For the past 15 years, the world famous Territorio de Zaguates (Land of the Strays) – located on a 400 acre farm on the slopes of the Póas Volcano, in Carrizal, Alajuela – has rescued, neutered, and/or rehomed over 10,000 strays. Currently, they are a home for more than 1,800 dogs searching for their forever families!
They provide dogs with a chance for adoption and a permanent home if they are unable to find a family of their own. Their mission is to not only save the lives of as many dogs as they can but also to champion animal welfare, advocate for spaying and neutering, and educate the public on compassion and respect for all forms of animal life.
According to Territorio’s founder Lya Battle, “The suffering that dogs have encountered doesn’t come from evil. It comes from ignorance. Ignorance perpetuates rejection, abandonment, and overpopulation. But ignorance can be solved. It just takes enough people to want to change it.”
Territorio de Zaguates believes that all dogs, regardless of their looks or circumstances, deserve to live dignified lives full of opportunity and that together, we can make a difference.