Programs and Rates
Volunteer and intern programs begin every other Sunday. Please keep in mind when submitting your application that you may have to begin up to two weeks before or after your preferred start date.
Please note, due to the increased costs associated with upkeep of on-site housing, from May 1st 2025 we are increasing our housing fee from $45.20 (listed below) to $60 per week. Any volunteer or internships booked before May 1st 2025 will retain the current price.
Pricing Local Volunteers (minimum 12 week; permanent residents or citizens only)
For permanent residents or Costa Rica citizens, volunteering is free. We ask for a $200 deposit which is fully refundable upon successful completion of the agreed upon term.
Pricing 4 week Volunteers
Shared Simple Room - $406.80 per week (includes meal plan)*
Shared or Private Deluxe Room - Seasonal rates, please enquire
Pricing 5-11 Week Volunteers
Shared Simple Room– $373 per week (includes meal plan)*
Shared or Private Deluxe Room - Seasonal rates, please enquire
*Please Note - we do not offer an option for 4-11 week volunteers to stay off site. If you choose to do so, the same program fees apply, however, to avoid confusion and complication you will forfeit the privilege of a meal plan or housing. We encourage you to stay on site for better value and for the full experience.
Full Term Volunteer Program (minimum 12 weeks)
Anyone over 18 years old is welcome to apply. Full Term Volunteers commit to at least 12 full weeks of service. If you can make that commitment, volunteering is free. You may live off-site or take advantage of heavily discounted housing (only $45.20/wk if booked before May 1st 2025) with kitchen access and an optional professional meal plan ($198/wk) if you prefer not to cook.
We also ask for a $400 deposit to reserve your position which will be returned at the end of a successful commitment of the agreed upon term.
Extended Long-Term Part-Time Volunteer Program (minimum additional 4 weeks)
Must have completed successful Full-Term Volunteer Program. Deposit reduced to $200 and carries over until the agreed upon completion date.
Social Media & Marketing Volunteer (minimum 12 week commitment)
Accommodation is provided for free plus the possibility of earning commissions for recruiting participants into specific revenue generating internships, externships and retreats.
We ask for a $500 deposit to reserve your position which will be returned at the end of a successful commitment of the agreed upon term.
Pre-Release Assistant or ICU Assistant (minimum 9 month commitment)
For this position, you must have been a previous volunteer for a minimum of 3 months. Background/experience with biology, veterinary medicine, animal husbandry preferred.
Room and board is provided including 3 meals a day Sunday through Friday and breakfast only on Saturdays.
We ask for a $500 deposit to reserve your position which will be returned at the end of a successful commitment of the agreed upon term.
Hospitality Volunteer (minimum 12 week commitment)
Accommodation is provided for free.
We ask for a $500 deposit to reserve your position which will be returned at the end of a successful commitment of the agreed upon term.
Grant Writing Volunteer (minimum 12 week commitment)
Accommodation is provided for free, plus food assistance.
We ask for a $500 deposit to reserve your position which will be returned at the end of a successful commitment of the agreed upon term.
Wildlife Biology Internship (12 weeks)
Anyone 18 years or older may apply for our Wildlife Biology Internship, however those with prior experience or studies in related fields will be given preference.
The cost of a 12-week internship is $1,492. We ask for an additional $400 deposit which will be returned at the end of a successful 12 week internship. As with our full-term volunteer position you may live off-site or take advantage of heavily discounted housing with kitchen access. An optional professional meal plan ($198/wk) is available if you prefer not to cook.
Internships are a minimum of 12-weeks, but can be extended and fees will be charged pro-rata.
On-site accommodations are offered in one of our shared simple rooms, in either same sex or co-ed dorms ($45.20/wk if booked before May 1st 2025). Upgrades to deluxe rooms are available at extra cost.
Wildlife Biology Interns conduct research to improve the rehabilitation and reintroduction of wildlife. In addition, internships include training on the fundamentals of animal care and feeding (you will have plenty of time with animal husbandry, we promise!). While we provide a framework for interns, we encourage you to make the most of your time here by applying your unique skillset and interests to the program.
Please see the Internship page for Terms & Conditions and additional details on how to apply.
Visiting Vet (minimum 12 weeks)
For this position, you must have a veterinary license up to date in any country. Background/experience with animal husbandry and vet medicine as well as ability to handle shifts autonomously preferred.
Accommodation and meal plan are provided for free.
We ask for a $500 deposit to reserve your position which will be returned at the end of a successful commitment of the agreed upon term.
For volunteer programs under 12 weeks, a $750 non-refundable deposit is required to make a reservation. We will send you an invoice via PayPal after your application has been approved. **Please do not make any travel plans until after your deposit is made and you receive confirmation from us.**
For special inquiries and requests, contact us at volunteer@wildsunrescue.com with a description of your circumstance and we will do our best to assist.