Territorio de Zaguates, or Land of the Strays, is the largest no-kill Shelter on the continent! Our daily functions include rescuing and helping stray animals, but our primary mission is to act as a temporary home for more than 2,000 dogs of all colors, breeds, and sizes.
At Territorio, we have been promoting animal welfare and respect since 2006. During our time active, we have managed to place thousands of dogs in families across the country and internationally.
Our strongest tool for closing adoptions is visitation and walks with the public. However, five years ago, we closed our doors to volunteers and visitors.
We received an immediate compliance order from the Costa Rican Government requiring us to close our Shelter. We could return to work until we complete a series of expensive renovations. While we focused on complying with all their requests, we stopped the walks for which hundreds of people worldwide visited us.
In recent years we have managed to build the following:
- A new entrance system for cars, buses, and people
- A +11 km rainwater system
- Three emergency exits
- Fence throughout the property to contain all of our animals
- Ramps for people with disabilities
- New corrals for challenging and special need's dogs
- An exclusive area for pregnant dogs and puppies
- A quarantine area for recent rescues
- A cemetery
- New bathrooms for visitors
- Our beloved Clinic
We have received several visits in which authorities inspected the constructions; however, the second we comply with their requests, they demand different and more expensive ones.
With a lot of patience and hard work, we have continued rescuing and caring for hundreds of animals and completed 90% of all the requirements that the Government asked of us.
On June 5th, we will have the final inspection of the projects, where it will be decided if Territorio can open its doors to the public or if more buts will arise that will force us to close them permanently.
Our Shelter has undergone an incredible construction effort, and we're proud of our progress. However, we need your support to make it happen. We're asking you to sign our petition to urge the Government to allow us to reopen our doors to visitors.
By signing our petition, you'll be helping us in our mission to give dogs a second chance at a happy life. You'll also support our efforts to promote responsible pet ownership, educate the public about animal welfare issues, and inspire others to join us in our mission.
Here are three easy ways you can help:
Thank you for your support and for standing with us in our mission to save the lives of dogs in need. Together, we can make a difference and reopen Land of the Strays!
