VOLUNTEER IN RESIDENCE
Testimonials
We welcome volunteers from all over the world to join in making our community a better place for cats and dogs. Read what they have to say and get a better idea of life at El Refugio.
“El Refugio doesn’t just rescue animals—it builds a better future for the entire community.
I’m so grateful for the friendships I made, both human and furry, and the sense of purpose I found there. If you’re considering volunteering, I can’t recommend it enough.” Jordan
“I stayed at the shelter for 5 weeks, and honestly, it was one of the most special experiences I’ve ever had. I came because I love dogs, animals in general, and travelling to new places, but I ended up taking so much more from the experience than I expected.
From the moment I arrived, I loved the place itself. The area is beautiful, the rooms are amazing , and having the pool was the best. A typical day would start with a work shift, and I was lucky enough to spend a lot of my time taking care of the puppies. I really fell in love with the 10 puppies I looked after and their mama, Kora. Getting to spend so much time with them was definitely one of my favorite parts of my stay.
But what made the experience so special wasn’t only the animals. I also met so many amazing people and made some really good friends during my time there. We spent a lot of time together outside of work, hanging out by the pool, going to the beach, having dinner and doing touristy activities . It was really nice to have so many people around who were just as excited about the experience as I was.
Everyone at the shelter was so welcoming, and you can genuinely tell that the people there love animals and really care about what they do. I also really appreciated always having a coordinator around who I could go to whenever I needed help or had a question. I loved that we were always asked what kind of work we wanted to do that day, which made the volunteering feel very personal and flexible.
After five weeks, I’m leaving with so many amazing memories, new friends, and of course a lot of love for all the animals I got to care for. I would definitely recommend this experience to anyone who has a heart for animals and wants to combine volunteering with meeting great people and experiencing a beautiful new place.
I’m really grateful that I got to be part of this experience and I’ll definitely look back on my time here with a big smile especially when I think about my 10 puppies and Kora. ❤️”
Lea, Germany August 2026
“My time volunteering at El Refugio was an experience I’ll remember for a very long time.
The staff and other volunteers were the most welcoming, the shelter is such a great home for all the animals who are taken so well care of. All the volunteers have so much love to give and in their work it shows.
Not only is the shelter incredible the surrounding area is perfect for everyday life and adventures, I got the opportunity to live in residence and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Overall one of the greatest experiences I’ve ever had, all the animals are so loving and deserving of their forever homes it was incredible to spend that time with the animals and the team!”
Mattie, Canada July 2026
“My volunteer experience at El Refugio was one of the best times of my life and strengthened my love for animals, especially dogs, even more.
Everything was incredibly well organized, from the coordinators who contacted me before I arrived, helped me plan my journey, and answered all of my questions, to the opportunity to have sleepovers with the dogs and even help during spay and neuter clinics.
You can truly see how much everyone at the shelter cares about the animals. Every decision is made with their well-being as the top priority. It was a wonderful experience to help improve the lives of the animals while meeting people who care about them just as much as I do. I’m afraid of cats, and everyone was always incredibly understanding and considerate, which meant I was able to spend even more time with the dogs. I completely fell in love with them. Even outside of my volunteer shifts, I was encouraged to spend time with the dogs, have sleepovers with them, take them on long walks, or simply relax with them around the shelter or in my room. That meant so much to me because it showed that volunteering here isn’t just about completing your tasks during your shift. The most important thing is to give the dogs companionship, love, and attention.
It touched me every single day to see stray animals being given a second chance and receiving all the affection they deserve. Even though I had to leave my heart is still with the dogs of El Refugio.It was an unforgettable experience, and I’m certain it won’t be my last time there.”
Nina, Germany July 2026
“My stay in the Shelter was amazing. Everyone was very welcoming and helped me get trained and settled so I could start getting to know the animals.
Before I got to the shelter I was scared of dogs and was not a dog person but after one month of playing and caring for them I completely trust all of them and have learned to love them and the thought of taking Pindo home with me crossed my mind but sadly is not possible for me.
I will miss the team and the cats and dogs a lot. I had a great time! Thank you so much for having me and giving me the opportunity to make such incredible experiences!”
Zoey, Germany July 2026
“I spent the whole month volunteering at the shelter and it is so difficult to leave! People here are amazing, truly concerned by the animals, which are all so well treated, lovely and kind.
By living at the shelter I was able to spend time with both cats and dogs whenever I wanted. Since forever I am more a dog person but the cats made a way to my heart, even though their behavior is different to each one of them they show us they want to be loved in such cute ways.
The shelter itself is amazing, everything is so clean and comfortable and there is nothing missing either for us or even for the animals!
Thank you so much for this month it was incredible!!!”
Emelie, France July 2026
“We stayed in the double room at El Refugio for about three weeks, and it was truly an unforgettable experience. In the first couple of days, we were given a great introduction and felt welcome from the very beginning.
Working with the animals was the highlight of our stay—we fell in love with them the moment we met them.
Even though they don’t have a family yet, they have such a loving home at El Refugio. The shelter is in excellent condition, and the animals are incredibly well cared for. Each of them gets the individual care they need. We were honestly so impressed, because that’s not something you can take for granted.
El Refugio is located in a stunning natural setting and even has a large, beautiful swimming pool, making it the perfect place to relax and enjoy the warm weather.
For an animal shelter, the facilities are super luxurious. If there was a problem with the room or the kitchen, the caretaker, Carlos, took care of it immediately. Also a huge thank you to Letitia for keeping everything so clean!
At the same time, there was still plenty of free time to explore the beautiful surroundings. We enjoyed relaxing at the beach, going ziplining, snorkeling at Canõ Island and visiting some of the many breathtaking waterfalls around Uvita.
We met so many wonderful people from all over the world and made great memories. Our time at El Refugio was truly special, and we will love to look back on it!
We would recommend this experience to anyone who loves animals and wants to make a meaningful contribution while enjoying the beauty of Costa Rica.”
Maya and Laura, Germany July 2026
“My two friends and I, hailing from France, spent an incredible two months volunteering at El Refugio Costa Ballena in Uvita, and it was truly a life-changing experience. From the moment we arrived, we were welcomed into a warm community.
Our days were filled with the simple yet profound joy of giving love to these animals, seeing their trust grow, and participating directly in their rehabilitation.
Beyond the daily care routines, the highlight of our stay was undoubtedly the community of volunteers we met. We connected with amazing people. It was inspiring to work alongside such a diverse and motivated group.
The hardest part of the journey was undoubtedly our departure. Saying goodbye to the animals we had grown to love so deeply was difficult. It is hard to leave knowing that you have made a real, concrete difference in their lives, only to walk away. The emotional attachment is the true testament to the work done here.”
Valentine, Andélys, & Maëlle, France June 2026
“I am really grateful that I got the chance to experience this special place! ✨🐾
The whole property is absolutely beautiful and being volunteer in residence is a huge recommendation, it makes the experience even more special and unforgettable. I really felt home🫶🏼
The time with the dogs and cats here was honestly incredible. 🐶🐱
The shifts are super well organized and balanced, so there is always enough time to really connect with the animals and enjoy every moment but as well a lot of free time. Whether it was going on walks with the dogs, feeding them, playing, or simply cuddling with them every day ✨
The cats truly live in paradise here! They are so playful, loving, and happy, and it was beautiful to spend time with them as well.
You can really see how well all the animals are cared for and how much love they receive every single day💛
You can truly feel how much love and care goes into everything here. The organization is amazing, the team is wonderful, and all the people working here create such a warm and welcoming atmosphere💛
Even though I wish I could have stayed longer, I am so happy I got to be part of this place for a little while. I will miss it a lot and hopefully come back one day! Thank you for making this experience possible ❤️”
Anna, Germany April 2026
“I‘ve never seen an Animal Shelter this beautiful. El Refugio is a place where you can really feel and see that the animals all are very well cared for and loved.” Anna
“I was a volunteer in residence for 3 weeks and the accommodations were great. I had an AC in my spacious room and access to a very well equipped kitchen. On my first day I even got picked up from the bus station!
I got trained on both cats and dogs and everybody was super helpfull whenever i had a question.
Honestly I‘ve never seen an Animal Shelter this beautiful. El Refugio is a place where you can really feel and see that the animals all are very well cared for and loved.
It was truly an amazing experience and I would love to come back some time!!”
Anna, Germany April 2026
“The team of volunteers is very dedicated, friendly, and supportive. You can really tell that everyone cares deeply about the animals and puts a lot of effort into their work.” Lena
“I had a really great experience volunteering here for two weeks. I mainly worked with the dogs and truly enjoyed every moment with them – they are all so lovely and full of personality.
The team of volunteers is very dedicated, friendly, and supportive. You can really tell that everyone cares deeply about the animals and puts a lot of effort into their work. I felt very welcomed from the beginning.
The daily workload was very manageable (around 2–3 hours per day), which also left plenty of time to relax or explore the beautiful surroundings. I also appreciated that my preferences and wishes were taken into account when assigning tasks.
Overall, it was a wonderful experience that I would definitely recommend to anyone who loves animals and wants to make a positive impact. I would happily come back!”
Lena, Germany March 2026
“I lived directly on the property, and the accommodation was more than sufficient. I had a TV, a very spacious bathroom, and everything I needed for a comfortable stay. The same goes for the kitchen and the laundry room, which even included a dryer.
On my first full day, I received training for the cat shift. The tasks were easy to learn, and whenever I had a question or something was unclear, there was always someone I could ask for help. The training for working with the dogs was also very well organized and easy to understand.
The Refugio is truly a paradise for cats and dogs in need. The animals have everything they require, and it is clear that everyone working there genuinely loves them and takes the best possible care of them.
A special thank you to Judith, who kindly picked me up from the bus station and showed me around the city, and to Angelina, who gives more than 100% every single day to make sure every animal feels safe and at home.
I would absolutely love to come back someday. It was definitely the best animal shelter I have ever visited.”
Julie, Germany February 2026
“It was definitely the best animal shelter I have ever visited.” Julie
“Leaving El Refugio with the fullest heart ❤️ thank you for a wonderful month full of dogs and cats! And to everyone being so welcoming and nice!
It is inspiring what every single one of you is doing!
I miss you already! ❤️🩹”
Joanna, Germany February 2026
“I’ve visited many animal shelters over the years, but this beautiful place truly ticks all the boxes. The location is wonderful and has everything you could possibly need, but what makes it truly special are the kind, dedicated people. They care for the cats and dogs with such professionalism, warmth, and genuine love. Don’t hesitate, go experience it for yourself, and you’re guaranteed to fall in love.”
Jiska, USA January 2026
“My time at El Refugio has been nothing short of amazing! Right from the start, everyone was so incredibly welcoming whether it was staff, volunteers, fellow volunteers in residence, and of course the animals! This shelter is very well organized and really cares about the welfare of the animals here. It was very convenient staying on shelter property and the amenities like the pool was lovely. I even got to take one of the dogs and have her stay with me in my room overnight! The area around the shelter is also super close to the beach and other fun adventures. I traveled alone and felt very safe and most people spoke English! If you have the time, I highly recommend staying at El Refugio, you won’t regret it!”
Ali, USA
“We highly recommend volunteering at El Refugio.
Such a beautiful place and a fantastic experience.
The facilities are excellent!
Our month there was so fulfilling, such a pleasure looking after the dogs and cats.
We learnt a lot and had great fun with the other volunteers.
If you’re an animal lover and want to stay in a tropical paradise, then El Refugio is definitely for you.”
Richard and Monica, UK
“Volunteering at El Refugio for six months was an unforgettable experience that truly changed my life. From the moment I arrived, I was welcomed into a community that deeply cares for animals and the environment. The dedication and compassion of the team are inspiring.
Each day, I had the privilege of walking, feeding, and caring for the dogs and cats, many of whom had come from heartbreaking situations. Watching these animals heal, grow, and ultimately find their forever homes was beyond rewarding. And I even found a forever cat to bring home to Florida.☺️
And I was also lucky enough to live on property for 4 months and the accommodations at El Refugio were absolutely stunning and far exceeded my expectations. The rooms are gorgeous with spectacular showers, and the fully equipped kitchen made it easy to feel right at home. The building itself is brand new, very modern, and offers every amenity you could need. And then there’s a beautiful pool that was a perfect spot to relax after a day of rewarding work.
El Refugio doesn’t just rescue animals—it builds a better future for the entire community. I’m so grateful for the friendships I made, both human and furry, and the sense of purpose I found there. If you’re considering volunteering, I can’t recommend it enough. It’s not just an opportunity to help; it’s an opportunity to grow and give back in the most meaningful way.”
Jordan, USA
“If you are a dog or cat lover, want to spend time in a beautiful, tropical location, and enjoy service work, then the El Refugio Volunteer in Residence program is for you. I saw their mission of improving animal welfare through rescue efforts, low-cost spay/neuter clinics, education programs, and community outreach play out daily while I was there.
This program has it all covered. The application process, handbooks, and orientation were well thought out and helped get me up to speed on shelter tasks quickly. The cattery, dog and puppy kennels are well designed for the animals and the work we did to clean up each day. Our work shifts were only 2-3 hours so there was ample time for other activities like going to the beach, getting groceries, or walking to a new forest or waterfall. I was impressed with the dedicated professional staff, shift leaders, and regular volunteers. I was able to communicate using my rudimentary “Spanglish” or speaking English on my work shifts with international volunteers, Ticos, expats, and others.
The shelter location is conveniently located near Uvita’s main city center. It is in close walking distance to restaurants, supermercados, banks, taxi and bus stops. On my way back to the United States I walked to the Tracopa bus station to catch the direct comfortable, air conditioned bus to San Jose and then took an Uber to the airport.
The Volunteer in Residence property and accommodations were so much nicer than imagined. My bedroom had fans, a mini fridge, a large bathroom and an on demand warm water for showering. Bed and bathroom linens were provided along with a laundry room. It was such a treat. Our shared kitchen had a full-sized fridge, stove, eating counter and dining table. A microwave, coffee machine, toaster and panini sandwich maker were wonderful conveniences. Meal times with other volunteers were a highlight to visit, plan outings and get to know each other.
The big, rectangular pool was a highlight for a swimmer like myself (I brought my goggles!) but more importantly, a relief to dive into after a shift working with the dogs or cats. The large, covered, open air meeting area next to the pool had lots of patio furniture where I hung out to access Wifi, a huge dining table, kitchen, BBQ and pizza oven.
If birding is an interest then this is possible right on El Refugio’s grounds. I had memorable sightings right from our balcony and outside the kitchen with my coffee cup in hand. My morning wake up call was often a talkative group of chachalacas. Outside my bedroom I could see Cherrie’s tanagers, grey-cowled wood rails and yellow-throated toucans. I watched a pair of scarlet macaws land in one of the many almond trees on the grounds during an afternoon shift.
This was one of the most rewarding, enjoyable and well-run international volunteer experiences I have had.
Elaine, USA
“I spent a month at the refuge, from the first day I arrived I was struck by the beauty of the structure, my private room is really comfortable and beautiful, it has an en-suite bathroom, a small wardrobe where you can store your clothes and a bed very comfortable, it made me feel safe and nothing was missing, even the shared kitchen and laundry room in case there are other volunteers in residence, are equipped and modern.
There is a swimming pool.
The spaces dedicated to dogs and cats are well organised, clean and tidy, I loved this: that everything is clear and in order, if you have any questions Angelina is always available, there are also many volunteers who have been attending the shelter for a long time and are ready to show you how.
The community of volunteers is really loving, most are people who have decided to come and live in Costa Rica, always ready to chat with you and give you advice on the place.
As for work, on the first day you will do training with Pam, a splendid and sweet person, who will show you the place and explain to you with great passion the work to be done.
It’s three hours per shift, I didn’t find the work heavy, very stimulating, as far as the dogs are concerned you have to take care of taking them for a walk, feeding them, giving them the various medicines and cleaning the boxes in the morning, everything is exactly indicated on the blackboard, very clear, when there are multiple volunteers per shift everything gets done quite quickly, it certainly depends on the number of dogs present and the situations, you have a lot of time to cuddle and spend time with the dogs and cats.
I have become so fond of each of them and leaving them is very sad, it is exciting to know when a little dog is adopted, because even though you know you will never see it again it has found a home!
Every person who contributes working at this place is delightful! Carlos and Letizia who take care of the maintenance of the refuge are friendly and sweet, Angelina with her passion and commitment, Pam with her tenderness and sweetness, Sandra with her strength and Donna always ready to organize all shifts if you need to change a shift they come to your aid. You will almost always have two days off a week, which is very doable if you want to explore the area!
It was a very pleasant experience, a beautiful period that I will carry in my heart, without a doubt it is a place I would gladly return to.”
Maria Luisa, Italy
“I spent a month at the El Refugio shelter as part of the Volunteer in Residence program. The program is great, gives you an opportunity to stay on-site and and visit the animals even outside your shift. The shelter is probably the most luxurious shelter I’ve ever seen and the animals really have a good life there. Albeit we all wish for them to have a permanent and loving home. In the meantime they’re in good care, have strict health and safety rules which is essential for their wellbeing and also receive lots of attention and playtime from all the volunteers.
I had an amazing time staying and volunteering at the shelter. I’m definitely more of a cat person and spent lots of quality time with the cats and kittens, however the dogs also made their way into my heart and I’ve grown to appreciate the different type of affection they give.
Staying at the shelter, I had my own room with a private bathroom and a shared kitchen. The room was stylish and spacious, it had AC and a fan, although no hot water at the time I was staying there. The kitchen was well-equipped, I had everything I needed there, along with a washing machine and a dryer.
Workwise, I had around 6-7 shifts a week with 2 days off. It’s light physical work, the only thing is the heat that can make it a bit more tiring. Overall I really enjoyed it, something completely different from my office job.
The people were nice and friendly and most people were happy to help in case of concerns or questions. There are lots of volunteers so sometimes it can be confusing who’s the one in charge or who can really help you especially in the beginning when you don’t know many people.
Apart from the shifts there are usually events organized by or in collaboration with the shelter, which can be an extra opportunity to volunteer or just have fun and discover more of the area.
Outside of work, you’re really your own boss, there’s a dossier in the shared kitchen with loads of recommendations on what to do, where to eat and about the best beaches in the area.
I’ve tried out some of them but also just asked around and then made a plan to visit whatever I wanted to see.
Since most of the volunteers live in Uvita already, the social life is mostly happening during events or the shifts.
Overall I would highly recommend participating in the Volunteer in Residence program, the animals are just the cutest and it will be for sure a lifelong memory. If I can, I will definitely return.”
Eniko Toth, Hungary
Do a great thing for the animals and have an amazing experience that you will treasure for the rest of your life.
