Take Part
In our Shelter and Rescue Center - Protect Our Four-Legged Friends
We are looking for enthusiastic, committed volunteers to work in the historic and breathtaking city of Cusco! Our project is a volunteer opportunity conducted for animal lovers and anyone who wants to help improve the lives of vulnerable street dogs. Join us, help provide daily care and medical attention at our shelter, and assist in the rehabilitation of abandoned dogs to give them a second chance at life.
Top Pick
One of the top picks, according to travelers
4.8
26
Reviews
Learn everything about veterinary support, Peruvian culture, and the heartfelt mission of animal welfare in the Andes!
Highlights
- Transform lives by caring for rescued and abandoned dogs in Cusco.
- Gain hands-on experience in feeding, enrichment, cleaning, and basic training.
- Boost animal wellbeing through daily care tailored to each dog’s needs.
- Promote lasting change by supporting responsible pet ownership education.
- Collaborate locally with dedicated Peruvian caretakers rehoming vulnerable dogs.
About the Program
Walk the trails, protect animals, and make a difference! Our rescue and volunteer program in Cusco offers more than just an experience. Help us safeguard vulnerable street dogs!
Especially good for
Age 18+
Groups
Families
Couples
Singles
50+
Rescue, Heal, and Make a Difference in the Peruvian Andes!
Support rescued dogs in Cusco by providing daily care, improving wellbeing, and helping with long-term adoption at a local shelter.
Cusco faces a significant challenge with abandoned and mistreated street dogs. Many animals suffer from malnutrition, untreated medical conditions, and lack of socialization. Limited access to sterilization and veterinary services contributes to the continuous growth of the stray dog population.
This…
Typical day
A Typical Volunteering Week
Example daily structure (may vary depending on shelter needs):
08:30 – Arrival and task briefing.
09:00 – Morning feeding and cleaning routines.
10:30 – Dog walking and socialization.
12:00 – Maintenance or enrichment activities.
13:00 – End of morning shift.
OR
15:00 – Afternoon feeding preparation and shelter cleaning.
16:00 – Dog interaction, exercise, and enrichment.
17:30 – Organization tasks and preparation for next day.
18:00 – End of shift.
Working time is approximately 4 hours per day, Monday to Friday.
Free-time Activities
Cusco offers an unforgettable mix of culture, history, adventure, and natural beauty, making it the perfect place to enjoy your free time while volunteering. Surrounded by the Andes and rich Incan heritage, the city gives you endless opportunities to explore, relax, and connect with local life.
On weekends or during free days, you can take part in some of Peru’s most iconic excursions. Popular trips include the Sacred Valley (Maras & Moray), where you can visit ancient salt mines and agricultural terraces, and the Valle VIP tour, which combines highlights of the Sacred Valley in one day. For mountain lovers, the stunning Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain offers colorful landscapes without the intense crowds of Vinicunca.
Machu Picchu is of course a must-see, and Cusco offers several ways to get there. You can travel by train, car, or join adventurous treks such as the Inca Trail (2 days), the Inca Jungle Trek (4 days), or the famous Salkantay Trek (5 days). Each option gives you a different way to experience the Andes, from lush jungle paths to dramatic high-altitude passes.
If you enjoy nature and wildlife, you can visit the Tambopata Rainforest and Lake Sandoval to see monkeys, birds, and exotic plants in the Amazon basin. For a cultural experience, a trip to Lake Titicaca lets you explore floating islands and indigenous communities, while Huacachina offers sandboarding and dune buggy rides in a desert oasis.
Cusco is also one of the best cities in the world to learn and practice Spanish. Locals speak clearly and slowly, making it easy to understand and communicate. You can practice your Spanish while shopping in local markets, ordering food, joining tours, or chatting with people from Peru and other parts of Latin America.
Whether you prefer hiking, history, culture, or simply enjoying café life in the Plaza de Armas, Cusco offers something for every traveler and makes your volunteer experience even more enriching.
Free-time activities
- Shopping/Souvenirs
- Hiking
- Sightseeing
- Riding
- Yoga/Meditation
- Climbing
Discover Peru's Endless Adventures in Your Free Time!
Gallery
volunteering
Spanish classes
Horse Riding
Accomodation
Activities:
- Horse riding
- Coastal paragliding
- Qorikancha
- San Pedro Market
Explore Beyond the Cusco:
- The Sacred Valley of the Incas
- Animal Sanctuary Cochahuasi
- Maras Salt Mines
- Puca Pucara
Curious to know what's included and what's not included in your travel?
✅ On-site Services
Your program fee directly supports the daily operation and long-term sustainability of the Dog Shelter in Cusco. It helps cover your accommodation and essential supplies for dog care, including food, bedding, cleaning products, and enrichment materials that improve the dogs’ wellbeing and quality of life. The fee also funds tools and materials needed for shelter maintenance, sanitation, and the improvement of living spaces for rescued dogs. In addition, it contributes to the salaries of local caretakers and on-site coordinators who supervise activities and ensure the dogs receive consistent, compassionate care. A portion of the fee supports transportation, general logistics, and a small emergency and sustainability reserve to maintain shelter operations and promote long-term animal welfare and responsible adoption efforts.
✅ Airport Pickup at Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport
The pick-up will be provided in Cusco city on the day that you start your accommodation.
✅ Accommodation
Our Volunteer House resides inside our Spanish School located in the Historical Center of Cusco
Perfect for self-reliant students, this choice allows you to cook and live alongside fellow international students, volunteers, and Proyecto Peru interns. Apartment living encourages a sense of community among travelers, fostering shared experiences within a student housing arrangement and exchange program. The fully furnished house features a well-equipped kitchen and complimentary internet. Your private bedroom provides personal space, while communal areas like the kitchen and living room are shared with roommates.
Description:
- Shared bathroom
- WiFi
- Access to shared living spaces
- Cleaning service
✅ Internet Access
Good access at the project site
❌ Food & Beverages
Food, snacks or beverages are at extra costs.
❌ Flight Tickets
The nearest airport is Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport (CUZ) in Cuzco. We assist you to find cheap flights to Peru.
❌Travel Insurance
Going abroad is an adventure and it is always best to be prepared. Sudden illness or injury, cancellation or theft – a travel insurance for Peru provides security and is a plus to have.
❌ Vaccines
If you are intending to volunteer in Peru you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for Peru.
Requirements to take part of this opportunity
Check all of the requirements necessary to take part in this incredible experience.
Volunteer Time Commitment
Monday-Friday
from 08:00-14:00
Requirements
Minimum level of English Respect diversity Open mind Altruistic person
Program fees
The following is a breakdown of the weekly fees for this experience.
4 weeks (min. stay)
1.421€
8 weeks
2.750€
12 weeks
4.078€
50 weeks (max stay)
16.300€
Average fees
326€/week
Show More
Program fees
- 363€ per week
- 4 - 50 weeks
- Age: 18 - 50+
Payment methods:
Duration
4 – 50 weeks
Deposit
The deposit is simply to reserve your volunteer placement. Payments are handled by PayPal, our trusted global payment provider. If you don’t have a PayPal account, you can also pay using a credit card.
Final Payment
Your final payment will be agreed with NewProjectOwnership during the application process. Common solutions are either via bank transfer or a cash payment at the project site.
10+
Years Of
Experiences
Partnerships
Top Pick
4.85
Overall
Social Impact
4.9
Safety
4.9
Support
4.9
Free Time
4.8
Value
4.8
One of the top picks, according to travelers
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