It helped me gain confidence in my abilities and decisions as a first time solo traveler. I have made lots of new friends from all over the globe. Everyone you meet has the same goal and like minded as you. By the end of your project, you’ll feel like you never want to leave.
Animal Care Volunteer Project in Costa Rica - Manuel Antonio
Purpose
Care for & rehome abandoned animals
Start dates
Programs start every Monday
Duration
Choose from 3-24 weeks
Volunteer hours
4 hours a day
Age
Volunteers aged 16+ and families
Accommodation
Homestay or Volunteer house
Who is going?
Group video calls
Once you have secured your place, join regular video calls to meet your Program Manager and other volunteers before your trip.
This program is ideal for:
Patient, active volunteers who love animals and want to help them return to full health and find their forever homes. No experience is required as you’ll be working closely with the local placement staff.
Project details
International Volunteer HQ’s Animal Care project gives volunteers the chance to support local organizations that are dedicated to the wellbeing of animals in need. As a volunteer, you’ll contribute to meaningful work that makes a real impact, whether it’s helping stray dogs and cats get back on their feet or supporting efforts to conserve Costa Rica’s incredible biodiversity.
In Manuel Antonio, volunteers are assigned to one of two unique placement types. You could be working at a shelter that cares for abandoned and stray cats and dogs, where you’ll gain hands-on experience in feeding, cleaning, administering basic medical care, and offering companionship and playtime. This work is essential to helping these animals recover and prepare for adoption into loving homes.
Alternatively, you might be placed at a butterfly and wildlife conservation park, where the focus is on preserving local species such as butterflies, frogs, turtles, and crocodiles. Here, volunteers assist with maintaining animal exhibits and habitats, supporting the park’s ongoing mission to protect and showcase Costa Rica’s rich native wildlife.
What to expect and how you'll make an impact
Costa Rica’s coastal and beach areas face ongoing challenges with large populations of abandoned and stray cats and dogs. The intense tropical heat, lack of nutrition, and untreated injuries leave many of these animals in poor health. As an Animal Care volunteer in Manuel Antonio with International Volunteer HQ, you’ll play a vital role in helping local organizations rehabilitate these animals so they can be rehomed with loving families.
Volunteers may be placed in either an animal welfare shelter or a butterfly and wildlife conservation park, each offering a unique way to support Costa Rica’s animals.
At animal shelters and clinics, you’ll provide hands-on daily care and treatment for rescue animals. You’ll help prepare them for adoption while also supporting the ongoing operation of local shelters. Tasks can include:
- Deep cleaning of cages, kennels and patios
- Assist with general upkeep of the facilities
- Exercising, walking, and playing with animals
- Feeding animals
- Socializing and basic training to prepare animals for future adoption
- Bathing and grooming animals
- Assist with care of wounds and injuries
- Administering basic medication
- Assisting with veterinary care
- Talking to visitors
- Assisting with neutering and spaying
- Building dog runs and fences
- Creating community education campaigns
- Assisting with photo-taking for social media
At the butterfly and wildlife conservation park, the focus shifts to the protection of native species, including butterflies, frogs, turtles, and crocodiles. Volunteers here help maintain the enclosures and habitats, ensuring they remain healthy and safe for the animals. Responsibilities may include:
- Collecting butterfly eggs and feeding caterpillars
- Cleaning and preparing enclosures for chrysalises
- Preparing and distributing feed for turtles and crocodiles
- General upkeep of exhibits and habitats
Why do Animal Care volunteering in Manuel Antonio with IVHQ?
When you volunteer with animals in Manuel Antonio you’ll be adding value to the local community, while also developing personally and professionally by:
- Caring for and rehoming stray animals
- Protecting native wildlife
- Gaining experience in animal care
- Practicing your Spanish
- Developing your communication skills
- Immersing yourself fully in the Costa Rican culture
- Exploring the natural beauty of coastal Manuel Antonio
Volunteer requirements
Volunteers under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian, provide IVHQ with parental consent in order to participate on the program, and may be asked to provide additional document to the local team.
Those aged 16 or 17 on their start date, if unable to obtain a criminal background check, can provide two character reference letters instead.
Volunteers aged over 18 on their start date are required to provide a criminal background check to IVHQ before departure.
All volunteers must speak English and have adequate volunteer travel insurance.
Are you eligible to volunteer?
Submit a free application so we can confirm your eligibility and check availability for your preferred dates.
Not sure which program to join?
Get personalized recommendations >
Who is going?
Group video calls
Once you have secured your place, join regular video calls to meet your Program Manager and other volunteers before your trip.
Costa Rica photo gallery
IVHQ Teaching project
IVHQ Animal Care project
IVHQ Construction and Renovation project
IVHQ Turtle Conservation project
IVHQ Turtle Conservation project
IVHQ Dentistry project
IVHQ Teen Summer Camp project
IVHQ Animal Care project
IVHQ Animal Care project
IVHQ Animal Care project
IVHQ Turtle Conservation project
IVHQ Childcare project
IVHQ Teen Summer Camp project
IVHQ Construction and Renovation project
IVHQ Turtle Conservation project
IVHQ Dentistry project
IVHQ Teen Summer Camp project
IVHQ Animal Care project
IVHQ Turtle Conservation project
IVHQ Medical project
IVHQ Animal Care project
IVHQ Teen Summer Camp project
IVHQ Dentistry project
IVHQ Turtle Conservation project
IVHQ Animal Care project
IVHQ Teaching project
IVHQ Turtle Conservation project
IVHQ Teen Summer Camp project
IVHQ Turtle Conservation project
IVHQ Childcare project
IVHQ Dentistry project
IVHQ Turtle Conservation project
IVHQ Teen Summer Camp project
IVHQ Animal Care project
IVHQ Teen Summer Camp project
IVHQ Dentistry project
IVHQ Teen Summer Camp project
IVHQ Turtle Conservation project
IVHQ Construction and Renovation project
IVHQ Childcare project
IVHQ Teen Summer Camp project
IVHQ Turtle Conservation project
IVHQ Construction and Renovation project
IVHQ Dentistry project
IVHQ Teen Summer Camp project
IVHQ Childcare project
IVHQ Turtle Conservation project
IVHQ Teen Summer Camp project
IVHQ volunteer orientation
Exploring Costa Rica during the weekend
Exploring Costa Rica during the weekend
Exploring Costa Rica during the weekend
Exploring Costa Rica during the weekend
Exploring Costa Rica during the weekend
Exploring Costa Rica during the weekend
Exploring Costa Rica during the weekend
Exploring Costa Rica during the weekend
Exploring Costa Rica during the weekend
Exploring Costa Rica during the weekend
Exploring Costa Rica during the weekend
Exploring Costa Rica during the weekend
Academic course credit
Academic course credit
Gain course credit from your college or university and meet your academic requirements when completing a volunteer abroad program with International Volunteer HQ!
Learn about course creditLocation
Location
Costa Rica is in the true heart of Central America, and halfway down its stunning southwestern coast is the popular tourist destination of Manuel Antonio where several IVHQ projects are located.
Manuel Antonio’s main attraction is a small but glorious national park known for the unparalleled biodiversity found at its forests, beaches and coral reefs. It’s a nature-lover’s paradise and adrenaline junkies will also find plenty of adventure to be had in the surrounding area. The small local population relies on the tourism industry for jobs and economic growth.
Arrival and orientation
After you have registered for the program, please book your flights to arrive at Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) in San Jose on the Saturday before your start date. Volunteers who fly into San Jose before midday on Saturday will travel to Manuel Antonio that day. Volunteers who arrive into San Jose after midday on Saturday will spend the night in San Jose and travel to Manuel Antonio on Sunday morning. When you arrive, you will be greeted at the airport by a member of the local team and taken to the local team’s offices. This is included in your Program Fee.
Volunteers may also choose to arrive at Manuel Antonio’s local airport, La Managua Airport (XQP), at any time on Saturday or Sunday.
We recommend that volunteers under the age of 18 travel internationally with a notarized letter from their parents to support their documentation. If you are travelling in Costa Rica prior to your program, you can meet the local team in Manuel Antonio on the Saturday before your program starts.
The program orientation is hosted by our Costa Rica team at their offices in Manuel Antonio. Orientation is compulsory to attend and is held on Sunday morning or afternoon, depending on what time you arrive in Manuel Antonio.
Orientation covers everything you need to know for your volunteer program in Costa Rica – an introduction to Costa Rica, its customs, language training details, rules and expectations, safety, travel opportunities in Costa Rica, and an introduction to your project and placement. The orientation will also give you a chance to meet other volunteers and swap contact details for weekend travel and socialising.
Volunteer schedule example
First day
On your first day of volunteering, you will be escorted to your placement by a local coordinator and introduced to the placement staff you will be working with.
Weekdays
During the week, you will have a morning or afternoon shift, which will last around 3 to 4 hours. Your volunteer work and hours are dependent on the location and type of project you are participating in. A typical morning schedule is as follows:
| 7:30 - 8:00 AM | Breakfast with your host family. |
| 9:00 AM | Leave home and travel to your placement. You will join the local staff and will receive a duty roster and plan for work. |
| 12:00 PM | Lunch at a local restaurant. |
| 1:00 - 5:00 PM | Work at the placement usually ends. You are free to travel back to your accommodation, go sightseeing or take Spanish lessons. |
| 7:00 PM | Dinner with the host family. |
Please note that the schedule may occasionally change due to weather, public or school holidays, or other unforeseen events that could affect your placement. We recommend checking in advance whether your intended travel dates coincide with any public or school holidays.
Weekends
With your weekends free you can strap your boots on and explore the phenomenal natural environment of Manuel Antonio, or choose to put your feet up and relax on the amazingly beautiful tree-lined beaches.
You’ll have the unique opportunity to get well acquainted with the Manuel Antonio National Park where you’ll be able to see a huge array of exotic animals and wildlife including monkeys, sloths, anteaters, ocelots, crocodiles, iguanas, snakes and lizards. It’s also a great spot for birdwatching with the chance to see more than 350 bird species. Outside of the park there’s a wealth of other adventure activities including whitewater rafting, ziplining, snorkeling, hiking, fishing and surfing.
It’s worth noting that Sunday is a religious day of rest and many stores and restaurants will be closed. Costa Ricans tend to devote Sundays to spending time with their family. If you wish, you can accompany your host family to their local church, as a Latin American church service is a unique and special experience for many volunteers.
On long weekends you may choose to travel around the rest of Costa Rica and the many cities, volcanoes, jungles, coffee plantations and beaches which are more than worth a visit.
Accommodation and WiFi
Volunteers who are between the ages of 18 - 27 are accommodated in a larger dorm-style volunteer house that can fit up to 15 volunteers, and is hosted by a local family. Volunteers who are over the age of 27 are accommodated in smaller homestays that can host 2 - 6 volunteers at a time, alongside a local host family.
In all accommodations, living conditions are comfortable and you will have electricity, running water (drinkable) and western bathrooms. Please note, low-pressure showers can be expected and the water is not always heated. Bedrooms are comprised of single beds and bunk beds with bedding provided. Volunteers can expect to share a room with 2 - 6 other volunteers. You will need to bring your own towel and toiletries.
Please note, volunteers under the age of 18 who are traveling solo will be accommodated separately from those over the age of 18, in a homestay. If there are other volunteers under the age of 18 participating at the same time, the local team will do their best to ensure they are accommodated together.
Single occupancy private rooms are available upon request for an additional cost, offering you the ultimate comfort and privacy during your stay.
WiFi is available at the accommodation, and you will also have access to computers and WiFi at the local team’s office.
Meals
Volunteers are provided with breakfast and dinner at their accommodation. Breakfast is usually toast, fruit and eggs accompanied by tea or coffee. Dinner usually includes: meat - typically chicken, starches and vegetables. At almost every meal you’ll be offered Gallo Pinto, the national dish of Costa Rica, which is primarily made of fried rice and beans.
Lunches are not provided to Manuel Antonio-based volunteers, as they are typically away from their accommodation at midday. It is recommended you budget between AU$7 and AU$15 per day to buy lunch.
If you have specific dietary requirements, our local teams and homestays can cater to you, however keep in mind that as a volunteer, there is a need to be flexible.
Volunteer accommodation pool
Volunteer accommodation living room
Typical IVHQ volunteer bedroom
Typical IVHQ volunteer bedroom
Typical IVHQ volunteer bedroom
IVHQ volunteers dining
Typical volunteer breakfast
Typical volunteer breakfast
Typical volunteer breakfast
Typical volunteer dinner
Typical volunteer dinner
Typical volunteer dinner
Pricing
Secure your place for just US$329 (approximately AU$523), pay your Program Fee later.
Spots are limited. For a Registration Fee of just US$329 (approximately AU$523) you secure your spot and unlock all our preparation and training tools.
You don't need to worry about paying your Program Fee until you get closer to your start date.
|
Duration
|
Program Fee
Due 30 days before you start, or within 48 hours if you register inside of 30 days. Covers the cost of hosting you.
|
|---|---|
| 3 weeks | $1,255 Equivalent to $60/day |
| 4 weeks | $1,535 Equivalent to $55/day |
| 5 weeks | $1,750 Equivalent to $50/day |
| 6 weeks | $1,965 Equivalent to $47/day |
| 8 weeks | $2,395 Equivalent to $43/day |
| 10 weeks | $2,820 Equivalent to $40/day |
| 12 weeks | $3,250 Equivalent to $39/day |
| 16 weeks | $4,110 Equivalent to $37/day |
| 20 weeks | $4,970 Equivalent to $36/day |
| 24 weeks | $5,830 Equivalent to $35/day |
- All programs attract a Registration Fee of US$329 (approximately AU$523) in addition to the Program Fee. This covers all pre-departure support services.
- A 5% international banking fee is added at point of payment.
- Airport pick-up
- Return transportation San Jose - Manuel Antonio - San Jose
- Accommodation
- 24/7 in-country emergency support
- In-country program orientation
- Pre-departure support from your Program Manager
- Personalised preparation tools, guides and check lists
- Access to IVHQ’s preferred insurance and flights partners
- Comprehensive in-country day to day support and guidance
- Discounts on language lessons
- Discounts on travel and tour add-ons
- Certificate of International Volunteer Service
Learn more about what's included in your IVHQ Registration Fee and Program Fee.
- Lunch
- Transport to and from your placement each day
- Return to the airport when your program finishes
- Flights
- Visa (if required), travel insurance (mandatory), vaccinations, criminal background check.
- Personal spending money for snacks, laundry, public transportation, drinks and leisure activities during your free time.
Popular add-ons & experiences in Manuel Antonio
Take your volunteer experience to the next level with these popular add-ons and experiences. Explore your options below and learn how to book them once you've been accepted onto the IVHQ Manuel Antonio program.
Beach and Jungle Mini Adventure - Manuel Antonio
Immerse yourself in Manuel Antonio’s stunning natural beauty and thrilling activities on this 6-day adventure
AU$1467
Coffee & Nature Experience - San Jose
Embark on a full-day adventure exploring La Paz Waterfall Gardens, an animal sanctuary, and a Poas Volcano Tour, followed by a Coffee Farm experience.
AU$353
Costa Rica Classic - 12 Day Tour
Discover Costa Rica on our first-ever Americas tour. This 12-day Costa Rica group tour unveils volcanic vistas, pristine beaches, and diverse wildlife including sloths. From adrenaline-pumping activities to serene moments, experience the perfect blend of nature and culture. Enjoy Costa Rica’s stunning landscapes and vibrant communities on this transformative Central American journey.
AU$3781
Spanish language lessons
No need to be fluent in Spanish to join the IVHQ Costa Rica program—but imagine how much more you can get out of your experience by learning some basic Spanish! Our tailored language lessons are designed to meet you at your current level and help you feel more confident in everyday conversations. Classes run Monday to Friday, and the best part? They’re super affordable and available exclusively for IVHQ volunteers. Dive deeper into the culture and make your experience truly unforgettable!
Online lessons:
- 1-hour Private Classes: US$75 (approximately AU$119) per week
Manuel Antonio Language Lessons:
- 2-hour Small Group Classes: from US$183 (approximately AU$291) per week
- 1-hour Private Classes: from US$227 (approximately AU$361) per week
- 2-hour Private Classes: from US$442 (approximately AU$703) per week
Check what's required to visit Costa Rica
Entry requirements can change at any time, so it's important you monitor this right up until you depart for your trip.
Safety and support
Safety and support
IVHQ follows best practice and industry-leading health and safety procedures, which are regularly reviewed and optimized as part of the B Corporation recertification.
- All volunteers encouraged to complete our interactive pre-departure training.
- All local teams trained on best practice volunteer management & First Aid.
- All IVHQ programs are required to adhere to IVHQ's Risk Management Policy.
- All volunteers have access to 24/7 in-country support from our local team.
Essential country information
Essential country information
| Capital | San Jose |
| Population | 5 million |
| Languages | Spanish |
| Currency | Costa Rican Colón (CRC) |
| Time zone | UTC−06:00 |
Weather and climate: Costa Rica is unequivocally a tropical country. Although you get much cooler temperatures in the mountains above 2000 meters, the average annual temperature for most of the country lies between 71°F (21.7°C) and 81°F (27°C). The coolest months are from November through to January, and the warmest months are from March through to May. San Jose stands at approximately 1170 meters altitude and has a mean annual temperature of 69°F (20.6°C).
What recent volunteers said about their IVHQ experience
BH
Ben Hoad
...
LS
Louise Sutcliffe
Fabulous immersive experience, participating in a local volunteer animal care project, staying with a host family, Spanish lessons and joining in fun activities organised by the local team in in Costa Rica. I highly recommend!
...
AW
Amelie Waugh
I would say I gained confidence in myself and learned more about myself as a person. Being here allowed me to be free and explore the country in a safe way without feeling too anxious as I knew I always had support from the local team should I need it. I also learned about a new culture and way of living that I was not really aware of before I came to Costa Rica. If I had to give someone advice I would say don’t stress too much about it and just go for it. On the programme you are constantly surrounded by so many people often whom are in the same situation as you and so although it seems overwhelming there will always be people around you. I would also say this is one of the best ways to get out of your comfort zone and try something new. These three months have been some of the happiest and most enjoyable months of my life life and I am so glad that I decided to complete this programme. The feeling of fulfilment you feel after as well makes the experiences so much more enjoyable and worth it as it feels like you’re actually doing something beneficial with your time.
...
SH
Sonia Hoare
I grew as a person, not doing anything like this before. Also travelling on my own, I will definitely do this again. I would recommend anyone to do this, such an amazing experience.
...
To read all reviews, visit our reviews page.
Apply to check if you're eligible!
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