Sara boosts skills and confidence volunteering in Costa Rica
- May 26
- 3 min read
Through VetPartners’ overseas volunteering fund, vets and RVNs can apply for a grant to undertake clinical work with animal charities across the world.
It’s a wonderful opportunity for colleagues to support worthwhile causes while boosting their clinical skills by working often in the most challenging conditions.
If you have a passion for helping animals in need and a sense of adventure, the next funding window opens on June 1st.
Here, RVN Sara Xavier shares her experience of volunteering in Costa Rica….
VOLUNTEERING at a rescue centre in Costa Rica gave RVN Sara Xavier a unique opportunity to put her clinical skills, compassion and resilience to the test in challenging and resource-limited conditions.
Working in an unfamiliar environment with fewer facilities than she was used to, Sara adapted quickly, supporting the care and rehabilitation of animals in need while gaining invaluable hands-on experience.
The opportunity – made possible through the VetPartners overseas volunteering fund – not only strengthened her professional confidence but also highlighted the importance of adaptability, teamwork and dedication when delivering high-quality care in difficult circumstances.
Since 2024, 70 VetPartners colleagues have volunteered overseas in Asia, Africa, and Central and South America through the scheme, including Sara, who works at Abbey Vets in Derby.
Sara volunteered with Rescate Wildlife Rescue Centre, a non-profit foundation in Costa Rica dedicated to conserving the country’s wildlife. The animal sanctuary and rehabilitation centre has more than 30 years’ experience in rescuing, treating and releasing wildlife, as well as providing lifelong care for animals unable to return to the wild.
During her two weeks in Costa Rica, Sara helped care for a wide variety of species, including monkeys injured in road traffic accidents, sloths, venomous snakes, a baby crocodile, tortoises, frogs, parrots and rare birds.
Her skills as a registered veterinary nurse were put to great use, from taking blood samples and assisting with X-rays to running laboratory tests and bandaging injured animals.
Sara said: “It was a mind-blowing experience, and I would recommend volunteering for an overseas charity to anyone in the profession. You’re completely outside your comfort zone, but that’s where you learn the most.
“At Rescate, I worked alongside two vets and other international volunteers. It’s such a supportive environment – everyone helps each other, and you’re trusted to get involved, which gives you incredible hands-on experience.”
Reflecting on the clinical differences, Sara said: “There were some similarities to what we do in the UK – you’re still taking blood from the same veins and monitoring patients under anaesthetic – but you’re working with exotic species, which brings a whole new level of challenge and excitement.
“The drugs and protocols can be different, and because many of the animals are wild, almost everything has to be sedated or anaesthetised for examination. You also have to adapt to much more basic facilities, which really makes you think creatively and rely on your core skills.”
Despite the challenges, Sara described the experience as incredibly rewarding.
She said: “Seeing animals recover and knowing you’ve played a part in their rehabilitation is something I’ll never forget. It really reinforces why you do this job.”
If volunteering overseas is your dream for 2026, why not apply for funding? You can find the full details here (applications close 30th June):
Article by Amanda Little, VetPartners PR and Communications Director. Email amanda.little@vetpartners.co.uk
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