Dog shelter volunteering in Cusco

A shelter animal needs more than a visit: food, clean surroundings, exercise and patient attention every day. Local organisations care for abandoned dogs or dogs in difficulty and, where possible, help prepare them for a new home. You join that ongoing work alongside people who know their histories and behaviour.

The day may begin with cleaning enclosures and preparing food. Then, following staff guidance, help brush, walk or play with the dogs. Some are sociable; others need distance and patience. Contact follows their needs, without forcing a moment for a photo. Small maintenance jobs or help with shelter communications may also be part of the day.

You don’t need veterinary training for everyday care. Clinical treatment and health decisions remain with professionals; specialist tasks depend on qualifications and local authorisation. Be ready to get dirty, work outdoors and follow instructions. Basic English is enough. Spanish isn’t required, but it’s useful. Your programme coordinator supports you during the stay, without being at the shelter every day.

The requested project type is checked for availability before confirmation. The assigned centre and tasks may change with local needs. This description explains the programme without guaranteeing a particular shelter or animal.

There’s life beyond the project too. Explore Cusco’s neighbourhoods, browse a market or meet fellow participants. On arrival, discover the local activity calendar: free salsa, cooking and Tandem when scheduled, with events varying from week to week. Optional tours and excursions are arranged separately.

🏡 You’ll stay with a Peruvian family selected by the local team, possibly alongside other international participants. Standard rooms are shared; pairings and guest numbers depend on availability. Bathrooms are normally shared too.

Breakfast and dinner are included every day, including weekends. Shared meals and conversations when you get home offer a chance to get to know the family’s routines. Bedding, blankets, a towel, drinking water and hot water are provided. Wi-Fi isn’t always guaranteed.

If you have allergies or dietary needs, let us know before you travel so we can check the options with your host family. Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options are available by prior arrangement. Laundry has a separate cost. You can use a local service or ask whether your host family offers it.

Prefer a different arrangement? The following can be requested, subject to availability and a separate quote:

• A private room with a host family, including breakfast and dinner. A private bathroom must be requested and confirmed separately.

• A participant residence for ages 18–26, with breakfast and dinner. Room and bathroom arrangements are confirmed in the quote.

• A three-star hotel, with a private room and bathroom and breakfast included. Lunch and dinner are separate.

• A furnished apartment, without meals, normally offered for four-week stays. Shorter stays need checking.

• A hostel, with a shared or private room and breakfast as specified in the quote. A private room doesn’t automatically include a private bathroom.

What about free time? The local team offers a monthly calendar with several free activities, giving you ways to try something new and meet fellow international participants. Events vary with the period.

For Spanish practice, join Tandem, a free exchange with a local person. You practise Spanish while they practise a language you know, according to available matches. Structured small-group or individual Spanish classes, from beginner to advanced, can be requested outside project hours with a separate quote.

There’s also time to explore Cusco’s museums, craft markets and historic places. For trips further afield, the team can advise on the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu or other parts of Peru, allowing for travel time and the days available.

🛡️ A local team member welcomes you on arrival in Cusco. After booking confirmation, you’ll receive the meeting point, how to recognise them and useful contacts, including an emergency number.

Your host family is selected by the local team to welcome international participants. Learn the house rules and get to know the people you can turn to while settling in. Other guests’ presence depends on the period.

At orientation, the team introduces the local setting and practical guidance for getting around. You can contact them for support during your stay and use a 24/7 emergency number.

Follow the guidance, use reliable transport and take care of your phone, money and belongings, especially in crowded places. Ask whenever something is unclear. Support is available, without continuous personal accompaniment.

Around animals, follow staff instructions and respect each animal’s pace. Don’t open enclosures or improvise treatment. Bring suitable clothes for practical work and the protection specified for your placement. Report incidents or difficulties promptly.

🧭 Before activities begin, meet the team and get the information you need to settle in, understand your role and organise your days. Your welcome materials explain arrival and orientation arrangements.

Orientation covers:

• Your programme and assigned project.
• Activities, rules and your role.
• Practical safety, local transport and available services.
• Free-time activities.
• A Spanish-level assessment to help arrange any lessons you choose.

Basic English is enough. Spanish isn’t required, but it’s useful. The language assessment doesn’t make Spanish lessons compulsory.

On your first journey to the project, a team member accompanies you, introduces you to staff and explains what you’ll do. They also show the route from your accommodation so you can travel independently afterwards. Depending on the distance, you may walk or use local transport. Daily transport costs aren’t included.

✈️ Your arrival airport is Alejandro Velasco Astete Airport in Cusco, code CUZ. Arrival is normally on Sunday, with the programme starting on Monday.

Pickup at Cusco airport is included. Once your travel is booked, send us the date, time, airline and number of your final flight into Cusco so the team can arrange your welcome.

After booking, you’ll receive the meeting point and operational contacts. If you can’t find your representative, stay at the agreed point and contact the team. Report flight changes or delays as soon as possible.

If you travel through Lima, arrange your connection to Cusco too: the domestic flight isn’t included. Check connections and baggage transfer with your airline, leaving enough time between flights.

Arrivals on other days and extra nights must be agreed beforehand. Additional nights and services depend on availability and cost extra.

📱 A practical tip: for internet from arrival, consider setting up an eSIM before travelling. You can explore Airalo options here.

Your return journey

The standard homestay ends on Saturday, with check-out by 11:00 and breakfast included. Other accommodation arrangements have their own confirmed check-out time.

For your return to the airport, allow for a separate travel cost. The team can help you arrange the journey. If you continue travelling in Peru, tell us in advance so we can coordinate your departure from the accommodation.