Land of the Strays, also known as Territorio de Zaguates, is a dog sanctuary located in the mountains of Costa Rica.
The sanctuary has gained international attention for its unique approach to animal welfare, which involves rescuing and neutering stray dogs and giving them a second chance at life.
Currently, the sanctuary is home to more than 1800 dogs of all breeds, sizes, and colors.
(Cover photo: @mar_cw & @territorio_de_zaguates)
What sets Land of the Strays apart from other dog shelters is its commitment to providing a safe and comfortable environment for its residents.
The dogs are allowed to roam freely across the sanctuary’s 375 acres of land, which includes lush green forests, rolling hills, and sparkling streams.
The sanctuary’s staff and volunteers work tirelessly to ensure that the dogs receive proper care, including regular check-ups, vaccinations, and plenty of food and water.
Visitors to Land of the Strays are welcome to take a guided tour of the sanctuary and meet some of its furry residents.
The tours are a great way to learn more about the sanctuary’s mission and the dogs’ stories.
Additionally, the sanctuary offers a sponsorship program, which allows individuals to support a specific dog by covering their food, medical expenses, and other needs.
Overall, Land of the Strays is a shining example of how compassion and dedication can make a difference in the lives of animals in need.
History and Mission
Founding of Territorio de Zaguates
Territorio de Zaguates, also known as Land of the Strays, is a dog sanctuary located in the mountains of Costa Rica.
The sanctuary was founded by Lya Battle and Alvaro Saumet, a couple who began taking in abandoned dogs to their home in 2005.
However, as the number of dogs increased, they decided to move to a larger property, and in 2008 they inherited a 378-acre farm that became the home of Territorio de Zaguates.
Vision and Goals
The mission of Territorio de Zaguates is to provide a home for stray dogs and promote adoption.
The sanctuary believes that every animal deserves a second chance, and they have rescued and neutered thousands of strays over the past 15 years.
Currently, they are a home for more than 1800 dogs searching for a family.
Territorio de Zaguates is a no-kill shelter, which means that they do not euthanize any of the dogs under their care.
Instead, they work to find loving homes for their furry residents, and they also accept dogs that have been abandoned or surrendered by their owners.
The sanctuary’s founders are strong advocates for animal rights, and they believe that every dog deserves a safe and loving home.
They work tirelessly to provide the best possible care for their dogs, and they rely on donations and volunteers to keep the sanctuary running.
In summary, Territorio de Zaguates is a rescue and no-kill shelter that was founded by Lya Battle and Alvaro Saumet.
Their mission is to provide a home for stray dogs and promote adoption, and they believe that every animal deserves a second chance.
They are strong advocates for animal rights and rely on donations and volunteers to keep the sanctuary running.
The Sanctuary Experience
Life at the Sanctuary
Visiting the Land of the Strays is an unforgettable experience for any dog lover.
The sanctuary is nestled in the mountains of Costa Rica, providing a peaceful and serene environment for its residents.
The dogs are free to roam around and play with each other, making it a joyous sight to behold.
The volunteers at the sanctuary ensure that the dogs are well-fed, healthy, and happy.
They also take the dogs on walks and hikes, providing them with much-needed exercise and stimulation.
The Adoption Process
The Land of the Strays is a no-kill shelter that provides a safe haven for dogs that have been abandoned or mistreated.
The adoption process is straightforward and friendly. Prospective adopters can visit the sanctuary during the weekends and get to know the dogs.
If they find a dog that they connect with, they can start the adoption process.
The staff at the sanctuary will guide them through the process and ensure that the dog is a good fit for their home and lifestyle.
Community and Volunteerism
The Land of the Strays is run by a team of dedicated volunteers who are passionate about animal welfare.
They welcome visitors and volunteers with open arms, providing them with an opportunity to connect with the dogs and contribute to the community.
Volunteers can help with tasks such as feeding, grooming, and walking the dogs.
They can also assist with the adoption process and help raise awareness about the sanctuary’s mission.
The community at the Land of the Strays is warm and welcoming, making it a great place to meet like-minded individuals and make a difference in the lives of animals.
Overall, the Land of the Strays provides a unique and heartwarming experience for anyone who loves dogs.
The sanctuary is a home for over 1800 dogs that have been given a second chance at life.
Visitors can enjoy the beautiful surroundings, connect with the dogs, and make a positive impact on the community.
The Land of the Strays is a testament to the power of compassion and volunteerism, and it is a place that will leave a lasting impression on anyone who visits.
Support and Sustainability
Donations and Funding
Territorio de Zaguates is a non-profit organization that relies on donations and funding to continue its mission of providing a home for all the dogs they take care of.
They accept donations of all kinds, including monetary donations, dog food, and construction materials.
Donations can be made through their website, and they also have a wish list of items that they need on their Amazon page.
Every donation, no matter how small, helps the dogs at Territorio de Zaguates.
Infrastructure and Development
Territorio de Zaguates is constantly working to improve their infrastructure and develop new ways to provide a better life for the dogs in their care.
They recently completed a project to build a new fence around the property, which ensures the safety of the dogs and prevents them from escaping.
In addition to the fence project, Territorio de Zaguates is also working on developing new areas for the dogs to play and exercise.
They are currently in the process of building a new dog shelter that will provide more space and better living conditions for the dogs.
All of these projects and developments are made possible through the support of donations and funding.
Territorio de Zaguates is committed to providing the best possible care for their dogs, and they rely on the generosity of others to make that happen.
Advocacy and Education
Promoting Animal Welfare
Land of the Strays is not just an animal shelter, it is also a unique breed of animal sanctuary that promotes animal welfare and respect for all living creatures.
Their mission is to provide a home for all the dogs they take care of, which includes hundreds of doggies seeking a second chance at being adopted, and a permanent home for others that probably will never find a family.
The sanctuary is located in a paradise-like setting in the mountains of Costa Rica, where more than 1800 dogs run freely across the grounds.
The founders, Lya Battle and her husband Alvaro Saumet, have dedicated their lives to creating a safe haven for abandoned animals, and they continue to educate the public about the importance of animal welfare.
Engagement and Social Media
Land of the Strays has a strong presence on social media, particularly on Facebook, where they have over 1.5 million followers.
They use social media as a tool to engage with dog lovers from all over the world, to share their stories, and to encourage people to adopt and support their cause.
Their Facebook page is filled with heartwarming stories and photos of the dogs at the sanctuary, as well as educational content about animal welfare.
They also use social media to promote their adoption program, which allows people to sponsor a stray dog and help them find a loving home.
Overall, Land of the Strays is not just an animal shelter, but a beacon of hope for all abandoned animals.
Their advocacy and education efforts have helped to raise awareness about animal welfare, and their engagement on social media has helped to connect dog lovers from all over the world.