Our Animals

Can I see the animals that are currently available for adoption?

Yes! See our Animals page to view all the animals available for adoption. You can also contact us to schedule a time to visit.

Are the animals spayed/neutered and vaccinated?

Yes. All animals at El Refugio are spayed/neutered, vaccinated, and dewormed prior to adoption. In the event that an animal cannot be spayed or neutered prior to adoption, such as being too young to have received their full set of vaccines yet or having health complications at the time of adoption, El Refugio will make arrangements with the adoptive family to have the animal spayed/neutered and vaccinated when they are ready. These costs are all included in the adoption fee.

What vaccines do the animals receive?

Dogs receive both a rabies vaccine and a “multi” vaccine (DHLPP) that protects against distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis, parvovirus, and parainfluenza. Adult dogs require one rabies vaccination and one multi vaccination. Puppies under six months of age require one rabies vaccination after four months of age and a series of three multi vaccinations one month apart.

Cats receive both a rabies vaccine and a “multi” vaccine (FVRCP) that protects against rhinotracheitis, calicivirus and panleukopenia (feline distemper). Adult cats require one rabies vaccination and one multi vaccination. Kittens under six months of age require one rabies vaccination after four months of age and a series of three multi vaccinations one month apart.

Rabies and “multi” vaccines are good for one year and must be given annually.

Travel vaccination note: Costa Rica does not currently offer the three-year rabies vaccine that is common in some countries. Rabies vaccinations that are needed for travel into or out of Costa Rica must generally be done no more than one year prior to travel (and no less than 30 days prior to travel), even if the vaccine that was received was a three-year rabies vaccine. Talk to your veterinarian well in advance to determine what is required for your animal to travel in or out of the country.

What is the process to adopt or foster an animal?

contact us to schedule a time to visit. Our adoption coordinators can answer all your questions about the animals!
Complete the Adoption and Foster Application.
Complete an interview with one of our adoption coordinators. As part of the interview, you will be asked about the type of animal you would like to adopt or foster, your home situation, and how you will provide proper care for the animal. This helps to ensure that the animal is a good match for your family!
To make sure the potential home is suitable for the animal, a home visit and/or references may be required before the adoption or foster is approved.
Once approved, the adopter or fosterer must complete and sign an adoption or foster contract and pay the adoption fee.
El Refugio will provide the adopter or fosterer all medical and vaccination history as required, and will provide a written schedule of when the animal is next due for any medical treatments, vaccinations, and preventative medications.
Now it’s time to take your new family member home!
- If you are adopting or fostering a dog, please bring a collar and leash with you when you come to pick up your new dog. If you do not have a name tag already, El Refugio can provide a temporary name tag with our contact information in the event that the dog becomes lost. Adopters should obtain a name tag with their own contact information (name and phone number) as soon as possible, and dogs should have this information on them at all times for their own welfare and safety.
- If you are adopting a cat, please bring a carrier or appropriate box that can be closed (with appropriate air holes) to transport the cat home. Cats are often scared when being transported and may try to escape, jump, run, or claw anyone holding them. Having something to transport the cat in makes them safer and more comfortable.

How much does it cost to adopt a cat or a dog?

We ask for a donation of 30,000 colones ($50) to adopt a dog or cat. This helps us to offset the costs of spaying/neutering, vaccinating, deworming, and caring for the animal during their time at the shelter so that we can continue to help more animals. (Qualified lower-income families may be eligible for a discounted adoption fee.)

What are the rules and requirements about adopting or fostering?

Adopters and fosterers must be at least 18 years of age or older.
Adopters and fosters agree to provide all required and necessary medical care, including vaccines and preventative medications for fleas, ticks, parasites, and heartworms.
In the event that the animal still needs any vaccinations, a spay/neuter surgery, or additional medical treatment or follow-up, the adopter must schedule a time with the adoption coordinators to bring the animal in for these follow-ups in a timely fashion.
Dogs must not be left tied up or kenneled for long periods of time.
Dogs may not be used for hunting or as “guard dogs.” Dogs are adopted solely as companion animals/pets that will be valued members of the family.
Cats may not be declawed.
Cats should be kept as indoor cats whenever possible. If the cat is an indoor/outdoor cat, the cat must be kept indoors or in a safe, protected space at night to protect them from predators. (This also helps to protect the wildlife in our delicate jungle ecosystem!)
If it is determined that an animal that has been adopted from El Refugio is not being properly cared for in its adoptive home, such as abuse, neglect, or failure to provide necessary medical treatment, El Refugio reserves the right to remove the animal from the home and reclaim ownership of the animal.