Land of the Strays: Lessons from Costa Rica's Dog Sanctuary

Costa Rica doesn't do anything halfway. This Central American gem has made protecting 25% of its land a national priority, runs almost entirely on renewable energy, and somehow convinced the world that "pura vida" isn't just a catchphrase—it's a way of life. So when you hear about a place called Territorio de Zaguates, or "Land of the Strays," tucked high in the misty mountains, it starts to make perfect sense.

A Different Kind of Sanctuary

Forget everything you think you know about dog shelters. At Territorio de Zaguates, over a thousand rescued dogs roam freely across 132 acres of rolling hills, boundless meadows, woods, and rivers. There are no cages, no time limits, no heartbreaking decisions about who stays and who goes. This is a no-kill sanctuary where mutts rule kingdoms and every dog gets a story worth telling.

The dogs here aren't just survivors—they're characters. Meet breeds like the "Alaskan Collie Fluffyterrier," the "Chewbacca Pekin Dog," or the "Bunny-Tailed Scottish Shepterrier." These aren't real breeds, of course, but playful names that celebrate what makes each rescue dog beautifully unique—a place where dogs can simply be dogs.

Territorio de Zaguates in the mountains of Heredia, north of Costa Rica's capital, San Jose.

Before recent closures for renovations (and pandemic precautions), visitors could join guided hikes with packs of enthusiastic four-legged trail companions. Imagine walking mountain paths with a dozen dogs of every size and shape, their joy infectious as they bound through Costa Rica's stunning landscape. Many hikers found themselves falling in love—not just with the scenery, but with a furry hiking buddy who'd follow them home.

Lessons in Living Well

There's something special happening here that goes beyond animal rescue. Territorio de Zaguates embodies the same philosophy that makes Costa Rica a global leader in sustainability: the radical idea that thriving doesn't require taking from others.

While many countries struggle with stray animal populations through culling programs, Costa Rica chose a different path. They created space—literally and figuratively—for life to flourish. The sanctuary's approach mirrors the country's broader commitment to conservation, proving that with creativity and compassion, there's room for everyone.

The dogs teach us about resilience, too. Many arrive scared, sick, or abandoned, yet they learn to trust again in an environment that prioritizes their wellbeing over convenience. They remind us that healing happens best when we're given space to be ourselves, surrounded by community, and treated with dignity.

From Pura Vida to Real Life

What if we applied this thinking beyond Costa Rica's borders? What if every community had spaces where the vulnerable—whether animals or humans—could exist without judgment, timeline pressure, or the constant threat of being discarded?

Territorio de Zaguates isn't just saving dogs; it's modeling a more humane approach to coexistence. In a world that often feels divided and disposable, this sanctuary offers a different vision: one where every life has value, every story matters, and there's always room for one more at the table.

How You Can Help

While Territorio de Zaguates prepares to reopen its trails to visitors, the daily work of caring for over a thousand dogs continues. The sanctuary operates entirely on donations and relies on supporters worldwide to keep tails wagging.

Ready to make a difference? Visit their website to learn about adoption, sponsorship, or donation opportunities. Even a small contribution helps provide food, medical care, and the loving attention these incredible dogs deserve.

Because sometimes the best way to find yourself is to help someone else—even if they have four legs and a tail that won't stop wagging.

Follow their journey and check for reopening updates at [Territorio de Zaguates' official website]

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A Note on Love and Legacy

Territorio de Zaguates exists because of two remarkable people: Lya Battle and her husband Alvaro Saumet. When Lya inherited land from her grandfather, she and Alvaro transformed it into something extraordinary—a mission fueled by love and intentionality. Their philosophy is beautifully simple: "No living being is just a number."

What started as a gift became a sanctuary, proving that when you combine inheritance with compassion, magic happens. Their dedication has created a place where dogs can live freely across hills and meadows, where every tail wag matters, and where the word "zaguate"—Costa Rica's term for any mixed-breed dog—becomes a celebration rather than a dismissal.

Zaguate itself tells the story: in Costa Rica, it simply means a dog without a specific breed, a mutt, a mixed blessing. At Territorio de Zaguates, these "mutts" have found their kingdom.