GoAbroad

Costa Rica Pre-Vet Shelter Medicine

by: Loop Abroad

5 (17)VerifiedSince 2009

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.

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.

Quick Details

Locations:
  • Costa Rica
Availability
Year(s) Offered: 2026, 2027, 2028, 2029Terms Available:
  • Summer
Age Requirement: 18-25
Types & Subjects
Subjects & Courses:
  • Animal Science
Guidelines:
  • All Nationalities
See all program details
Last Updated: May 08, 2026

Awards

GoAbroad Top Rated Provider 2025 - Notable MentionGoAbroad Top Rated Provider 2024 - Study AbroadTop Rated Provider 2023 - Study AbroadTop Rated Study Abroad Organization 2022

Program Reviews

Hear what past participants have to say about the programs

Overall Rating

5

Total Reviews

17

Learned mor than I thought possible

May 25, 2024by: Lexie Bates
5

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.

Truly changed my life

May 25, 2024by: Niamh Olson
5

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.

Learned so many things

May 25, 2024by: Rose Benjamin
5

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.

Learn in a fun environment

May 25, 2024by: Millicent Lopez
5

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!

Opened my eyes to wildlife

May 25, 2024by: Callie Monroe
5

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.

I always wanted to do this

May 25, 2024by: Erika Delgado
5

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.

So helpful and welcoming

May 25, 2024by: Meghan Turner
5

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.

Blown away

May 25, 2024by: Harmony Bryant
5

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.

Never learned this much

May 25, 2024by: Frankie Zuniga
5

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.

Immersive cultural experience

May 25, 2024by: Alysha Mcdonald
5

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.

Truly unbelieveable

May 25, 2024by: Keziah Gates
5

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.

Once in a lifetime experience

June 12, 2023by: Donna Cooper
5

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.

Observing surgery upclose was amazing

July 25, 2022by: Kelly Sanchez
5

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.

Come explore Costa Rica

July 25, 2022by: Margaret Lawson
5

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.

Helping dogs on a Costa Rica adventure

July 25, 2022by: Tammy Lane
5

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!

Reaffirmed my dream of becoming a vet

July 25, 2022by: Bonnie Roman
5

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.

What a great adventure

July 25, 2022by: Debbie Sandoval
5

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.

Program Details

Learn all the nitty gritty details you need to know

Locations

  • Costa Rica

Types and Subjects

  • Subjects & Courses
  • Animal Science

Availability

Years Offered: 2026, 2027, 2028, 2029

Terms Available:
  • Summer

Age Requirement

18-25

Guidelines

All Nationalities

This Program is also open to Solo, Group

Program Cost Includes

  • 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

Accommodation Options

  • Group living

Qualifications & Experience

    Language Skills Required

  • English

    Accepted Education Levels

  • Any/All Education Levels Accepted

Application Procedures

  • Online Application

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