful villas, which can accommodate singles, couples, and groups of friends. Each villa, shared by up to four people, offers a perfect blend of comfort and nature. With two villas on the property, we can accommodate up to eight people in total.

Our spacious 1,700 sq. ft. villas are perched atop a mountain, providing a cool breeze year-round and featuring a range of amenities: a fully equipped kitchen, washer/dryer, high-speed internet, TV with Amazon Prime access, games, two large bedrooms, two full bathrooms (including a bidet), and a wrap-around porch for breathtaking sunrise and sunset views.

During your free time, enjoy various onsite activities such as scenic hikes through the forest preserve, ATV rides, or simply relaxing in the tranquil surroundings.