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Costa Rica – Pre-Vet Sloth and Wildlife Rescue Center

Contact ProviderProgram Costs
VerifiedProvider
5.0 / 5Student rating
3Reviews
196Programs
2005Year established

Program Overview

Volunteer with the Sloth and Wildlife Rescue Center in Costa Rica, an essential sanctuary for injured, orphaned, and displaced wildlife. This program offers hands-on experience working with a variety of species, including sloths, monkeys, and birds. Volunteers support daily operations such as animal care, rehabilitation, feeding, and enrichment activities. In addition to animal welfare, the center promotes conservation education and environmental awareness. This opportunity allows you to contribute to wildlife protection while gaining valuable experience in veterinary care and animal rescue. Ideal for pre-vet students or wildlife enthusiasts, the program offers an immersive experience in the heart of Costa Rica’s natural beauty.

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Program Highlights

Hands-on animal care: Assist with the rehabilitation and care of injured, orphaned, and displaced wildlife, including sloths, monkeys, and exotic birds.
Pre-vet experience: Ideal for aspiring veterinarians, the program provides valuable exposure to animal health, treatment, and rescue operations.
Conservation education: Participate in educational outreach, raising awareness about wildlife protection and environmental issues in Costa Rica.
Immersive experience: Live and work in a remote, biodiverse region of Costa Rica, surrounded by lush rainforests and wildlife.
Volunteer support: Work alongside experienced professionals in a supportive, hands-on environment, gaining practical knowledge in animal rescue and rehabilitation.

What's Included

Accommodation / Housing for Program Duration
All Program Activity Costs
Weekday Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Weekend Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Airport Transfer (Pick-Up)
On-Site / In-Country Staff Support
In-Country Orientation
Training
Academic Advising
Alumni / Networking Membership
Certificate of Completion
Emergency Support

Quick Details

Location
Alajuela, Costa Rica
Availability
Year(s) Offered:Year Round
Duration:
  • 2-4 Weeks
  • 5-8 Weeks
  • 9-12 Weeks
  • Summer
  • Winter
  • Alternative Spring Break
Age Requirement18+
Types & Subjects
Adventure Types:
  • Eco Tours
  • Nature Tours
  • Rainforest Tours
  • Tours
Fields:
  • Animal Sciences
  • Biology
  • Ecology
  • Environmental Studies
  • Zoology & Wildlife Sciences
Causes:
  • Animal Welfare
  • Conservation
  • Environment
  • Veterinary Science
  • Volunteer Management
  • Wildlife
Types:
  • Animals
  • Internships
  • Volunteering
  • Wilderness
GuidelinesAll Nationalities
Inquire about this program

Updated Jun 16, 2026

Program Details

Learn all the nitty gritty details you need to know

Locations

  • Alajuela, Costa Rica

Available Terms / Availability

  • Years Offered: Year Round
  • Duration: 2-4 Weeks, 5-8 Weeks, 9-12 Weeks, Summer, Winter, Alternative Spring Break
  • Intern Duration: Summer, Winter, Short Term, Spring, 1-3 Months, Fall
  • Gap Year Timing: After College, Career Break / Mid-Career, During College, During High School, Post High School

Eligible Nationalities

  • All Nationalities
  • This Program is also open to Solo, Couples, Group

Education Levels & Language

  • Any/All Education Levels Accepted

Accommodation Options

  • Dormitory
  • Group living

Application Procedures

  • Phone/Video Interview
  • Online Application

Age Requirement

18+

Duration

2-4 Weeks, 5-8 Weeks, 9-12 Weeks, Summer, Winter, Alternative Spring Break

Program Reviews

Hear what past participants have to say about GoEco - Top Volunteer Organization

5.0
3 reviews

Rating breakdown

5
3
4
0
3
0
2
0
1
0

Top categories

Volunteer Placement
5.0
Program Administration
5.0
Health & Safety
5.0
Living Situation
4.7
Day to Day Life
4.7
Community Engagement
3.7

Participated in this program? Share your experience now.

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Showing 1-3 of 3 reviews

Brandon FernandesFebruary 2026

Working with the Vet is the best part

The best part about this trip was of course the animals but working on the Vet team was most definitely a bonus to me because I learned so much while under the supervision of the Veterinarians themselves. They’re very knowledgeable and eager to teach.

Jill HerzigFebruary 2026

My most memorable experience at Pre-Vet Sloth and Wildlife Rescue Center

My most memorable experience at Pre-Vet Sloth and Wildlife Rescue Center was having the opportunity to assist with moving sloths when they needed to be weighed. It was a honor to be able to help with food and care of the animals.

Allen GainesJanuary 2026

Connections, Care, and Memories That Last

I saw lots of animals and cared for many of them. I learned new things not just from the work itself but from the entire experience overall. I made new connections and memories that will stay with me forever.

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Recognitions & Awards

Awards and accreditations earned by this provider

Top Rated Provider Volunteer Abroad 2025
Innovative Volunteer Abroad Program
GoAbroad Innovation Awards 2024 Finalist - Intern Abroad Program
Top Rated Provider 2023 - Notable Mention
Innovation in Sustainability Finalist 2022
Innovation in Sustainability 2021 Finalist
Innovative New Program Volunteer Abroad 2020 Finalist
2019 Notable Mentions
GoAbroad Innovative New Program - Volunteer Abroad
GoAbroad Top Rated Organization 2017 (Notable Mention)
Global Youth Travel Awards 2018
GoAbroad Top Volunteer Abroad Organization 2018
World Youth Student & Educational Travel Confederation

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