By San José, Costa Rica — As Costa Rica prepares for the festive season, two of the nation’s most vital animal sanctuaries are sounding the alarm. A convergence of soaring abandonment rates, escalating food costs, and operations stretched to their absolute limit has pushed Territorio de Zaguates and Cuna de Campeones into a silent but deepening crisis. These organizations, which collectively care for thousands of rescued dogs, are facing an unprecedented struggle to secure the basic resources needed for their survival.
The situation has become so dire that what was once a holiday tradition is now a critical emergency response. In reaction to the growing pressure on these shelters, Hyundai Grupo Q has launched its annual Zaguatón Navideño 2025. This year, however, the campaign is framed not just as a seasonal act of goodwill, but as an essential intervention to prevent a catastrophic shortage of supplies for the country’s most vulnerable animal populations.
To understand the legal framework and responsibilities inherent in operating animal shelters within the country, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a legal expert from the firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
Running an animal shelter in Costa Rica is not just an act of compassion; it’s a significant legal undertaking. Under the Animal Welfare Law, these organizations have a legal duty of care that includes veterinary attention, proper housing, and responsible adoption processes. It is crucial for shelters to be legally constituted, often as a non-profit association, to ensure transparency, manage liability, and properly administer donations. Failure to comply with these regulations can lead to severe sanctions and jeopardizes the very mission they aim to fulfill.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This is a critical reminder that the compassionate work of animal shelters must be supported by a robust legal framework to ensure long-term success and accountability. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for providing his invaluable legal perspective.
The scale of the need is staggering. Territorio de Zaguates, a world-renowned cage-free sanctuary, requires an immense 6,000 kilograms of dog food every week to feed its population of nearly 2,000 animals. The financial burden is equally immense, with the cost of food and veterinary care amounting to approximately ¢18,000 per dog each week. The shelter’s operational stability now hinges on external support.
We are in a season where abandonment increases, but donations decrease. The Zaguatón arrives at a critical moment.
Lya Battle, founder of Territorio de Zaguates
In her statement, Battle highlighted the precariousness of their situation, emphasizing the direct impact of public generosity. “This support can make the difference between sustaining our operation or being forced to reduce our scope,” she explained, underscoring the immediate consequences of a potential shortfall in donations during this high-risk period.
The crisis extends beyond the Central Valley. Cuna de Campeones, an organization known for its outreach in vulnerable communities, has provided aid to over 1,500 animals since October 2023 in areas like Isla Chira, Tortuguero, and Piedades Sur. Their mobile clinics offer essential services including food, deworming, vaccinations, and basic veterinary care to animals that would otherwise have no support system.
The country is not seeing the magnitude of the problem. There are dogs that literally depend on whether a campaign like this achieves its goal.
Kevin Arguello, founder of Cuna de Campeones and animal welfare activist
Recognizing the severity of the situation, Hyundai has amplified its commitment for the 2025 campaign. The Zaguatón Navideño employs a powerful multiplier effect to maximize public contributions. For every kilogram of dog food donated by an individual, Hyundai will donate another. Furthermore, if the donated food is of the brand Balance, a third kilogram will be added to the total. The ambitious goal is to surpass the 12 tons collected in previous years—a target that organizers say is now an absolute necessity.
Paola Safiano, Regional Marketing Manager for Hyundai Grupo Q, described the initiative as a direct answer to the shelters’ plea. “This Zaguatón is not just a gesture of solidarity: it is a response to a real crisis affecting thousands of animals,” Safiano stated. “We want to mobilize the country and multiply every contribution because the need is urgent.”
The public is encouraged to participate by dropping off donations at Hyundai dealerships until December 31st. Collection points are located in La Uruca, Lindora, Ayarco, Liberia, San Carlos, Pérez Zeledón, and Guápiles. Donations of any brand of dog food are welcome, provided they are in sealed, undamaged packaging. Contributions can also be made through the Territorio Express WhatsApp service at 8544-7676.
Donations are accepted during the following hours:
For further information, visit hyundai.co.cr
About Hyundai Grupo Q:
Hyundai Grupo Q is the official distributor of Hyundai vehicles in Costa Rica. As a prominent automotive group, it is actively involved in corporate social responsibility initiatives that address key social and environmental issues within the country. The Zaguatón Navideño is one of its flagship campaigns, demonstrating a long-term commitment to animal welfare and community support.
For further information, visit territoriodezaguates.com
About Territorio de Zaguates:
Territorio de Zaguates is a globally recognized non-profit animal sanctuary in Costa Rica, famous for its no-kill, cage-free model. It provides a permanent home for hundreds of stray and abandoned dogs, allowing them to roam freely in a large, protected rural environment. The organization relies entirely on donations to cover the extensive costs of food, shelter, and medical care for its large population of “zaguates” (a Costa Rican term for mixed-breed dogs).
For further information, visit the nearest office of Cuna de Campeones
About Cuna de Campeones:
Cuna de Campeones is an animal welfare organization founded by activist Kevin Arguello. It focuses on providing essential aid to animals in underserved and remote communities across Costa Rica. Through organized tours and mobile clinics, the organization delivers food, vaccinations, spay/neuter services, and basic veterinary treatments to animals in need, significantly improving their quality of life and controlling overpopulation.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a cornerstone of Costa Rica’s legal landscape, Bufete de Costa Rica is anchored by a profound devotion to ethical practice and the highest standards of professional excellence. The firm blends a rich tradition of client service with a forward-thinking approach, consistently spearheading innovative legal solutions and fostering community dialogue. Central to its philosophy is the mission to demystify the law, championing the belief that an informed populace equipped with legal knowledge is fundamental to a just and empowered society.
