Volunteers in Residence work at our shelter for a minimum of four weeks, ten shifts each week. Daily shifts (seven days a week) occur from 8-11 am and 3-5 pm so you’ll be working 25 hours per week, on average. Your shift schedule will vary from week to week and you’ll work both days some weekends, but you will have at least one full day off each week for a serious adventure or a day of relaxation.
Occasionally you will be asked to work a bit extra, for example if we have a litter of kittens or puppies that need our care 24/7. But most workdays you will have from 11am-3pm and 5pm-bedtime free to explore the area or relax on site.
You will be required to follow our animal care and safety guidelines while you are a Volunteer in Residence. These guidelines are in place for the health and wellbeing of the cats and dogs in residence, as well as for your safety.
You must be comfortable with both cats and dogs, and also be dedicated to sharing love with those residing in our shelter. If you have more experience with one or the other that’s ok! We just need you to have an open mind and heart, and be willing to give your full attention to whichever species you’re working with during each shift.
Key tasks during each shift include:
- Walking, feeding, bathing and socializing the dogs in residence
- Cleaning dog kennels and dog yards
- Feeding and socializing the cats in residence
- Cleaning cat litter boxes, water bowls, and outdoor cat enclosures
- Administering medications to dogs and cats
You must be at least 18 years old, capable of physical activity (such as walking dogs), able to lift 40 pounds, able to work in high temperatures and humidity, and conversant in English. Speaking a little Spanish is also helpful, but not required.
You must have a viable tetanus vaccination; they usually need to be renewed every 10 years. You must also be able to cover any medical expenses while volunteering with us, via medical insurance or cash payment. There are private medical clinics in Uvita and a public hospital in Ciudad Cortes, which is an approximately 30-minute drive to the south. There is also a private hospital in San Isidro, an approximately 50-minute drive to the northeast.
Volunteer in Residence Program:
