COSTA RICA
ANIMAL RESCUE & VETERINARY PROJECT
formerly known as Costa Rica: Animal Rescue Project
Rescue and work to 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
- Do hands-on volunteer work alongside veterinarians and get 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
- Lounge on a catamaran and snorkel through wildlife-rich waters — new for 2024!
- 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 a variety of hands-on rescue center projects and make a positive impact on the lives of domestic animals in local communities through improved 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 & cat rescue center, you’ll also learn about exotic wildlife species in a country known for its dedication to conservation. In your time off service, experience all the outdoor adventure and natural beauty Costa Rica has to offer.
Featured Theme
Featured Destinations
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 the 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!)
Immersive Learning
In developing countries, pets are often at higher risk of abandonment or disease, simply due to a lack of resources and limited access to veterinary care. Likewise, exotic animals unfortunately 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 the processes and procedures of veterinary care.
Adventure
On this program, adventure is around every corner. With its rainforests, volcanoes, hills, and valleys lined with rows upon rows of coffee plants, the inland region of Costa Rica offers some of the richest scenery. Hike to a waterfall, go ziplining through the treetops and relax after a long day in natural hot springs, what a life!
New for 2024, students will take to the water and have an epic catamaran & snorkeling experience on the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica, a must-do for visitors!
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.
COSTA RICA
ANIMAL RESCUE & VETERINARY PROJECT
Dates & Tuition
Everything you need to know before you apply.
14-Day Program
Ages 14-18
| 2024 Dates |
|---|
| JUN 10 – JUN 23, 2024 |
| JUN 27 – JUL 10, 2024 |
| JUL 13 – JUL 26, 2024 |
| JUL 30 – AUG 12, 2024 |
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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