Terms and Conditions

Volunteer Terms and Conditions
Welcome to our wildlife rescue center! By joining us as a volunteer, you agree to the following terms and conditions, which ensure a safe, respectful, and enriching experience for everyone—humans and animals alike.
1. Respect and Inclusivity
• Our rescue center welcomes people from around the world. Volunteers must respect each other’s cultures, backgrounds, and opinions.
• Discriminatory behavior, racism, or negative comments towards others will not be tolerated.2. Ethical Treatment of Animals
• No animal selfies: Taking selfies with animals is strictly prohibited. This practice encourages harmful wildlife tourism and contributes to animal suffering.
• No petting the animals: Our goal is to release as many animals as possible back into the wild. Human contact can lead to habituation, reducing their chances of survival.
• The animals that remain in captivity do so due to conditions caused by human interference, such as the illegal pet trade and the use of animals for selfies. We provide them with the highest quality of life possible, and their enclosures are specifically designed for their needs.3. Hygiene and Cleanliness
• Our cleaning staff leaves at 3:00 PM. After this time, volunteers are responsible for cleaning the bathrooms after use.
• Keep living areas tidy. Do not leave open food in bedrooms, as we are in a tropical environment where bugs and pests are common.4. Dress Code for Safety
• While working with animals or walking around the rescue center, volunteers must wear t-shirts (no spaghetti straps) and closed-toe shoes for safety reasons. Wildlife, including snakes and other critters, are part of the environment.
• Volunteers on the veterinary team must wear scrubs or pants with t-shirts during their work.5. Curfew and Safety Regulations
• Volunteers must be inside the farm by 10:00 PM. The gate closes at this time, and the guard will not accommodate late entries unless it is an arrival. This is for safety reasons.
• Volunteers are welcome to explore local restaurants and bars but must return before the curfew.
• We recommend that volunteers go out in groups and complete grocery shopping before nightfall (6:00 PM Costa Rica time) for safety reasons.6. Alcohol, Drugs, and Smoking Policy
• No drinking policy during work hours or shifts.
• If you are over 18, you may enjoy the occasional drink during your free time, but no hard liquor or excessive drinking is allowed.
• Illegal drugs are strictly prohibited. Any violation will result in immediate removal from the program.
• No volunteer may be under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or any other substances while on shift.
• Smoking is only permitted in the designated smoking area by the main ranch. Smoking in any other area is illegal in Costa Rica, as smoking is only allowed in designated spots.7. Medical Insurance and Emergency Care
• All volunteers must have their own medical insurance.
• The rescue center provides emergency ambulance transport only.
• If an accident occurs at the rescue, our team will provide initial care, but any hospital visits, medical treatments, or hospital stays must be covered by the volunteer’s medical insurance.
• Volunteers are responsible for ensuring they have valid medical coverage for the duration of their stay.8. Commitment and Refund Policy
• By arriving at the rescue, you have made a commitment to help the animals.
• The rescue relies entirely on volunteer stays and donations, so we have a strict no-refund policy.
• If you need to end your stay early, your remaining dates do not expire and can be used at a later time. You are always welcome back.9. Learning Opportunity
• We are a teaching site, and we encourage volunteers to ask questions and learn as much as possible from our veterinarians and staff.10. Tours and Unexpected Cancellations
• We offer weekly tours, but they may be canceled due to weather conditions, volcanic activity, or other unforeseen circumstances.
• If a tour is canceled before departure, you will receive a full refund.