For over 14 years, we have provided sanctuary, emergency medical care, and lifelong freedom to more than 28,000 stray and abandoned dogs. Today, over 1,600 reside safely across our 500-acre open-range mountain haven.
Nestled in the lush cloud highlands of Costa Rica, Terra Canina Sanctuary is a protected sanctuary for thousands of abandoned and injured dogs looking for a second chance. We are an open-air home where they run free, receive comprehensive veterinary care, and rediscover the joy of human companionship.
Every resident arrives with their own unforgettable story—some were found wandering lonely mountain roads, others required round-the-clock emergency surgery. Here, each dog receives names, medical care, and boundless lifelong respect.
Pack Trail Scout
Found abandoned on a mountain pass as a pup. Milo is now our unofficial trail guide who greets every hiking visitor.
Gentle Matriarch
A gentle senior hound who acts as mother and comforter to every newly arrived, frightened puppy at the nursery.
Every bowl of food, vaccine, emergency orthopedic surgery, and warm bed is made possible entirely through compassionate donors around the world. We receive zero government funding—our pack relies wholly on your generosity.
Prepared fresh every morning in our commercial kitchen to ensure balanced protein, fiber, and vitamins for dogs of all sizes.
Equipped with digital X-ray, surgery suite, quarantine pods, and full-time veterinary doctors dedicated to second chances.
Weatherproof cedar dormitories and heated orthopedic beds keeping every dog warm during chilly highland nights.
Read all about our daily work, rescue adventures, and heartwarming milestones from the sanctuary grounds.
Rescue Journey
When we found Oliver on Highway 2, he was too weak to stand. Today he leads hundreds of sanctuary dogs on morning pack excursions across the ridges.
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Sanctuary Life
Cooking 950 kg of freshly balanced food daily takes military precision, dedicated chefs, and our community of worldwide donors.
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Special Projects
Explore our newly opened climate-controlled solarium designed specifically for our elderly and arthritic rescue dogs.
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