Volunteer in Residence Program, El Refugio Hogar Animal Costa Ballena

Come stay with us in Uvita, Costa Rica, and make a positive impact on the lives of animals who need your care and compassion. With our Volunteer in Residence program you will stay in a modern room on the beautiful shelter grounds, help with the animals, and have one of the most transformative experiences of your life.

We’re looking for people with a love for cats and dogs; and, whether you’re a dog-person or cat-person, an open mind and a caring spirit are what matter most. Between working and playing with the spunky dogs and affectionate felines, you will have plenty of time to enjoy fun activities and the bountiful natural wonders close-by.

You can truly make a difference and have the best time of your life.

As a Volunteer in Residence you will work with an inspiring team of local and international volunteers who love and care for the animals as they wait for forever homes.

What to Expect

Animal care shifts are between 8-11 am and 3-5 pm and you’ll be scheduled for 20 to 25 hours per week. This leaves plenty of free time during the days and evenings to unwind, recharge, and discover the nearby beaches, nature, and vibrant local culture.

You will receive hands-on training at the beginning of your stay and will have the opportunity to care for the dogs and cats alongside experienced volunteers.

If you’re helping with the dogs, you’ll get to spend your shift feeding, walking, training and socializing the dogs, as well as cleaning the kennels.

If you’re helping with the cats, we have many who really enjoy extra love and attention, so socialization is a big part of the volunteer experience. Many cats appreciate your presence so don’t be surprised when a spunky cat helps you wash the food bowls!

You must be at least 18 years old, capable of physical activity (such as walking dogs), able to lift large bags of food and other supplies, and conversant in English.

Our Location

Our shelter is located in Uvita, on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica. We are a few minutes walk from the beach as well as the central shopping/banking/restaurant district of Uvita. Longer walks, bike rides, and/or taxi rides will get you to waterfalls, rivers and rainforest. Bicycles are available for your use and taxis are plentiful.

Here the rainforest-covered mountains meet the Pacific Ocean, making for a glorious landscape full of wildlife including howler and white-faced capuchin monkeys, scarlet macaws, green iguanas, tamanduas, sloths, and ocelots. There is a plethora of magnificent beaches, waterfalls, rivers, rainforest and mangrove forest to explore in your free time, and many local tour operators who will be happy to help you with this if you so desire. It can be hot and humid here, with ample rainfall from April through November most years – but that’s what makes this region so verdant!