Animal Rescue Center Assistant

location
1 - 50 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+

rating  Brilliant 4.7  · 
  Verified by Volunteer World
  Excellent response rate

Highlights

  • Dedicated to animal welfare and making a real difference
  • Our volunteers and interns are a very meaningful part of the rescue center
  • We aim to rehabilitate animals and give them the best possible conditions to recover from their physical and sometimes also mental injuries.

Highlights

  • Dedicated to animal welfare and making a real difference
  • Our volunteers and interns are a very meaningful part of the rescue center
  • We aim to rehabilitate animals and give them the best possible conditions to recover from their physical and sometimes also mental injuries.
  • In order to manage all the tasks and duties that our center requires we depend on the help of motivated and responsible volunteers
  • Rescue, Release, Rehabilitate


  • Especially good for

    Age 18+
    Singles
    Couples
    Families
    Groups
    50+

    About the program

    Working with local staff and coordinators, volunteers help look after the animals & educate visitors. You are involved in every aspect of the daily running of the center.

    Much like other areas of the world with abundant wildlife, Costa Rica suffers from animals that are subjected to poaching and capture by unscrupulous persons as well as animals injured when they encounter modern urban infrastructure like roads and power lines.  Many of the animals at the center ...

    About the program

    Much like other areas of the world with abundant wildlife, Costa Rica suffers from animals that are subjected to poaching and capture by unscrupulous persons as well as animals injured when they encounter modern urban infrastructure like roads and power lines.  Many of the animals at the center have been recovered from situations such as these, along with other injured wildlife animals.  

    The volunteer is an essential component is the success of the center for care and rehabilitation of these animals

    They require care and feeding on their road to recovery and the program relies on volunteers to give of their time and energy to accomplish this with the hopes that the animals with eventually be able to be released into the wild once again.

    A large component of our volunteer program is also education on wildlife conservation and the issues faced in Costa Rica and other areas of the world.

    The volunteer is exposed to all facets of wildlife care as well as education about their natural habitat and their place in the environment.

    Although a volunteer's role can change with the length of stay, initially the volunteer will participate in the preparation of food for the animals as well and the feeding and cleaning and conditioning of the enclosures.  This is usually done three times a day.  In addition, the volunteer may be required to give educational tours of the center to school children as well as other people interested in learning about specific animals or wildlife in general.

    The center is located in a non-urban environment with a multitude of trees.  The animal enclosures are strategically located throughout the property with walking paths connecting them and other areas.  Some enclosures are very large while some are smaller and located near the animal hospital making it easier for close observation and/pr medical care.  On the Western part of the property there is a river, which attracts wildlife that make their way through the natural corridor where the Center is located.

    There is a large central common area with a second floor with many hammocks for relaxation and a small library of books.  The central area also has a common dining area.  The pools is next to the common area.

    Costa Rica has a warm and humid environment, but our Center is fairly shaded, making the working conditions fairly comfortable. There is a washing machine and clothesline available to clean your clothing as well as a refrigerator for the volunteer’s food. At the center, we have electricity, flushable toilets, showers, and WiFi. We recommend volunteers bring a headlamp to get around at night and also bring hiking boots or tennis shoes.

    The dorm rooms for our volunteers have 6-12 beds per room, and we provide sheets and mosquito netting (blankets are not included), but we recommend bringing a new mosquito net and warm clothes to sleep in, or a blanket as it can be a little cold at night. Also, you need to provide your own towel for showering and/or swimming

    Volunteers typically work in pairs at the direction of the Volunteer Coordinator.  There are assigned duties and we ideally place a more experienced volunteer with a new or less experienced one in order to learn the proper way to perform the animal tasks.

    Finally, we expect all volunteers to adhere to a proper code of conduct with respect to the animals and their stay.  This code of conduct is reviewed and communicated at the beginning of the stay, but there are signs posted throughout the center.  These include things like, improper handling of wildlife, selfies with wildlife as well as proper community living guidelines such keeping your areas clean among others.

    We truly expect this experience to be positively life changing and hope that this knowledge and experience can be taken with the volunteers to make a local impact wherever they go.



    Typical day

    Every morning and afternoon volunteers meet in the common area for a meeting where they discuss tasks for the day, any issues with the animals and/or center in general. They also eat meals there, play games, get to know one another, jam out on the guitar, and relax as there are hammocks upstairs.

    Her

    Typical day

    Every morning and afternoon volunteers meet in the common area for a meeting where they discuss tasks for the day, any issues with the animals and/or center in general. They also eat meals there, play games, get to know one another, jam out on the guitar, and relax as there are hammocks upstairs.

    Here is an example of a typical day at the center:

    7:00am Breakfast

    8:00am Mandatory Meeting

    8:30am-11:00am Work (General Tasks and side projects)

    11:00am - 1:30pm Free Time

    12:00pm Lunch

    1:30pm Mandatory Meeting

    2:00pm-5:00pm Work (General Tasks and side projects)

    4:00pm Nocturnal Creatures 

    6:00pm Dinner

    Free time for the rest of the day


    Free-time activities

    During weekends or other free time periods, volunteers can sign-up for, or plan different activities such as:

    Trips to Monteverde and Manuel Antonio
    Trips to the beach
    Trips to Volcanos such as Arenal, Poas or Irazu
    and many more.

    Our Administrative Assistant can help with planning, reservations and ...

    Free-time activities

    During weekends or other free time periods, volunteers can sign-up for, or plan different activities such as:

    Trips to Monteverde and Manuel Antonio
    Trips to the beach
    Trips to Volcanos such as Arenal, Poas or Irazu
    and many more.

    Our Administrative Assistant can help with planning, reservations and coordination of these trips or events.

    Volunteers can also spend time at the Rescue Center enjoying the pool or relaxing in one of our many hammocks in the common areas.

    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 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 - 16:00

    What's Included

    What's Included

    Services by CR Animal Rescue Center

    Program fees include:

    • Sheets and mosquito net
    • accommodation
    • Three meals per day
    • WiFi
    • Laundry Facilities
    • Use of Pool

    Accommodation

    • The dorm rooms for our volunteers have 6-12 beds per room, and we provide sheets and mosquito netting (blankets are not included), but we recommend bringing a new mosquito net and warm clothes to sleep in, or a blanket as it can be a little cold at night. Also, you need to provide your own towel for showering and/or swimming.

    • We have a pool, common area, and hammocks for relaxing during downtime.

    Food & Beverages

    We provide three meals per day (breakfast, lunch and dinner)
    For each meal we provide three dietary options (regular, vegetarian, vegan food)
    Our food options can include local fresh fruit as well as Costa Rica dishes.
    Please let us know if you have a food allergy so we can accommodate your needs.

    Internet Access

    Good access at the project site

    What's NOT included?

    What's NOT included?

    Airport Pickup at Juan Santamaria International Airport

    An airport pickup isn't included within the program fees either.

    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

    • The program is available the entire year.
    • The program can be started any day of the week or year.
    • It is important to adhere to the arrival and departure dates as space is limited.
    • If departure is done prior to your planned departure date without notification, there will be no refund of the balance of your stay.


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

    Program fees

    1 week (min. stay) 349€
    2 weeks 698€
    3 weeks 1,047€
    4 weeks 1,397€
    8 weeks 2,793€
    16 weeks 5,586€
    50 weeks (max. stay) 17,457€
    Average fees 349€/week

    Program fees

    349€ 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 CR Animal Rescue Center during the application process. Common solutions are either via bank transfer or a cash payment at the project site.


    Meet your organization

    CR Animal Rescue Center

    Brilliant 4.7 rating (10 reviews)

    Non-profit - founded in 2006

    Verified by Volunteer World

      Excellent response rate

    Coordinated by

    Paula

    Spoken languages: English, Spanish

    About the project

    We are a rescue and volunteer center dedicated to protecting and helping endangered Costa Rican wildlife.

    Meet your organization

    Who we are?

    Since 2009 Costa Rica Animal Rescue Center has been providing unparalleled preservation, rehabilitation and treatment for recovered wildlife animals.

    We began the rescue center on the island of Moin in Limon, Costa Rica. Along with treating, rehabilitating and reintroducing poached and injured wildlife back into their natural habitat, we also focused our efforts on preserving the shoreline which is a very important leatherback turtle nesting ground. Our original founding team was Marielos Morice, Bernal Lizano and Biologist Jairo Mora. They set the vision for the rescue center and was a driving force for the success of the center as a premier Wildlife Rescue Center.

    In 2016, the Center was forced to move to our current location because the Government of Costa Rica decided to build a large cargo terminal which encompassed our property and most of the island. Although we fought hard to preserve the protected shoreline, rainforest and natural animal corridor in Moin, we were displaced due to this large government project which we were unable to fight against.

    We are now located in beautiful Cebadilla, Turrucares de Alajuela. A secluded non-urban location on the outskirts of the central valley, one hour from the Pacific coast. Our location is perfect for animals recovering from trauma, as it is away from any urban noise and traffic.

    We are a fully non-profit and government sanctioned center for the recovery and treatment of wildlife in Costa Rica.

    What we do?

    We strive to provide the best care for recovering wildlife animals which are brought to us by environmental government organizations MINAE, SINAC as well as concerned individuals that have spotted injured or poached animals.

    We have a fully functioning animal hospital with diagnostic, surgical and recovery equipment staffed by a full-time certified veterinarian.

    We hire full-time Coordinators to ensure the proper allocation of resources and volunteers

    Our volunteer program is known worldwide as a hands-on care for animals organization. 

    Where we work? 

    We are located 30 minutes from Juan Santamaria (SJO) airport during non-rush hour periods.

    We are in the southern part of the province of Alajuela, outside the Central Valley urban areas.  As such, it is a quiet location with beautiful natural landscape and a river running through the property.  Perfect for the animals recovering.

    Our location has a moderate climate with slight humidity.  No need for a warm clothing, however none of the heat and humidity at the coast.

    Our location is safe with the owners of the center living on the premises as well.

    Our mission/vision

    Costa Rica Animal Rescue center strives to be the premier wildlife rescue and rehabilitation center in Costa Rica, providing state-of-the-art care and recovery for animals and providing education and life-changing experiences for volunteers in order to promote conservation and sustainability worldwide.

    Our goals

    • To provide the best care and rehabilitation possible to rescued wildlife for reintroduction into the wild.
    • To host and educate volunteers from around the world to provide life-changing experiences to promote conservation and preservation.

    Who are we looking for?

    We are looking for motivated volunteers that are curious, motivated and energetic, with a passion for the environment and willing to learn.

    Why choose us?

    We are a small but well-established wildlife rescue center that has been operating continuously for more than 14 years. We are not a large corporate tourist center, and are not located in an urban setting. We are a working rescue center where volunteers are expected to contribute to the care and feeding of animals. Many of our volunteers are repeat visitors with average stays being several months long, although that is not required. Our center is family owned and operated and we are fully vested in the recovery of wildlife and the volunteer's experience.

    10 reviews · rating4.7

    In Oktober 2022 me and a friend of mine traveled to Costa Rica and wanted to volunteer there as well. So we stayed 3 weeks in the Costa Rica Animal Rescue Center and I cried like a Baby when we left. When I left behind my ""German-City-Standards"" I began to enjoy living that close with nature. It ...
    Benjamin Walter rating5

    2022 at Animal Rescue Center Assistant

    The veterinary team provides medical care to all the non-releasable resident animals at the center and to any and all wildlife that is brought to the center. This included more than 15 different species with various ailments from needing neonatal care to life threathening injuries and there were ...
    Jen Rose rating5

    2022 at Animal Rescue Center Assistant

    This was one of the most amazing experiences of my life. Working closely with the animals to keep their living areas clean, preparing and delivering the food to them and learning such a lot in the rescue centre. Also had the opportunity of working in the vet hospital which was amazing and I would ...
    Erna Freischlad rating5

    2022 at Animal Rescue Center Assistant

    When I came there I had no expectations. On my first day I read a sentence, which was written down on one of the walls ‚came for the sloths and left with a family‘. I was kind of confused and thought that this can not be true. Later I found out that this was true. The time I spend at the Center ...
    Sam Hollier rating5

    2022 at Animal Rescue Center Assistant

    I had amazing time at the rescue centre. The coordinators were so friendly and helpful, and they truly care for the animals. The vet team were super helpful too, and worked well with the general team I was part of. Some of the animals are a little too friendly, due to their unfortunate ...
    Jerome Tremblay rating5

    2022 at Animal Rescue Center Assistant

    The place has all the accomodation we need as volunteer. They unfortunately lack some medical equipments, but they manage to do without it. The volunteers working all year there are very welcoming and the animals have a lot of space and good ...

    Location

    Americas > Central America > Costa Rica > Cebadilla, Turrucares, Alajuela

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    Contact Paula
      Excellent response rate
    English, Spanish

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