Join International Volunteer HQ, the world’s leading volunteer travel organization, on the Animal Care project in Manuel Antonio or San Jose. You will have the opportunity to assist at veterinary clinics and animal welfare initiatives that aim to rehome abandoned or stray animals. Volunteers gain experience caring for animals while helping to provide them with medical treatment, companionship and playtime so they are ready to find their forever homes.

Both locations offer start dates every Monday throughout the year.

While volunteer schedules depend on the particular projects and placements, a typical day might look like this:

7:30 - 8:00 AM Breakfast with your host family.
9:00 AM Leave home and travel to your placement. You will join the local staff and will receive a duty roster and plan for work.
12:00 PM Lunch at a local restaurant.
1:00 - 5:00 PM Work at the placement usually ends. You are free to travel back to your accommodation, go sightseeing or take Spanish lessons.
7:00 PM Dinner with the host family.

Weekends are left for free time and exploration.

This program ranges from 1-24 weeks. Your fully-hosted experience includes airport pick-up, orientation, accommodation, meals and 24/7 support. Detailed pricing information for your duration is available on our website. In Manuel Antonio, you’ll stay in a larger dorm-style volunteer house that can fit up to 15 volunteers, and is hosted by a local family. In San Jose, you’ll be accommodated in homestays with local families - it’s an immersive experience that connects you with an authentic insight into the Costa Rican way of life.
 
Dogs and cats abandoned by their owners often become stray and cause problems for local communities in Costa Rica. Vet clinics and animal welfare organizations take these animals in and nurse them to full health before finding them new, loving homes.

As an Animal Care volunteer you’ll assist at vet clinics and animal welfare organizations and undertake a range of tasks to help improve the health and wellbeing of these vulnerable creatures.

Duties on the Animal Care project can vary but usually include:

• Bathing and grooming animals
• Helping with obedience training
• Feeding animals
• Cleaning cages and kennels
• Playing and walking with animals
• Talking to visitors
• Assisting with neutering and spaying
• Building dog runs and fences
• Creating community education campaigns

IVHQ’s Costa Rica programs are available year-round, starting every Monday.

IVHQ provides the most affordable and top-rated programs. Detailed pricing available for your duration on our website:

• Animal Care Volunteer Project in Costa Rica - Manuel Antonio
• Animal Care Volunteer Project in Costa Rica - San Jose

You’ll be joining a global network of 123,000+ volunteers backed by the world’s leading team of volunteer travel experts with an outstanding safety system and track record.

Support impact-driven volunteer projects run by locals within your host community.

Academic credit available for all experiences with 45 hours or more through our School of Record with University of Montana that you can apply towards your degree at your home institution.

Flexible booking and free changes so you can register with confidence.  

• Select your start date & duration: All IVHQ volunteer programs are available year-round and you can choose to volunteer for durations on this program ranging from 1 to 24 weeks.
• Complete your registration: After you have been accepted on your chosen program, you can secure your place by paying the Registration Fee.
• Pay your Program Fee: This is only due 30 days before your program starts.

Need to make changes to your booking? You can make free unlimited changes to your destination, project and dates up until 14 days before you start.