WHAT: Having the best time with a whole lot of doggies WHERE: Costa Rica, about a one hour ride from San José, 26 km (it’s the traffic) HOW LONG: Depending on how long you like to cuddle, but an average visit is about 2 hours HOW MUCH: Totally free, accept for the donation, for you to choose what or how much!
If you’re a lover of dogs Costa Rica can be a difficult country to visit. Though I think the situation regarding stray dogs is infinitely better compared to neighbouring countries, you’ll find lots of furry friends running around without owners. Thankfully, some ten years ago, a great sanctuary has been founded a small hour drive from San José, which is now a heaven for dogs – and dog lovers!
This place for strays, the volunteer-run Territorio de Zaguates, literally ‘Land of the Strays’, is a no-kill shelter for somewhat 900 dogs. Owners Lya Battle and Alvaro Saumet started small; just with one dog. But more and more dogs can across their territories and over time other villagers started to bring more furry friends to their home. Currently Territorio de Zaguatas is a serious non-profit organization that operates with help from donations, volunteers, and a small staff. It’s situated on the slopes of the Barva volcano (it’s dormant, no worries!), near the town of Carrizal and the dogs have LOTS of space to run around and play with one another over there.
The amount of dogs living in the hills varies often, depending on how many dogs are brought in and are adopted. All the dogs that come is are being checked for diseases and parasites, next they are vaccinated and sterilised (to reduce the problem of stray dogs in the first place), before they enter the playing fields with the other dogs.
It’s really fun to see them running around altogether, like a wave of fur through the grass. And though as an extreme dog lover and owner, I did found it difficult at first to see so many paws without owners, I was very glad I visited the place, because it’s just wonderful that it exists at all in Costa Rica. The dogs seem quite happy and they are for sure much better off compared to their vagabond days on the streets.
Visiting the shelter grounds is an easy (half)daytrip from San José, or handy to combine with another trip. I went to the shelter when I came back from the Poas Volcano, which is about a 45-minute drive away.
If you stop by to say ‘hi’ to all these cutiepies, make sure you take something with you. Anything dog related is much appreciated, whether it’s food or toys. Also, check their Facebook page for upcoming events or when you can join the staff on their hikes. Yes hikes! Because you can actually make a long walk with them if you like. If you’re more in the mood for a big cuddle session with some of them, you can always visit the shelter during the mornings, but make sure it’s open beforehand by checking their Facebook. If you’re too busy for a visit during your trip, but are fond of doggies, you can also leave a donation through this Territorio de Zaguates donating page. Enjoy your stay – paw a vida!
