Rescue Center Assistant

location
1 - 12 weeks  ·  Age 16 - 50+

rating  Very Good 4.3  · 
  Verified by Volunteer World
  Very high response rate

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

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 good for

    Age 16+
    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:

    • 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.
    • Internet Access
    • Weekly adventure tours with an additional cost but is not mandatory, We do our best to keep the prices reasonable.
    • We have supermarket and medical clinic within walking distance if you need anything.
    What's NOT included?
    • Airport pick up and drop off are not included withim the program fees either
    • Flight Tickets
    • Travel Insurance
    General Requirements:
    • No use of illegal drugs and no abuse of alcohol.
    • Smoking only in approved areas.
    • Personal insurance policy.



    Typical day

    TYPICAL DAY:

    • 8AM Breakfast is served and 6:30AM fruits and coffee are provided
    • Workgroups are assigned for the daily activities.
    • Lunch is served from 12PM until 1PM
    • The Afternoon meeting begins at 1:30PM between coordinators and their workgroup
    • Animal food prep. enrichment, cleaning and veterinarian ...

    Typical day

    TYPICAL DAY:

    • 8AM Breakfast is served and 6:30AM fruits and coffee are provided
    • Workgroups are assigned for the daily activities.
    • Lunch is served from 12PM until 1PM
    • The Afternoon meeting begins at 1:30PM between coordinators and their workgroup
    • Animal food prep. enrichment, cleaning and veterinarian activities of the morning at 2PM
    • Dinner is served from 6PM to 7PM
    • Night activities begin 7PM including but not limited movies, dancing (salsa and bachata)spanish class and more
    • Volunteers are asked to be in the bed by 10PM

    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, ...

    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.
    • We have a swimming pool on the property surrounded by beach chairs for plenty of time to cool off 
    • Relax in one of the hammocks and read a good book or just relax with new friends.


    Requirements

    Requirements

    Minimum Age: 16 years

    In order to join the program you need to be at least 16 years old on the program start date.

    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 06:00 - 18:00

    What's Included

    What's Included

    Services by Volunteer Now Costa Rica

    Program Fee includes: 

    • 3 daily meals
    • lodging
    • laundry
    • wifi
    • pool


    Accommodation

    The housing we provide includes:

    • Shared with other volunteers in our dorm style accommodation and / or private room with extra charge
    • Private facilites
    • Family house
    • Tiki huts
    • Tents

    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?

    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

    We have volunteers from every country and background possible. Spanish fluency is not necessary.

     Detail on Arrival:

    We work 365 days a year, you can arrive any day of the week but we do have a schedule for arrivals, Our Rescue Center open the gates from 6am till 10pm if you arrive after or before this schedule you'll need to wait for the next day or the next opening. We can provide and arrange your transportation to and from the airport with our trusted drivers if you'll like to but it would have and extra cost.

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

    Program fees

    1 week (min. stay) 384€
    2 weeks 768€
    3 weeks 1,152€
    4 weeks 1,536€
    5 weeks 1,920€
    6 weeks 2,168€
    7 weeks 2,688€
    8 weeks 3,072€
    9 weeks 3,456€
    10 weeks 3,840€
    11 weeks 4,225€
    12 weeks (max. stay) 4,609€
    Average fees 384€/week

    Program fees

    384€ per week 1 - 12 weeks Age 16 - 50+

    Payment methods

    Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

    NO CREDIT CARD FEES


    Duration

    1 - 12 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

    Very Good 4.3 rating (94 reviews)

    Non-profit - founded in 2004

    Verified by Volunteer World

      Very high 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.

    94 reviews · rating4.3

    Elena Yuen rating4

    2024 at Rescue Center Assistant

    I've been to the costa rica animal rescue center for 2 weeks in August (rain season). For me this experience was amazing! But I would recommend to book it by emailing the center instead of with Jenny. My experience with Jenny was not really great. A day before I left she said there was a new rule ...
    Elizabeta Kraguljac rating3.6

    2024 at Rescue Center Assistant

    Volunteering at the Animal Rescue Center was a very special and profound experience for me. The whole staff waa super friendly and considering the circumstances, they really do their very best for each single animal there. It was sad that i came in the middle of the rain season and nobody told me ...
    Isabelle Royer rating3

    2024 at Rescue Center Assistant

    Un privilège de rencontrer de nombreux animaux, les nourrir voire s'amuser avec eux. Bravo aux résidents costaricains pour leur gentillesse et la qualité des repas. MAIS aucune visite, sortie, excursions ne sont proposées contrairement à la présentation, et Jenny, la responsable, n'est jamais ...
    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 ...

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