Costa Rica – Pre-Vet Sloth and Wildlife Rescue Center

Costa Rica is one of the world’s most popular ecotourism destinations, because of its incredible biodiversity. Scientists estimate that Costa Rica may contain as much as 5% of the earth’s plant and animal species! Costa Rica translates to “rich coast” in Spanish for its diverse landscapes, which include rainforests, tropical and temperate forests, volcanoes, beaches, high mountains and marshy lowlands.

The Wildlife Rescue Center is in Alajuela on a 10 acre farm, just a short drive from the Juan Santamaría International Airport.

Costa Rica is a well-known destination for sustainable and nature tourism. Yet, its diverse wildlife is still under many threats. These include habitat loss because of development, electrocutions, dog and cat attacks, and illegal pet trading.

We work with one of the best wildlife organizations in Costa Rica. They dedicate themselves to the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of local animals.

There is an on-site hospital staffed by dedicated vets/interns and comfortable living quarters, which can house up to 100+ volunteers. The animal enclosures include an aviary, sloth gardens, and monkey cages, all surrounded by nature. This provides the animals a place similar to their natural habitat as they recover from their wounds.

As a volunteer, you’ll join the Vet Team of volunteers on site, and you will help the local staff treat sick, injured and orphaned animals. Their primary goal is to release animals back to the wild when possible. Your volunteer tasks may include some of the following tasks:

• Preparing food for the animals
• Cleaning and upkeep of animal enclosures
• Feeding the animals who are sick or babies who need more attention
• Assisting or shadowing the on-site vets with treatments, cleanings, checkups
• Participate in educational lessons throughout the placement from the vets
• Learn how to calculate medicines for the sick and injured wildlife
• Shadowing surgeries if they occur
• Providing a caring environment for the animals and checking for injuries
• Taking part in educational community projects

Internet: WiFi is available

Laundry: Laundry service is available

Accommodations: Multiple volunteer housing options from 4 to 8 people per room with a shared bathroom.

Food: 3 delicious and healthy meals per day prepared by our private chefs (we also cater to vegetarians, vegans, gluten-free diets and all allergies).

• GoEco Interview
• Minimum age of 18
• Physically fit
• The Pre-Vet program requires students to be on the pre-vet track, however it’s not required to be in vet-school
• Love and respect for animals
• Flexible and open-minded to do all kinds of chores, depending on project needs
• Adaptability to the weather in Costa Rica (tropical climate – high temperatures and humidity during the rainy season)
• All volunteers coming from South America or Africa must have a yellow fever vaccination certification in order to enter Costa Rica

As a volunteer, you can join daily night activities, including Zumba lessons, night walks, bonfires, trivia, movie night and much more…

The program also includes weekly tours to many tourist destinations throughout the country. Some options include:

• Jaco Beach where you can ride ATV’s and Canopy Tours (zip lines),
• Manuel Antonio National Park where you can tour the rainforest or relax on the beach,
• Monterverde Cloud Forest where you can enjoy the hanging bridges,
• Arenal Volcano where you can submerge yourself in the warm, beautiful hot springs.

🌿 Volunteer Across Costa Rica with GoEco
GoEco offers a network of meaningful volunteer opportunities across Costa Rica, allowing you to combine multiple programs and explore new regions after your time at the Pre-Vet Sloth & Wildlife Rescue Center.
🚌 GoEco will help with all travel arrangements for a smooth, stress-free experience!

🔹 Pacific Coast–Sea Turtle Conservation
Help protect endangered sea turtles along the Pacific beaches. Assist with night patrols, nest monitoring, and releasing hatchlings.
🐢 From July to December, you may witness the arribada, a monthly mass nesting event where thousands of turtles come ashore to lay eggs.
🚌 About 6–7 hours by bus from the rescue center, with transfers available.

🔹 San José & Monteverde–Organic Coffee Farming
Start with an orientation in San José, then travel to the lush cloud forests of Monteverde. Volunteer on a sustainable coffee farm, assisting with planting, harvesting (in season), and eco-friendly agricultural practices.
🚌 Located around 4–5 hours by bus from San José, included in the program.

🔹 San José–Teaching & Social Work
Begin with an orientation in San José and support local education and community development projects. Assist in schools, childcare centers, or social outreach programs. This program also offers the opportunity to learn Spanish and meet volunteers from around the world, making it a great social and cultural experience.
🚌 Based in San José, just 30 minutes from the Sloth & Wildlife Rescue Center.