Dog Care Volunteering in Peru

Our Dog Care Volunteer Program in Peru is a meaningful way to help improve the lives of abandoned and neglected dogs while experiencing the beauty and culture of Cusco, the heart of the ancient Inca Empire. This program is ideal for animal lovers, families, and veterinary students who want to make a difference while gaining hands-on experience in animal welfare and community outreach.


🐕 Why Volunteer in Dog Care in Peru?

Cusco has a large population of stray and abandoned dogs that face hunger, neglect, and illness. Many shelters and rescue centers struggle to meet daily care needs due to limited resources. By volunteering, you directly support these efforts — helping to feed, clean, care for, and socialize rescued dogs so they can live healthier, happier lives.

Your contribution also supports wider animal welfare initiatives such as vaccination, sterilization, and community education to reduce animal suffering and promote responsible pet ownership.

What You’ll Do

As a dog care volunteer, you’ll work alongside local staff and international volunteers to provide compassionate daily care for the rescued animals.

Typical responsibilities include:

  • Feeding, cleaning kennels, and maintaining a hygienic shelter environment

  • Socializing with dogs through play, walks, and affection to help build trust and confidence

  • Assisting with basic health checks, grooming, and minor wound care

  • Supporting local veterinarians with vaccinations and treatments (for qualified or veterinary students only)

  • Helping with record-keeping, cleaning, and general shelter maintenance

  • Participating in community outreach and adoption awareness campaigns

Every task you take on makes a direct impact on the wellbeing of these dogs and the success of the shelter’s mission.


🕒 A Typical Day

A day in the Dog Care Program is rewarding, full of cuddles, teamwork, and learning:

TimeActivity
8:00 AM – 8:30 AMBreakfast and travel to the dog care center.
9:00 AM – 12:30 PMMorning duties — feeding, cleaning, and socializing the dogs.
12:30 PM – 2:00 PMLunch break and rest — enjoy a meal in a local café or back at your accommodation.
2:00 PM – 4:30 PMAfternoon activities — dog walks, grooming, and health checks.
EveningReturn home to relax, plan the next day, or explore Cusco’s lively streets.

You’ll volunteer Monday to Friday, with weekends free to explore Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley, or the colorful markets and cafés of Cusco.


 

Dog shelter Peru

Some details

Volunteer in Peru Program Start Dates

Start Dates are suggested below. We advise you to check with us about public holidays and festivals during

Days

2025

Days

2026

Volunteer in Peru Programs Cost

Below you can find all the program fees in USD $ per person.

3.Orientation

Pickups are available from 8 am-10 pm on specified dates at designated airports or hotels near airports. Participants not arriving on these dates will have to meet with the local team independently or pay extra transportation fees.

  1. Pre-departure guide to Peru
  2. Airport Pick-up from Cusco airport on arrival
  3. Home-Stay Accommodation in Cusco
  4. Home-cooked meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  5. Location orientation
  6. Project training
  7. Project Placement and donation
  8. Weekly meeting with staff
  9. 24/7 Daily ground support as required
  10. Weekly Cultural meet
  1. Flights to the program destination
  2. Medical and travel insurance
  3. Visa costs
  4. Vaccinations
  5. Airport Drop
  6. Transport to Project Sites
  7. Spanish Language Courses
  8. Excursions

Volunteer in Peru Program Location

All our Peru programs are in Cusco

Your volunteering adventure is based in Cusco, a breathtaking city nestled high in the Andes Mountains. It’s famous for its Incan ruins, colonial architecture, colorful markets, and warm, welcoming people.

When you’re not volunteering, you’ll have plenty of time to explore Peru’s cultural and natural wonders — from wandering through Sacred Valley villages to hiking up to the world-famous Machu Picchu. Cusco is also a hub for travelers and volunteers from around the world, so you’ll always have great company and unforgettable experiences.

Accommodation is provided in a safe and comfortable homestay with a local Peruvian family. You’ll share meals, practice your Spanish, and gain a firsthand understanding of Peruvian culture. Meals are freshly cooked, and you’ll be welcomed as part of the family.

Peru

Volunteer in Peru Program Nearest Airport

  1. The nearest airport for this program in Cusco is Alejandro Velasco Astete Cusco International Airport (CUZ)
  2. Most European and North American visitors with a valid passport are permitted to sta in Peru for 183 days without any visa requirements.
  3. Travel Insurance is compulsory on this program.

Accommodation, Meals and Set Up

During your volunteer teaching program in Cusco, you’ll stay in a local Peruvian homestay, giving you a truly authentic and immersive cultural experience. Our host families are carefully selected, safe, and welcoming — they’ll make you feel like part of the family from the moment you arrive.

Rooms are shared with other international volunteers (usually 2–4 per room) and include comfortable beds, clean shared bathrooms with hot showers, and Wi-Fi access. Laundry facilities are available, and your hosts will be happy to help you with any local arrangements.

Living in a homestay is one of the most rewarding parts of your experience — it allows you to practice your Spanish, learn about daily Peruvian life, and enjoy the warmth and hospitality that Cusco is known for.

You’ll enjoy three home-cooked meals a day, freshly prepared by your host family using local ingredients. Expect a delicious variety of traditional Peruvian dishes such as rice, lentils, quinoa, potatoes, and fresh vegetables. Vegetarians and those with dietary restrictions can be easily accommodated.

The homestay is conveniently located near the volunteer placement sites and local transport routes, making it easy to get to your school or after-school project each day.

Evenings are typically spent relaxing with your host family, planning the next day’s lessons, or exploring Cusco’s charming streets, cafés, and markets with fellow volunteers.

What your first week looks like

Volunteer in Peru Day

Arrival day

Your arrival weekend will be relaxed. Your host family will pick you up from the airport and bring you to your accommodation. The next day our team will meet you and give you a local orientation so you can get to know the area you are living in. You will also be taken to your project the next day.
Volunteer teaching in Peru

Weekdays

Your project coordinator or a member of the team will be taking you to the office and after introductions you can get started with the projects as well. Our team will take you to the project on your first day. In the evenings most volunteers spend it either exploring local sights, relaxing at the accommodation or preparing for projects.
Volunteer in Peru Excursions

Weekend

Our local team will suggest many activities for you to do! Your weekends will be free for you to explore Kerala or India. We highly recommend you to utilise your time so you can get to see more of the country that you are visiting. We usually make recommendations based on past volunteer experiences. Its always better to book excursions in country with other volunteers.

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