GoAbroad

Costa Rica Pre-Vet Shelter Medicine

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5.0 / 5Overall Rating
17Reviews
2009Year established

Program Overview

The one-week Costa Rica Small Animal Medicine program is based at Territorio de Zaguates (“Land of the Strays”), a famous dog sanctuary outside of San Jose that is home to over a thousand dogs. These animals have a permanent home at the sanctuary and receive food, medical attention, vaccines, and their famous daily hike through the surrounding jungle.

But keeping up with the health needs of almost two thousand dogs is a lot of work! And they have a lot to teach you and your fellow students about routine care, eye and ear care, skin diseases, tropical diseases, obstetrics, nutrition, physical therapy, and more.

This program will be hard work. You will be at the dog shelter approximately 8 hours a day, Monday to Friday, working and learning with your vets.

You will also have the chance to explore some parts of Costa Rica and enjoy outdoor adventures, including a volcano trip, jungle zip-lining, and a wildlife sanctuary tour.

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Program Highlights

Learn veterinary care techniques while working with hundreds of rescued dogs at a renowned sanctuary in Costa Rica.
Gain exposure to routine care, skin and tropical diseases, nutrition, obstetrics, rehabilitation, and more.
Spend full days actively supporting the health and wellbeing of nearly two thousand rescued dogs.
Experience Costa Rica through volcano excursions, jungle zip-lining, and wildlife sanctuary visits.
Contribute directly to the daily care, treatment, and quality of life of rescued stray dogs.

What's Included

Tuition & Fees
Accommodation / Housing for Program Duration
All Program Activity Costs
Welcome Dinner
Group Meals
Airport Transfer (Pick-Up)
Airport Transfer (Drop-Off)
In-Country Transportation To & From Project
In-Country Orientation
On-Site / In-Country Staff Support
Certificate of Completion

Program Details

Learn all the nitty gritty details you need to know

Locations

  • Costa Rica

Fields & Subjects

  • Animal Science

Available Terms / Availability

  • Years Offered
  • 2026, 2027, 2028, 2029
  • Terms Available
  • Summer

Eligible Nationalities

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

Education Levels & Language

  • Language
  • English
  • Education
  • Any/All Education Levels Accepted

Accommodation Options

  • Group living

Application Procedures

  • Online Application

Age Requirement

18-25

Program Reviews

Hear what past participants have to say about Loop Abroad

5.0
17 reviews

Rating breakdown

5
17
4
0
3
0
2
0
1
0

Top categories

Academics
5.0
Program Administration
5.0
Health & Safety
5.0
Living Situation
4.9
Cultural Immersion
3.5
Community
3.5

Participated in this program? Share your experience now.

Review this Program

Showing 1-17 of 17 reviews

Lexie BatesMay 2024

Learned mor than I thought possible

This program opened my eyes to the vast effects of and opportunities in vet med. I also learned more about my group, myself, and the profession than I ever thought possible in such a short amount of time.

Niamh OlsonMay 2024

Truly changed my life

Loop Abroad has truly changed my life. Not only have I learned so much about vet med and another culture but also myself. My eyes have been opened and my heart changed. I know what I want and I will work hard to achieve my dreams.

Rose BenjaminMay 2024

Learned so many things

This program has changed my life and perspective. I have connections with friends from all over the world. I have learned so many valuable things about vet med and conservation. If you are passionate about the vet field or animals/environment, and want to be a part of something bigger than yourself, please join their program.

Millicent LopezMay 2024

Learn in a fun environment

This experience allows you to learn in a fun and encourageing environment with likeminded people. I had never traveled alone or worked with exotic animals, so I was so worried coming here. I could not be more thankful for the connections I made and what I learned while I was here. If you are on the fence about doing a Loop Program, don't be -- go for it!

Callie MonroeMay 2024

Opened my eyes to wildlife

This program has opened my eyes to what wildlife and conservation is like in other countries. Meeting so many amazing people and vets who I look up to has shown me where I want to take my career. I loved Costa Rica.

Erika DelgadoMay 2024

I always wanted to do this

Traveling abroad has always been a plan in the back of my mind. I am so lucky that Loop was the program that fell into my lap in undergrad. My time in Costa Rica was life-changing and will continue to inspire me in my career.

Meghan TurnerMay 2024

So helpful and welcoming

At first I was so nervous to come on this trip and not know anyone but it has been so amazing. Everyone is so helpful and welcoming. this trip has been so informative and fun, especially coming here with no previous experience.

Harmony BryantMay 2024

Blown away

I had high expecations for the Loop Abroad Costa Rica program and was still blown away. I learned so much about the field. And I will never forget the amazing places, people, and experiences I got to have. I cannot receommend this program enough to anyone with an interest in veterinary medicine, wildlife rehabilitation or simply with a love of animals.

Frankie ZunigaMay 2024

Never learned this much

I have never learned this much while covering so many topics and sweating covered in bug bites and been so happy. The days started at the ass crack of dawn and packed to the brim with volunteering, lectures, labs, and excursions, but I have bonded with the best people and come away with an experience of a lifetime.

Alysha McdonaldMay 2024

Immersive cultural experience

This program taught me to adapt to different situations. It was an immersive cultural experience packed with so much hands on experience that I will remember forever. I will cherish these memories forever.

Keziah GatesMay 2024

Truly unbelieveable

This trip has made me grateful for the opportunities I have as an American. The knowledge and experiences I have gained is truly unbelievable. I would recommed this to anyone who wants more experience with wildlife and international travel.

Donna CooperJune 2023

Once in a lifetime experience

My favorite activity was the sea turtle release that wasn't even planned! It was spontaneous and such a once in a lifetime experience. The feeling that I got seeing those baby sea turtles make their way into the ocean was nothing like I've ever felt before. Knowing that there are people out there doing things like that for the animals and for the environment - it is so amazing and so comforting.

Kelly SanchezJuly 2022

Observing surgery upclose was amazing

My favorite parts were the spay/neuter clinic where we got to see interesting techniques and observe closely, the hikes, the free day, and giving medications to the dogs. I loved being able to help the dogs. Our vet leaders were so amazing and knowledgeable. You could really tell they cared about the animals and teaching us. I had an amazing time. Our group, staff, and students were so incredible.

Margaret LawsonJuly 2022

Come explore Costa Rica

Ziplining, visiting the hot springs, and exploring Costa Rica with the entire group was all such a fund bonding experience!! Dr Sydney, Dr Mathilde, Dr Mariana, Jenna were each extraordinary leaders in their own ways. I truly felt heard and comfortable around them. I genuinely loved this program so much and am most thankful to have done it with such sweet doctors and colleagues.

Tammy LaneJuly 2022

Helping dogs on a Costa Rica adventure

The best parts were the waterfall trip and hot springs visit because it was fun and relaxing. Also, getting to administer the Nexgard to the dogs was a very rewarding experience. Jenna and Dr Mariana were really magical in making this trip very informative and fun. It was great to see the perspective of a vet from a different country. Thank you for this great experience!

Bonnie RomanJuly 2022

Reaffirmed my dream of becoming a vet

The morning hikes up in the mountains with all the dogs and everyone was the best. Dr Mariana and Jenna both made every part of this experience so educational and engaging. They were inspiring to me thorugh everything and reaffirmed my dream to become a vet.

Debbie SandovalJuly 2022

What a great adventure

I enjoyed being involved in vaccinating and treating the dogs we worked with at Territorio de Zaguates with Loops Abroad. I also enjoyed the weekend trip where we went ziplining, visited a waterfall, and hot springs.

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Recognitions & Awards

Awards and accreditations earned by this provider

GoAbroad Top Rated Provider 2025 - Notable Mention
GoAbroad Top Rated Provider 2024 - Study Abroad
Top Rated Provider 2023 - Study Abroad
Top Rated Study Abroad Organization 2022
Innovation in Online Programming 2020 Finalist
2019 Notable Mentions
Forum on Education Abroad
GoAbroad Top Study Abroad Program 2018

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