Dog and cat shelter volunteering in San José

A shelter animal needs more than a visit: food, clean surroundings, exercise and patient attention every day. Local organisations care for abandoned animals or animals in difficulty and, where possible, help prepare them for a new home. You join that ongoing work alongside people who know their histories and behaviour.

The day may begin with cleaning enclosures and preparing food. Then, following staff guidance, help brush, walk or play with the animals. Some are sociable; others need distance and patience. Let each animal’s needs guide the contact you have, without forcing a moment for a photo. Small maintenance jobs or help with shelter communications may also be part of the day.

You don’t need veterinary training for everyday care. Clinical treatment and health decisions remain with professionals; specialist tasks depend on qualifications and local authorisation. Be ready to get dirty, work outdoors and follow instructions. Basic English is enough. Spanish isn’t required, but it’s useful. Your programme coordinator supports you during the stay, without being at the shelter every day.

Before you confirm, we’ll talk through the available placement with you. The shelter and day-to-day tasks depend on local needs, so the animals you meet and the activities you help with may vary.

There’s life beyond the project too. Explore San José’s markets and neighbourhoods, go for a walk or meet fellow participants. When you arrive, you’ll discover the local activity calendar: free salsa, cooking and Tandem when scheduled, with events varying from week to week. Optional tours and excursions are arranged separately.

🏡 In San José, stay with a Costa Rican family selected by the local team and used to welcoming international volunteers. Breakfast before the project and dinner when you return offer everyday opportunities to get to know the family and the city through them.

The standard arrangement is a shared room with international participants of the same gender and a similar age. The bathroom is shared too.

Breakfast and dinner are included every day, including weekends, along with bedding, a towel and hot showers. Check Wi-Fi availability for your assigned family; the connection may be slow.

If you’d like more privacy or another arrangement, talk to us. The following can be requested, subject to availability and a separate quote:

• A private room with a host family, with a private bathroom available to request and confirm separately.
• A three-star hotel, with a private room and bathroom and breakfast included. Lunch and dinner are separate.
• An apartment with an equipped kitchen and Wi-Fi, available for four-week stays.
• A hostel, with different room options, a shared bathroom and light or continental breakfast. Lunch and dinner are separate.

For group departures, a residence may also be an option, subject to availability, with breakfast and dinner. We confirm room and bathroom arrangements before booking.

You can plan your outings and enjoy free time while respecting your family’s routines and guidance. Tell us about dietary needs before departure. Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options are available by prior arrangement.

Free time

Outside the project, there are ways to meet fellow international volunteers and try something new together. Each month, the local team prepares a calendar including free activities such as salsa and cooking classes. Choose the events that interest you and join when you like.

To build confidence in Spanish, join Tandem, a free conversation exchange with a local student. You practise Spanish while they practise a language you know.

If you prefer learning with a teacher, even from scratch, you can add an optional small-group or individual Spanish course. Classes cost extra and cover beginner to advanced levels.

There’s time to discover San José, browse the Central Market, visit the National Theatre or follow your curiosity around the city. With a few free days, consider volcanoes and forests, rafting or zip-lining, or a weekend on the Pacific or Caribbean coast. The team can advise and help arrange outings around your interests and available time.

🛡️ A local team member welcomes you on arrival and helps with your first steps in San José. After booking confirmation, you’ll receive the meeting point, how to recognise them and useful contacts, so you know who to expect.

Your host family is selected by the local team to welcome international participants. Learn the house rules and get to know the people you can turn to while settling in. Whether other participants are staying there will depend on your dates.

At orientation, get practical guidance for travelling around the city and organising your days. Ask the team for advice or support when you need it. You’ll also receive a 24/7 emergency contact.

Follow the team’s guidance, use reliable transport and take care of your belongings, especially in crowded places and on public transport.

Around animals, follow staff instructions and respect each animal’s pace. Don’t open enclosures or improvise treatment. Bring suitable clothes for practical work and the protection specified for your placement. Report incidents or difficulties promptly.

🧭 Before activities begin, meet the local team, who help you settle in and understand your days. It’s also time to ask questions and clear up anything you’re unsure about.

Orientation includes:

• Your programme, activities and role.

• Practical safety guidance, rules and local customs.

• A walk around the area to find your bearings.

• Cultural activities and available excursions.

• A short, free Spanish-level assessment.

Basic English is enough. Spanish isn’t required, but it’s useful.

On your first journey to the project, a team member accompanies you, introduces you to staff and explains the activities. They show you how to travel from your accommodation and back so you can get around independently afterwards. Depending on the distance, you may walk or use local transport. Set aside some money for any daily transport you’ll need.

✈️ Fly into Juan Santamaría International Airport in San José, code SJO. Arrival is normally on Sunday, with the programme starting on Monday.

Your welcome and arrival transfer are included. Send your flight date, time, airline and number as soon as you book so the team can arrange your arrival.

After participation is confirmed, you’ll receive the meeting point, team contacts and detailed instructions. Depending on your arrival time, the team takes you to the accommodation or programme welcome point.

If you can’t find the person meeting you, stay at the meeting point and use the contacts provided: the team will help you find each other.

📱 A practical tip: for internet from arrival, consider setting up an eSIM before travelling. You can explore Airalo options here.

Want to arrive on another day? Agree arrangements beforehand. We can check whether extra nights or other services are available and explain any additional costs before you book.

Your return journey

The standard homestay ends on Saturday, with check-out by 11:00 and breakfast included. Other accommodation has its own check-out time in your confirmation.

For the journey back to San José airport, allow for a separate transfer in your budget. The local team can help you arrange it around your flight time.