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You’ll be matched with your personal volunteer travel expert who’ll guide you every step of the way.
Meet Your Travel Expert
Receive your welcome pack with everything you need: arrival info, contacts, visa and insurance help, packing tips, vaccines, language basics, and so much more.
Get Ready to Go!
Choose your dream project and apply for free—no commitment, just excitement!
Pick Your Destination & Apply
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Once your dates are confirmed, pay your program fee—choose to pay in full or in easy installments.
Secure Your Spot
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Our Travel Roots Animal Husbandry Program in Costa Rica places volunteers at the heart of a busy wildlife rescue and rehabilitation centre, where daily care and maintenance are essential to the wellbeing of both temporary and permanent animal residents.
This is a physically active program where volunteers support the day-to-day running of the centre. With a wide variety of animals under care, no two days are the same, and every task plays an important role in ensuring high welfare standards are maintained.
Animal Care & Daily Responsibilities
Animal husbandry forms the foundation of the centre’s operations and requires consistent attention throughout the day.Volunteers assist with:
• Preparing and distributing food for a variety of species
• Cleaning enclosures and maintaining hygiene standards
• Washing dishes and equipment used for animal care
• Monitoring animal behaviour and wellbeing
• Supporting general upkeep of the rescue centreThese tasks are essential to maintaining a safe, clean, and supportive environment for all animals in rehabilitation.
Facility Maintenance & Development
Ongoing maintenance and improvement of the centre is crucial to providing suitable living conditions for wildlife.Volunteers may assist with:
• Building and repairing enclosures
• Assisting with basic construction tasks
• Improving animal habitats
• General site maintenance and organisationThese activities help ensure that the rescue centre continues to provide appropriate and evolving care for its residents.
Responsibility & Animal Welfare
While this experience is incredibly rewarding, it also comes with a high level of responsibility. The welfare of the animals is always the top priority, and volunteers are expected to remain focused, attentive, and committed throughout their placement.Working with wildlife requires patience, care, and respect. Even small tasks have a direct impact on the animals’ wellbeing, and volunteers play a key role in supporting their recovery and long-term care.
Volunteer Training & Arrival
All volunteers begin with a mandatory training session held every Monday at 11:00am.During this introduction, you will:
• Meet fellow volunteers
• Take part in a guided tour of the centre
• Receive important safety and operational briefings
• Learn about your role and responsibilitiesVolunteers must bring:
• Confirmation of deposit
• Negative tuberculosis test
• Valid medical insuranceBy volunteering on our Animal Husbandry Program in Costa Rica, you will:
• Support the daily care and feeding of rescued wildlife
• Maintain clean and safe enclosure environments
• Assist with food preparation for a variety of species
• Contribute to the overall running of a wildlife rescue centre
• Support enclosure building and maintenance projects
• Gain insight into wildlife rehabilitation processes
• Learn about animal welfare and conservation practices
• Be part of a passionate, global volunteer community in Costa RicaWhat to Expect: A Day in the Life of a Wildlife Rescue Centre Husbandry Volunteer
Your role is centred around supporting the daily operations of a wildlife rescue and rehabilitation facility. Each day follows a structured routine built around feeding schedules, cleaning, and maintaining a safe and controlled environment for the animals.
Work is consistent and task-driven. The priority is always animal welfare, and volunteers are expected to remain focused and responsible throughout the day.
Monday Arrival & Induction
All volunteers must attend a mandatory induction held every Monday at 11:00am. During this session, you will be introduced to the centre, meet other volunteers, and receive all necessary information before starting your role the following day.An Example Day
7:00 AM – Breakfast with fellow volunteers before the workday begins.
8:00 AM – Morning duties begin:
• Prepare food for a range of animal species
• Support feeding routines under staff supervision
• Clean enclosures, remove waste, and refresh water supplies
• Wash dishes and feeding equipment10:30 AM – Continued daily operations:
• Maintain hygiene across animal areas
• Assist with ongoing cleaning tasks throughout the centre
• Observe animal condition and report any concerns to staff12:00 PM – Lunch break and rest period.
1:30 PM – Afternoon tasks:
• Additional enclosure cleaning and maintenance
• Supporting enclosure repairs and general upkeep
• Preparing food and supplies for the following day
• Assisting with site organisation and cleaning3:30 PM – Tasks begin to finish as daily responsibilities are completed.
Working Environment
The work is physically active and requires consistency, attention to detail, and a strong sense of responsibility. Volunteers do not directly handle wildlife, as all interaction is managed by trained staff to ensure the highest standards of animal welfare.Every task contributes to maintaining a clean, safe, and well-managed environment for animals undergoing rehabilitation.
Evenings & Time Off
Evenings are free to rest and recharge. Weekends are typically free, allowing time to explore the surrounding area or relax.Your Impact as a volunteer
Your contribution supports the daily care and recovery of injured, orphaned, and displaced wildlife within a structured rescue and rehabilitation environment.
By assisting with essential daily tasks, you help ensure that animals are kept in clean, safe, and well-maintained conditions, allowing trained staff to focus on specialised care, treatment, and release efforts.
Your contribution helps:
• Maintain high standards of hygiene across animal enclosures
• Ensure animals receive consistent feeding and care routines
• Support the smooth operation of a busy rescue centre
• Assist in the preparation and upkeep of animal habitats
• Contribute to the long-term rehabilitation processWhile your role focuses on supporting daily operations, these responsibilities are critical to the overall success of the centre. Every cleaned enclosure, prepared meal, and maintained space directly contributes to the wellbeing and recovery of the animals.
Your time and effort help create a stable and controlled environment where wildlife has the best possible chance of rehabilitation and, where possible, release back into the wild.
Your Home in Costa Rica – The Jaguar Inn
Volunteers stay in a comfortable hostel located directly next to the rescue centre, providing easy access to your daily placement while living alongside fellow volunteers from around the world.
Rooms are bright and designed for comfort, typically shared between four people. Each room includes:
• Single beds with quality mattresses and bedding
• Ensuite bathroom with hot showers
• Mosquito nets
• Individual reading lights and charging points
• Large storage lockers
• Garden viewsAll rooms are mixed dorm-style, creating a social and community-focused living environment.
Private Room Option
A private room with its own kitchen is available at an additional cost and subject to availability.Communal Living & Facilities
The shared common area, known as “El Rancho”, is a central space where volunteers can relax and connect.Facilities include:
• Comfortable seating areas
• Fully equipped kitchen with stove, oven, and microwave
• Cutlery and cooking utensils
• Refrigerators for food storage
• WiFi accessSeveral supermarkets are located nearby, allowing volunteers to easily purchase and prepare their own meals.
Safety & Security
The accommodation includes WiFi and a night security guard, ensuring a safe and secure environment for all volunteers.Living Guidelines
To maintain a respectful and comfortable environment for everyone, volunteers are expected to follow basic shared living guidelines:• Respect quiet hours, particularly during evenings and early mornings
• Keep shared spaces clean and tidy after use
• Be considerate when using lights and shared facilities at night
• Respect personal space within shared rooms
• Communicate openly and respectfully with other volunteers
• Follow all accommodation rules and guidelines
• Keep personal belongings secure and respect overall safetyThese simple guidelines help create a positive, friendly, and cooperative living environment for all volunteers.
Emergency Contact
For emergencies during your stay, local support is available on-site.History
Our trusted conservation partner is a licensed wildlife rescue and rehabilitation centre based on Costa Rica’s southern Caribbean coast, founded in 2008 in response to increasing numbers of injured, orphaned, and displaced wild animals in the region.
What began as a small, personal effort by two wildlife specialists quickly grew as more animals were brought to them by local communities and authorities. As demand increased, the project expanded from a home-based rescue into a fully established centre, now covering approximately 22,000 square metres and capable of supporting a wide range of native species.
Over the years, the centre has rescued more than 9,000 wild animals, with approximately 48% successfully rehabilitated and released back into their natural habitats. Today, it operates as a critical part of the region’s wildlife response network, regularly receiving animals from local authorities including police, coast guard, and environmental agencies.
Mission & Vision
The mission of this project is to rescue, rehabilitate, and release wildlife while promoting a harmonious relationship between people and nature through education and conservation.
The program focuses on:
• Wildlife rescue, rehabilitation, and release
• Veterinary care and recovery support
• Primary forest and habitat conservation
• Environmental education and community awarenessThe centre operates under a strict no-contact, welfare-first approach, ensuring that all animals are given the best possible chance of returning to the wild while minimising human interaction.
Guided by science, compassion, and transparency, the project follows internationally recognised standards for animal welfare and conservation, working alongside national authorities, universities, and global frameworks to support long-term biodiversity protection.
The long-term vision is to create a future where wildlife and people coexist in balance, and where every animal has the opportunity to recover and return to its natural environment.
Program Fee
Duration Fee
4 Weeks €813Accommodation Upgrade Option
For volunteers seeking more privacy, a bungalow upgrade is available:
• €65 per night (1 person approx.)
• €69 per night (2 people approx.)Subject to availability.
Payment Terms
• Fees are due 30 days before your start date
• If applying within 30 days of arrival, full payment is required within 48 hoursWhat’s Included
Your program fee includes:
✅ 28 nights accommodation at the volunteer hostel
✅ 3 days of initial training and induction
✅ Official volunteer T-shirt
✅ Volunteer assistance certificate
✅ Full support before, during, and after your program
✅ Welcome pack full of essential and useful information
✅ Domestic transfer guidance and coordination
✅ Expert guidance from experienced on-site professionals
✅ 100% Cancellation Money-Back Guarantee
✅ So much moreRequired Documents
To participate in this program, you must provide:
• Completed application form
• Valid medical insurance covering your stay
• Negative tuberculosis test or proof of vaccination
Where You'll Be: Puerto Viejo
Where You'll Be – Puerto Viejo, Caribbean Coast of Costa Rica
Your volunteer placement is located on Costa Rica’s southern Caribbean coast near the vibrant town of Puerto Viejo — a region known for its rich biodiversity, tropical landscapes, and relaxed coastal atmosphere.
Surrounded by lush rainforest and just minutes from the coastline, this area provides the perfect environment for wildlife rescue and rehabilitation. The region is home to an incredible variety of species, including monkeys, sloths, tropical birds, reptiles, and amphibians, many of which are brought into the rescue centre for care and recovery.
Puerto Viejo offers a unique blend of Caribbean culture and natural beauty. The area is known for its laid-back lifestyle, colourful local communities, and strong connection to nature. Unlike more developed parts of Costa Rica, this region retains a more authentic and unspoiled feel.
Costa Rica – A Global Leader in Conservation
Costa Rica is internationally recognised for its commitment to environmental protection and biodiversity conservation. Despite covering only a small portion of the Earth’s surface, the country is home to approximately 5–6% of the world’s biodiversity.
The country has made significant efforts to protect its natural environment, with around 25% of its land designated as protected national parks and reserves. These ecosystems range from dense rainforests and cloud forests to coastlines and marine habitats.
Costa Rica’s strong conservation focus makes it one of the most important destinations in the world for wildlife protection and ecological research.
A Biodiverse Coastal Environment
The Caribbean coast offers a unique ecosystem where rainforest meets the ocean. This combination creates ideal conditions for a wide range of wildlife species and plays a vital role in maintaining ecological balance.
Within this region, you may encounter:
• Monkeys and sloths in surrounding forest areas
• Tropical birds and reptiles
• Coastal and marine species
• Diverse plant and insect life
The close proximity of multiple ecosystems makes this an exceptional location for conservation work and environmental learning.
A Slower Pace of Life
Life on Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast moves at a slower, more relaxed pace. This allows volunteers to disconnect from busy routines and fully immerse themselves in the natural surroundings.
The balance between meaningful conservation work and a peaceful environment creates a unique experience where you can both contribute and recharge.
Free time Activities
& Tours
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On your days off, you can explore the vibrant and biodiverse Caribbean coast of Costa Rica. From tropical beaches to rainforest adventures, Puerto Viejo offers a wide range of experiences that allow you to fully enjoy your time outside of the program.
Whether you prefer relaxation, wildlife exploration, or cultural experiences, there is something for everyone.
• Beach hopping – Playa Cocles, Playa Chiquita, Punta Uva
• Swimming, sunbathing, and coastal walks
• Surfing at Salsa Brava and Playa Cocles
• Snorkelling, paddleboarding, and kayaking
• Visit Cahuita National Park (wildlife + coral reef snorkelling)
• Explore Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge
• Visit indigenous communities (Bribri & Cabécar)
• Chocolate tours (cacao production + tasting)
• Waterfalls and rainforest hikes (e.g. Bribri area)
• River boat tours
• Nightlife, reggae bars, and Caribbean cuisine
• Yoga classes and wellness retreats
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