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Help at our Dog Refuge in Samara Beach

5.0
(3 reviews)3

The experience

ATTENTION DOG LOVERS!

Live-in volunteer opportunity in Playa Samara. We need help at our small dog refuge with feeding and caring for the dogs, cleaning, preparing food and walking the dogs on the beach. Volunteers must love dogs and and spending time with them, and be physically active.

What you offer

22 hours of help per week

Gardening: Help grow plants and cultivate gardens

Painting & Decorating: Help with painting or decorating the property facilities.

Building & Repairing: Help with a wide range of repairs or building.

What you get

2 days off per week

Private Room: You will have a bed in a private room. In other words, a room just for you.

Free Laundry: You can use our laundry room freely.

Bikes at your disposal: You can use our bikes any time you want.

Pick Up: We will pick you up when you arrive, and take you to our property.

Use our equipped kitchen: Feel free to use our kitchen and make your own delicious food.

Basic Internet Access: Basic speed internet for you to work remotely

Requirements

Beginner English or Beginner Spanish

Between 22 and 60 years old

Welcomes solo volunteers, couples, and partners of volunteers

What's not included

Flights, Travel Insurance, Internal Transportation and Visa

Program Details

At PATA, every paw has a story—and with your help, that story can have a happy ending.

We're a registered non-profit based in beautiful Costa Rica, completely powered by volunteers who care deeply about the welfare of animals. Our founder, Sally Ella Horn, leads with heart—managing day-to-day operations, investigating rescue cases, and ensuring the dogs and cats we help get the second chance they deserve.

As a volunteer, you’ll stay and help at our small, cozy dog refuge where we care for abandoned, sick, and neglected pups, helping them recover and thrive. Our cat rescues are looked after by trusted local foster families.

We’re located near the beach in a peaceful part of Sámara—close enough to enjoy the town’s shops, restaurants, and vibes, but quiet enough to relax and recharge. Whether you take a short bike ride, hop on the local bus, or walk along the shore, getting to the town center is quick and easy.

By volunteering with us, you’re not just helping animals—you’re becoming part of a community that believes in compassion, connection, and creating change.

I’m Sally Ella Horn, and I started PATA in 2019 with a simple mission: to give neglected, abandoned, and abused animals the love and care they deserve.

I’ve traveled alot a d had the chance to meet wonderful people from around the world. I’ve always been passionate about animals, nature, and building community. That’s what PATA is all about.

Here, we operate like a family. Everyone works together for the well-being of the animals. We make sure our volunteers feel welcomed, appreciated, and supported—because we couldn’t do this work without you.

Whether you’re here for 2 weeks or a 2 months, we'll do our best to make your stay enjoyable. We're happy to show you some of the pretty nature spots in the area.

Activities & Shift

Volunteering is 5 hours maximum per day, sometimes in the morning, other times in the afternoon, and sometimes a combination. It won'tr be more than 5 hours, and you will always have two days off per week.

Rules

Under no circumstances is physical punishment of the dogs permitted. Nor is the consumption of any type of hallucinogenic permitted. Smoking is not permitted on the premises. Quiet time is 10pm - 6am. No parties. No overnight guests. Visits must be requested in advance and pre-approved.