Welcome to Land of The Strays!
For the past 15 years, we have rescued, neutered and rehomed over 10,000 strays. Currently, we are a home for more than 1,800 dogs searching for their forever families.
DonateHome to Over 1,800 Dogs
Territorio de Zaguates (Land of the Strays) is a dog sanctuary where we do not believe in euthanasia as a solution to the problem of abandoned dogs in Costa Rica. We are a temporary home for thousands of puppies looking for a second chance, but we are also the permanent home of many others who may never find their own family because of their looks, age or special needs and treatment.
26,700
Rescued dogs in the last 15 years
14,200
Dogs given up for adoption
1,816
Dogs currently fed and taken care of in the Sanctuary
+5,000
Supporters from all around the world
Meet Our Zaguates
The word “zaguate” is used in Costa Rica to refer to a mixed breed dog, a mutt, a stray. On Land of the Strays you can find rescued puppies, senior dogs, disabled ones, but above all other descriptions, all of our dogs are UNIQUE and worthy of a happy and healthy life. Regardless of a rescued dog's condition, we will always do everything in our power to save them and provide them with anything they need to live comfortably.
The World’s Most Unique No-kill Shelter
Send a Donation
Learn the different ways to donate and how your contributions help us give abandoned dogs a second chance.
Learn MoreAdopt a Stray
Even though our rescued dogs are off the streets, the best for them is to have permanent homes with loving families.
Learn MoreOther Ways to Help
There are multiple ways to help us grow. Explore bank transfers, PayPal, Zelle, Western Union, and more.
Learn MoreWe are a 100% Donation-Based Sanctuary
Maintenance costs for a dog shelter with as many residents as ours are very high and daily expenses are huge. Your economic support keeps us working and we couldn’t be more grateful. Your donations, big or small, may represent life or death for hundreds of abandoned, sick and neglected dogs currently living on the streets.
Food
We spend around $7,000 on weekly feedings.
Medicine
Vaccination, deworming and neutering expenses.
Treatments
Sick and senior dogs sometimes require specific treatments and procedures.
Collaborators
Salaries of over 20 employees who manage and care for the pack.
Check Out the Territorian Blog
You can read all about our daily work, curiosities and amazing rescue and adoption stories we’ve been blessed enough to witness.
