COSTA RICA
ANIMAL RESCUE & VETERINARY PROJECT
formerly known as Costa Rica: Animal Rescue Project
Support the care of animals in Costa Rica, a natural haven for both domestic and wild creatures.
Highlights
FOR THE COSTA RICA: ANIMAL RESCUE & VETERINARY PROJECT PROGRAM
- Engage in hands-on volunteer work alongside veterinarians and gain first-hand experience in a surgical setting
- Help care for dogs and cats (and maybe a few other species!) at a rescue center
- Learn about Costa Rica’s animal rescue and wildlife conservation efforts
- Relax on a catamaran and snorkel through wildlife-rich waters
- Zipline and hike through lush valleys
- Take a dip in hot springs known for healing properties
Program Menu For
Manatee &
Conservation
COSTA RICA
ANIMAL RESCUE & VETERINARY PROJECT
Program Overview
On this program, you will learn about animal welfare through hands-on rescue center projects and make a positive impact on the lives of domestic animals in local communities by improving access to veterinary services. Gain pre-veterinary experience working alongside certified veterinarians and animal rescue experts. Not only will you do compassionate, hands-on work with lovable, furry friends at a dog and cat rescue center, you’ll also learn about exotic wildlife species in a country known for its dedication to conservation. During your free time, experience all the outdoor adventure and natural beauty Costa Rica has to offer.
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COSTA RICA
ANIMAL RESCUE & VETERINARY PROJECT
Community Service
Split your time between two service partners: a local veterinarian organization and the animal rescue center right at your Home Base. With the vet organization, rotate through different positions at a traveling clinic providing access to veterinary services. Some of the cases you might see include spay and neuter, deworming, and care for skin conditions and wounds. Observe intake, surgery, and postoperative procedures, and help repair critical infrastructure. At the rescue center, volunteer your time walking dogs, working on projects requiring physical labor, making toys, refurbishing the rescue center or cleaning habitats (you may even work to support some farm animals here!)
Hands-On Learning
In developing countries, pets are often at higher risk of abandonment or disease due to limited resources and access to veterinary care. Likewise, exotic animals often face exploitation or the loss of their natural habitats. Learn from guest speakers about Costa Rica’s rescue and conservation efforts. In addition, gain exposure to veterinary care practices and procedures.
Adventure
On this program, adventure is around every corner. With its rainforests, volcanoes, hills, and valleys lined with rows of coffee plants, the inland region of Costa Rica offers some of the richest scenery. Hike to a waterfall, zipline through the treetops, and relax after a long day in natural hot springs. Now that’s what they mean by pura vida!
Recently added: Ocean Excursion! Students will head out on the water for an epic catamaran and snorkeling experience on the Pacific Coast, a true bucket list adventure for visitors to Costa Rica.
Lodging
Students on this program will stay in two distinct areas — San Ramon and Guanacaste. In San Ramon, Home Base is a locally-owned boutique hotel surrounded by hills and lush vegetation with an animal rescue center on-site. In Guanacaste, Home Base is a hotel where students will have access to several local communities, where they’ll support clinics. In all accommodations, students live in gender-segregated rooms with roommates and have access to shared bathrooms. The food at Home Base will reflect the traditional dietary staples of the people in Costa Rica. It will be simple, but fresh and healthy, and include delicious, locally-grown fruits.
Important Note: Please be aware that the food at the San Ramon Home Base is entirely plant-based during the first 6 days of the 14-day program. This aligns with the hotel’s commitment to ethical care for animals. Despite the plant-based menu, there is still plenty of variety and sufficient protein to meet students’ dietary needs. Students will also have the opportunity to have a couple of meals outside the Home Base during this period.
COSTA RICA
ANIMAL RESCUE & VETERINARY PROJECT
Dates & Tuition
Everything you need to know before you apply.
14-Day Program
Ages 14-18
| 2025 Dates |
|---|
| JUN 15 – JUN 28, 2025 |
| JUL 02 – JUL 15, 2025 |
| JUL 19 – AUG 01, 2025 |
Tuition Includes All In-Country Expenses
- Airport pick-up/drop-off
- In-country transportation
- Lodging
- 3 meals per day
- Professional full-time staff and experts
- 24/7 parent support hotline during the program
- Secondary medical and evacuation insurance
- Cultural activities, lectures and excursions
- Pre-departure materials and support
- Educational materials
To save your spot, an application fee and $600 deposit are required.
Backed by our 5-Point Safety System™
GLA HOME BASE:
SAFE & SECURE LODGING
CARING SUPERVISION &
EXPERT LOCAL KNOWLEDGE
SAFE
TRANSPORTATION
HEALTHY MEALS
& PURE WATER
24/7 SUPPORT &
EMERGENCY RESPONSE
Speak with the GLA Admissions Team
Admissions
Phone Number
1-858-771-0645
USA Toll-Free
Phone Number
1-888-358-4321
Admissions
Email Address
info@experienceGLA.com
COSTA RICA
VETERINARY SERVICE ADVENTURE
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