Quick Facts
Program code
PE-VOL112
Category
Volunteer Work, Animal Welfare
Country
Peru
Location
Cusco
Program start
flexible start and end dates, year-round
Minimum duration
2 weeks
Minimum age
17 years
Contact us
Happy to help you
(+1) 954 762 7607
(+56) 9 7516 9816
(+49) 7735 425 339
skype: chileinside
8 am - 4 pm EST
Program details
Without a doubt, Peru is an amazing country that everyone should visit at least once. The unique nature, interesting history, and ancient culture can impress even the most experienced travelers.
Sadly, not only breath-taking landmarks like famous Machu Picchu, belong to the typical things to find in Peru, but also many street dogs that live in very bad conditions. Many of the animals have been kept in very bad conditions, suffered from abuse or have been left to fend for themselves on the streets. They eat what they can find and often suffer from infections or injuries that eventually kill them.
To reduce the number of street dogs, there is a dog shelter in Cusco that gives many dogs a new home. Currently, there are about 30 dogs at this shelter being treated and trained (number is subject to changes).
The shelter’s primary goal is to help rehabilitate the dogs so that they can be put up for adoption after their recovery. The shelter is located in the outskirts of Cusco and depends heavily on assistance from volunteers and donations. Any helping hand from national or international volunteers is very much needed! If you are a dog lover and want to make a difference while volunteering in Peru, this project is perfect for you!
Tasks
As a volunteer at the dog shelter, a wide range of responsibilities awaits you. These are usually revolved around caring for and feeding the dogs, as well as cleaning the facilities and kennels. You will also be able to assist during medical treatments and train the dogs so that they can become acclimated to being around humans again and hopefully released for adoption.
You will walk the dogs, play with them, and give them affection. Furthermore, you might assist with marketing efforts and update the dog shelter’s social media channels.
It is important that you are responsible, arrive for work on time, and have a sense of dedication. Of course, being fond of dogs is also important so that you can thoroughly enjoy your time volunteering in the dog shelter.
Working hours are half-day or full-day schedule. This volunteer work can be combined with a Spanish course in Cusco.
Note: The tasks may vary. They depend on factors such as number of volunteers, season, current needs of the project, as well as self-motivation. Not every volunteer may be fully involved in all these tasks.
Accommodation
It is very important for the success of your volunteer work that you feel comfortable during your stay in Peru. We therefore offer you two different accommodation options to choose from. All our accommodations are carefully selected.
Homestay
Accommodation in a single room in a Peruvian homestay with breakfast & dinner allowing you to get to know the local cuisine and immerse yourself in everyday life. In addition, living together with the hosts gives you the opportunity to get to know the warmth of the Peruvian people, their habits and their culture. You can also share your experiences with them and continuously improve your language skills.
Residence
For volunteers who prefer to live with other volunteers or Spanish students from all over the world, we offer single rooms in a residence. The bathrooms are always shared. No meals are included, but there is a kitchen for self-catering. Internet is available.
Location
The city is known worldwide as a starting point for adventurous hikes on the Inca Trail and for the trip to the famous Inca city and World Heritage Site of Machu Picchu.
As the former capital of the Inca Empire, Cusco is itself a World Heritage Site and in the 13th century it had already reached a size much larger than all other Inca settlements. The history of the city is very eventful and legendary - traces of it can be found everywhere in the streets and alleys.
Today's very pretty cityscape is shaped by the colonial architecture, but there also are impressive remains from the Inca period, such as the legendary seamless walls that can be found everywhere. You can get a deep insight into the city's history in several museums.
Cusco is a lot in one: tourist magnet, starting point for adventures to Machu Picchu and surroundings, as well as a beautiful modern city in a spectacular scenery - you will be amazed!
Language skills
Spanish at communication level. For optimal preparation for your volunteer work in Peru, we advise you to take a Spanish course before the program starts. This gives you the opportunity to slowly get used to the language, culture and mentality.
You can book your Spanish course in Peru directly with us!
Requirements
- Spanish skills (book your Spanish course in Peru!)
- Minimum age 17 years
- Application at least 4 weeks before the desired start of the program. Read more about our application process here.
- Completion of a foreign travel health insurance (get your travel insurance here!)
Pre-departure and in-country support
Before arrival, our experienced team will be at your disposal to assist you throughout the booking process and travel planning. With the booking confirmation you will receive our 24-hour emergency number, so that you can reach us 24/7 in case of emergency.
In addition to the assistance given by our office staff you will be supported by our partner organization in Peru located in Cusco.
Costs & Services
Our volunteer project in the Rescue Center for Street Dogs in Peru includes:
- Single room in Homestay with breakfast & dinner*
- Single room in Homestay/Residence (no meals)**
- Advice from our experienced staff
- On-going support via WhatsApp, phone or mail
- Elaboration of your application profile in Spanish
- Your placement in the volunteer project
- Pre-departure information
- Packing list
- Country handbook
- Intercultural guide
- On-site volunteer coordinator
- 24/7 emergency number
- Advice on travel insurance
- Certificate of participation
There is a US$ 30/week surcharge for special food requirements (vegan, celiac, gluten free).
Costs when living in a homestay*
(single room, breakfast & dinner)
Application fee: US$ 150
Program fee: US$ 800 (minimum stay 2 weeks)
Each additional week: US$ 200
Costs when living in a homestay/residence**
(single room, no meals)
Application fee: US$ 150
Program fee: US$ 740 (minimum stay 2 weeks)
Each additional week: US$ 170
Additionally, you can book:
- Airport pick-up in Cusco US$ 30
- Spanish course in Peru
- Spanish courses in Latin America
- Travel Health Insurance
Our tips (experience more + see more = save $$)
Is it difficult for you to decide between the many great projects? You want to see and experience as much as possible during your stay in Latin America? Then build your own itinerary - experience more & see more! Our program combination makes it possible!
All our stay abroad programs can be combined with each other: So, you can combine different volunteer projects in the same country or in different countries, or you mix Working Holiday with volunteer work or Farm Stay with Working Holiday ...and so on …
Your creativity knows no limits. The longer your stay abroad in Latin America, the greater the discount you get from South America Inside. Below you can see how much you can save:
If you need assistance in putting together your personal experience abroad, then please contact us. Our experienced staff will help you to set up your tailor-made stay abroad.
Volunteer Guide
Find valuable information about volunteering abroad in our program guides. Find out about all the benefits, possibilities and challenges, that a stay abroad offers you. Read more about the great opportunities that South America Inside has at your disposal.
Browse through our section Reading Matter!
Photos
Note: The pictures do not give an exclusion of the current animal population, as this can change at any time.