El Refugio Costa Ballena is an animal welfare and rescue organization in southwestern Costa Rica. We work to improve the welfare of dogs and cats in the Costa Ballena region of Costa Rica through rescue efforts, adoption and foster programs, low-cost spay and neuter clinics, animal welfare education, and community outreach programs. Our goals are to: * Rescue, rehabilitate, and find homes for homeless, abandoned, and injured dogs and cats. * Provide care at El Refugio's shelter or in a foster home for these dogs and cats until they are placed in permanent, loving homes. * Sponsor low-cost spay and neuter clinics in local communities for the pets of low-income families. * Educate children and families about animal care and welfare. * Provide community outreach services to help local families in need care for their pets in cases of emergency or hardship.