The 'El Arca de Noé Asociación, founded in 2005 is a small private, non-political association for the protection of animals. It's shelter is a 2 hectare haven of peace where a large number of animals live, all having been abandoned or rescued from abusive treatment. Among the animals are dogs, horses, a sow, a goat, numerous fowl and other feathered or furry friends.

The Association organises monthly Adoption Campaigns which are always very successful in finding new loving homes for some of the shelter residents (see image left). Prior to adoption all animals are neutered, vaccinated and dewormed. New owners are asked to give a donation according to their circumstances to help the Association pursue its many activities to help the animals: neutering campaigns; circulating information to promote responsible pet ownership; seminars and various fundraising activities such as concerts, lotto, tombola and World Animal Day events. As for the shelter, all costs associated with its day to day operation are completely covered by Patricia Artimaña, the President of the Association, from her own personal funds.

The shelter does not accept animals whose owners simply want to 'get rid of them' as this would mean the shelter's job would very quickly become economically unsustainable for Patricia Artimaña. Only abandoned animals are taken in. Besides, the Association recognises that shelters are not the solution because they quickly become veritable 'animal dumps' making it all too easy for irresponsible pet owners. However, in order to help owners who have a genuine reason for needing to give up their pet, the Association invites them to participate in its monthly adoption activities in order to find a new loving home for their animal. For pets to be eligible for this scheme, they must be in good health, neutered, vaccinated, de-wormed, sociable and suitable for rehoming.

Neutering Campaigns
As mentioned above, regular Neutering Campaigns are carried out by the Association in many villages in the area, during which operations are carried out at a low price. Humane education and raising public awareness of the benefits of neutering pets is of the utmost importance in Costa Rica where each home often owns several dogs. Our low-cost neutering campaign means that even people of the most modest means can care for and protect their faithful companions.

Seminars
Shortly we will begin organising school seminars to promote responsible pet ownership amongst the younger generation; to create awareness about protecting animal life; and to teach them to love and protect the animals with whom we share this earth. This project is being launched with the cooperation of the World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA).

The Bio-Digester!
This ingenious environmentally friendly sewage system enables us to turn dog excrement into methane gas which we use as fuel in the shelter's kitchen to prepare food for the animals.

Have fun helping
In order to reduce the maintenance costs of running the shelter, 'El Arca de Noé offers various options to spend time enjoying what nature has to offer. For example: horseback riding with the option to include lunch or dinner; rental of a fully-equipped rustic cabin suitable for 3/4 people, with BBQ area and a small swimming pool (children only); camping facilities; mountain trekking with bird watching and swimming in the river; organised shelter visits for schools/groups to meet the animals with a talk on animal welfare and a refreshment (optional short horseback ride available for children). In addition, the Association offers pet funeral services in its cemetery. All money raised from these activities is used either to help fund specific projects at the shelter (not the every day running costs) or to help other animals in emergency situations.