Ever Wondered How Dog Rescues Work in Other Countries?
If you’ve ever set foot in a North American dog rescue, you know the drill: rows of kennels, barking dogs, staff members hustling to clean and feed, and adoption forms that sometimes feel more intense than a job application. But what happens when you step into a dog rescue in another country? What if the entire approach to dog rescue, rehabilitation, and adoption looked completely different?
I recently had the chance to visit a dog rescue in Costa Rica, and it was nothing like what I’ve seen in North America. The differences were eye-opening—some good, some challenging, and all of it worth talking about.
The First Surprise: Dogs That Just… Hang Out
Here’s Holly!
Walking into the Pata Samara Animal Rescue, a dog rescue in Costa Rica, the first thing I noticed was the dogs are often separated, stressed, or overwhelmed by the chaos, constant noise and confinement. Here, dogs had space, social time, and—most importantly—a sense of predictability each day.
It was as if they weren’t waiting for a home, but just living their lives until the right family came along.. Most were in crates, and none were barking wildly, they were not lunging at barriers. They were just there, relaxing, moving freely, lounging in the sun, playing with each other, and occasionally trotting up for a scratch behind the ears. It felt more like a big backyard dog party than a dog rescue facility. In most North American dog rescues, dogs
Health Issues Look Different in a Dog Rescue in Costa Rica
The climate alone creates challenges you don’t often see in North America. Skin infections from moisture and heat? Common. Tick fever? Almost a given. Dogs like the high energy hound, Holly arrived with a collar embedded in her neck. Malnutrition, and wounds from street life are common, but behavioral issues seemed to be far less of a concern than they are in North American facilities.
The Pata Samara dog rescue used an interesting approach to treating skin conditions—high pH water and coconut oil. At first, I thought, Is this really a thing? But the staff swore by it, and honestly, the dogs looked great. One of them, a sweet boy named Balu, (shown in the photograph on the right) had a serious skin condition when he arrived—round bald spots that gave him a leopard-print look and were extremely uncomfortable. Within a few months after commencing the pH water and coconut oil treatment, along with a predictable daily routine and a nutritious diet, his fur is growing back and he is thriving.
Dogs From the Streets Aren’t the Same as Shelter Dogs
This was one of the biggest lightbulb moments for me. , North America many shelter dogs develop stress-related behavioural issues from long-term confinement—fear, anxiety, reactivity, or hyperactive behavior from lack of physical exercise and mental enrichment (the opportunity to explore, sniff and make choices). Here? Most of these dogs had lived on the streets (or on the beach!). They already knew how to interact with other dogs. They weren’t afraid of challenges or new environments. They were stable, social, and surprisingly well-adjusted.
Of course, that doesn’t mean they didn’t need help. Some were in rough shape physically, and a few had orthopedic issues that may never fully heal. But overall, these dogs had a confidence about them that you don’t always see in the typical North American dog rescue environment.
Managing Dog Rescue Numbers: Quality Over Quantity
BillyBob and Pippa
Before moving to their current location, this dog rescue had 28 dogs at one time. Now, they keep their numbers much lower—around 10 to 13 dogs max. Why? Because they’re right in the middle of a residential area. Too many dogs mean too much noise, and they’re trying to be good neighbors while still making an impact.
Unlike many U.S. dog rescues that are bursting at the seams with dogs, this dog rescue has a waiting list. Some dogs get bumped to the front if their situation is urgent—like Capitan, who had a severely injured tail. Others wait for space to open up. It’s a different approach, but one that prioritizes each dog’s well-being instead of overcrowding the facility.
Here is how our host, Chris explained it. You may check the video here.
No Kennel Stress = More Adoptable Dogs
One thing I couldn’t ignore was how calm and social these dogs were compared to what I see in North American dog rescues. In North America, it’s common for shelter dogs to develop stress-induced behaviors—pacing, barking, jumping on kennel doors. It’s not their fault. By nature, dogs are social, migratory predators. That means for their physical and mental well-being, they prefer to be part of a social group, need to be ‘on the move’ to hunt for food, and thrive when they can explore the world with their nose. Being locked in a small space 24/7 without exercise and social interaction, and often being trapped behind blackout curtains, is unnatural and frustrating, often leading to mental deterioration (also known as ‘shutting down’) to cope with the stress of constant confinement.
At PataSamara, the dogs weren’t dealing with that level of stress. They had space, interaction, and a more natural lifestyle. Watch what happens at this video when all dogs are released from their crates at the same time.
And because they weren’t developing negative behaviors, they were more adoptable when the right family came along. Overall, these Pata dogs were irresistible – There is no doubt that each of us wanted to scoop up every dog there and take them home!
The Adoption Process: More Community, Less Bureaucracy
Padma and Holly!
In North America, adopting a dog can sometimes feel like applying for a security clearance. Long forms, references, home checks—some of it necessary, some of it excessive and often counter-productive to finding the right home for the many dogs in North American shelters and rescue facilities. At PataSamara dog rescue, the process felt much more community-driven.
Much like North America when possible, dogs are often placed with foster families, giving them time to adjust to home life before officially being available for adoption. And because PataSamara dog rescue keeps their dog numbers low, they focus on finding the right fit instead of rushing to move dogs out. This practice is intended to significantly reduce the return rate.
One of the most heartwarming stories I heard was about Padma, a dog who was inseparable from her hound rescue friend, Holly . They appeared to be inseparable, The chance of both dogs being adopted together, was not only not a good idea, but was highly unlikely to happen. To ease the two dogs into a life independent of each other, Padma had recently gone into foster care and was adopted the day before we visited. While there was some sadness in seeing them separated, the dog rescue staff was confident that Holly would adjust and find her own perfect match soon.
What Can North American Dog Rescues Learn from This?
Seeing how this dog rescue operated made me think—what lessons could be applied to dog rescue in North America? Here are a few things that stood out:
1. Reducing Kennel Stress Should Be a Priority
Many North American dog rescues are overcrowded, and dogs suffer because of it. More structured playgroups, fostering, or even temporary placements in training programs could help lower stress levels and make dogs more adoptable.
2. Community-Based Dog Rescue Works
The idea of keeping the facility dog numbers manageable can be helped by incorporating a quality foster care program. Foster homes prepare the dog for the rules and boundaries of daily home life and ensures that dogs stay socialized and stable before adoption. This not only makes a lot of sense, the quality home life over quantity of packing dogs into a crowded facility, leads to better outcomes for both dogs and adopters.
3. Medical Care Can Be Simple Yet Effective
While modern vet care is amazing, not every treatment has to be complicated. Natural remedies like coconut oil and pH-balanced water may not be a cure-all, but they’re affordable, accessible, and can make a big difference.
4. Socialization Matters More Than We Think
Dogs that live in groups, interact daily, and have a sense of routine are far more fulfilled and mentally stable than dogs kept isolated in shelters, rescue facilities and in some cases – in many modern homes. They don’t develop the same behavioral issues as dogs kept in isolation. Creating environments where dogs can learn to coexist peacefully and as naturally as possible should be a bigger focus in dog rescue work.
BillyBob & Pippa
Final Thoughts: A Different, But Effective Approach to Dog Rescue
Not every dog rescue can operate like PataSamara in Costa Rica. Geography, climate, laws, and resources all play a role in how dog rescues function. But there’s no denying that a low-stress, social, and structured dog rescue environment makes for happier, healthier, and more adoptable dogs.
This visit was a powerful reminder that dog rescue work doesn’t have to be chaotic to be effective. Sometimes, it’s about taking a step back, focusing on what truly benefits the dogs, and making small but meaningful changes to create a better future for them.
Would I adopt from a dog rescue like this? In a heartbeat. While a few North American dog rescue organizations are ‘doing rescue right’ for the dog, I honestly, believe many could take a page from their book.
Have You Seen a Dog Rescue Like This?
Have you ever visited an international dog rescue or seen a different approach to sheltering dogs? I’d love to hear your thoughts. Drop a comment or share your experience!
To learn more about PataSamara and their dogs in need, click here.
Enjoyed this read? For more no-nonsense insights on dog training and behavior, check out my earlier blogs:
• Achieving Work-Life Balance in Your Dog Training Business
• Dog Fights: What to Do When Play Turns Ugly
• Street Dogs and Freedom: The Hidden Side of Canine Happiness
There’s always something new to learn, even if it’s just a different perspective on the everyday challenges we face. Happy reading!
Join my Email List to get frequent updates, free downloadables, and dog training tips! Click here to subscribe.
Get the latest updates when we publish new freebies and guides by signing up. Your dog will thank you, and you’ll be the first to know when new gifts are available!
Let’s stay connected: