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Brilliant 4.72rating (254)
  • Life On Land

Stray Dog Rehabilitation

location
1 - 12 weeks  ·  Age 16 - 50+
Verified

Highlights

  • Help domestic animals who are abandoned by their owners due to various economic and social circumstances
  • These shelters are inundated with animals and volunteers provide a vital service to the local centers.
  • In Peru, domesticated dogs are often neglected or abandoned by their owners, resulting in a large number of strays and street dogs

Highlights

  • Help domestic animals who are abandoned by their owners due to various economic and social circumstances
  • These shelters are inundated with animals and volunteers provide a vital service to the local centers.
  • In Peru, domesticated dogs are often neglected or abandoned by their owners, resulting in a large number of strays and street dogs
  • Due to very little government funding to help solve this problem, IVI partner with small grassroots organizations take the lead in rescuing these lonely and suffering animals.
  • We provide animals with medical care, education to carers, and various other services to protect innocent animals.
    • You don't have to pay anything yet

    Especially good for

    Age 16+
    Singles
    Couples
    Groups
    50+

    About the program

    In this unique project in Cuzco, Peru you'll work as a dog shelter volunteer helping rehabilitate stray animals and integrate into caring homes while helping educate

    Cusco, Peru –  easily one of the top 5 ancient civilization centers in the world, is also home to immense scenic beauty, bio-diversity and incredible culture.    In this project, you’ll be situated in Cuzco City. 

    In most of Latin America, the locals do not see animals as pets or family ...

    About the program

    Cusco, Peru –  easily one of the top 5 ancient civilization centers in the world, is also home to immense scenic beauty, bio-diversity and incredible culture.    In this project, you’ll be situated in Cuzco City. 

    In most of Latin America, the locals do not see animals as pets or family members and for this reason there is a lack of animal rights and understanding around how to care for animals.   In this part of the world, you’ll regularly see stray animals in very poor health struggling to survive in the streets.   Compounding the issue is a lack of education around spaying and neutering which means breeding is largely unchecked and exacerbating the issues.   Additionally, as there are many exotic species in Peru, some are illegally captured and kept as pets for sale.    

    In this project, you’ll work alongside local NGO’s with a mission to provide education and to rescue & rehabilitate stray dogs and other animals so that they can be placed in loving homes and/or returned to their natural habitat.   In Cuzco, you’ll work with various local organisations in dog and cat shelters & rescue centers.   

    Typical day

    Sunday – Arrival & Welcome
    Monday – Orientation in Cuzco
    Tuesday to Friday:  

    • Breakfast at the accommodation
    • 4-6 hours of volunteer work either in the morning or afternoon
    • Your own lunch at the accommodation or project site
    • Free time
    • Dinner at the accommodation
    Saturday – Free time
    Sunday – Free ...

    Typical day

    Sunday – Arrival & Welcome
    Monday – Orientation in Cuzco
    Tuesday to Friday:  

    • Breakfast at the accommodation
    • 4-6 hours of volunteer work either in the morning or afternoon
    • Your own lunch at the accommodation or project site
    • Free time
    • Dinner at the accommodation
    Saturday – Free time
    Sunday – Free time

    •

    Free-time activities

    Machu Picchu Baby!

    Built somewhere in the 1400's, this is the site of massive significance spiritually & historically to the Incan people .  Tourists from around the world travel to Peru just to see it, and Cuzco is the gateway to Machu Picchu.   We can help you book your tour in advance or when ...

    Free-time activities

    Machu Picchu Baby!

    Built somewhere in the 1400's, this is the site of massive significance spiritually & historically to the Incan people .  Tourists from around the world travel to Peru just to see it, and Cuzco is the gateway to Machu Picchu.   We can help you book your tour in advance or when you arrive in Cuzco.   There are various options including train ride + hike or a 4 day hike.   Book in advance to ensure you get a spot though!

    Cuzco
    The historic capital of the Inca Empire, rests at very high altitude in the Andes Mountains.   It's really one of the most sought after travel destinations in the world.   Besides just soaking up the atmosphere of Cuzco, some sights to visit include; Cristo Blanco monument offers amazing views of the city, the Planetarium provides Incan history, the ruins of Qorikancha, in the heart of the city or for the foodies, check out the Choco Museo for everything chocolate!

    Moray, Maras And Salinas
    These are incredible Incan ruins with many levels of concentric circles like an ancient amphitheater.   This is located only a short bus ride from Cuzco with a nice 4km hike to get to the Maras village and a further 9km hike or taxi to the Moray ruins.   A brilliant day out. 

    Amazon Jungle
    Peru has managed to do a great job in protecting the Amazon, and has many well protected very large forest areas where you can explore with a guide.   Take a boat down the Rio Tambopata river, experience jungle lodges from Peurto Maldonado and experience one of the most bio diverse regions in the entire world!  

    Lake Titicaca
    The largest lake in South America, is the birthplace of the sun according to Andean legend.  The town of Puno is a great base with cool local culture and nightlife also with various ruins sights scattered around the islands. 

    Huacahina
    An overnight bus from Cuzco will take approx 20 hours, alternatively you can fly to Lima and take a 5 hour bus.   This area is best known for dune buggy rides, sandboarding and cool bars, cheap cocktails and heaps of fun!

    Requirements

    Requirements

    Minimum Age: 16 years

    In order to join the program you need to be at least 16 years old on the program start date.

    Language Skills

    You need to speak English (basic level) or Spanish (basic level)

    Criminal Background Check

    required

    Nationality Restrictions

    No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.

    Time Commitment

    Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 09:00 - 15:00

    What's Included

    What's Included

    On-site Services

    What's included?


    • Accommodation (Home Stay's either single or twin/triple share room, your choice)
    • Breakfast & Dinner daily 
    • Arrival airport transfer (Sat/Sun arrivals)
    • Filtered drinking water, coffee & tea
    • 1 day orientation
    • In country 24/7 support & emergency assistance
    • Fundraising support
    • University course credits (where applicable)
    • Certificate of Completion

    Airport Pickup at Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport

    Complimentary Arrival TransferYou’ll arrive at Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport (CUZ).   When clearing immigration it’s best to simply state ‘tourism’.    When you arrive you will be greeted by a member of our local team and taken to the homestay or the volunteer center for orientation.In-Country TransportationMost volunteers will use in-expensive bus transport to get around and to travel to the project placements.  Our coordinators will assist you with all the details while in country. A one-way trip rarely costs more than US $0.50 in Cuzco or nearby neighborhoods and maybe US $2 for longer distances. Taxis are also readily available in and around Cusco. Taxis cost approximately US $3 – $10 depending on duration.  We recommend using formal taxis that use a meter to calculate the fare based on time and distance.

    Accommodation

    Your accommodation will be in home Stay’s with middle class Peruvian families in Cuzco.  You’ll likely be placed centrally or approx 10-15 min walk to the central volunteer & training center.   You can request to either share with other volunteers or have a private room in the home stay.   For shared rooms, you’ll normally share with 1-3 other volunteers of the same gender and age group.

    All host families are very experienced in hosting international volunteers and go through a rigorous process to ensure very high quality standards are met.  (See below pictures of typical houses).  These homes have electricity, western style toilets, running water, bed linen & basic amenities such as clean drinking water.    Hot showers are less common however!

    You’ll be provided a key to the house and are free to come and go as you please while being respectful of the house rules of the family.  WiFi is available at some home stay’s however most volunteers will purchase a data plan for cheap to be used with their own device as required.  Most families are happy to help with laundry, but you should expect to pay around US $2 per load if going to a local laundry service.


    Private Room Upgrade: please contact us directly for options and pricing

    *Please note: Upgrade prices can change, so please check the price with us first

    Food & Beverages

    Breakfast & dinner are included each day.   Peruvian food is very nice!   Rice, beans, and corn are popular ingredients, and fresh root vegetables like cassava, taro, and sweet potato are in most dishes.   You can also expect some fruits and vegetables, such as avocados (palta) accompanied by spicy aji salsa.

    Internet Access

    Good access at the project site
    You don't have to pay anything yet

    What's NOT included?

    What's NOT included?

    Flight Tickets

    The nearest airport is Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport (CUZ) in Cuzco. We assist you to find cheap flights to Peru. FIND CHEAP FLIGHTS

    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. GET A QUOTE

    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. VACCINE CHECKER

    Details on arrival

    WEEKLY (SAT/SUN ARRIVALS)
    Availability
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

    Program Fees

    $746 per week 1 - 12 weeks Age 16 - 50+

    Payment methods

    Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

    NO CREDIT CARD FEES

    Duration

    1 - 12 weeks

    Deposit

    Reserve your spot with just a few clicks and a small, secure deposit. You can pay by credit card, PayPal, or other convenient methods.

    Final Payment

    You’ll agree on the final payment method with your local organization during the application process. This final payment is only due closer to the start of your trip.

    You don't have to pay anything yet
    4.7
    Top Pick
    One of the top picks on Volunteer World, according to travelers
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    2025
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    2025
    Very well organised, had no problem checking in. The work was so nice and the people were wonderful. Staff is also there to help out with ...
    Sarah Damaschin

    School Construction

    Location

    Americas > South America > Peru > Cusco

    Meet your project coordinator

    Lauren
    254
    reviews
    4.72
    Brilliant
    1989
    Founded

    Verified

      Very high response rate
    Spoken languages: English
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    Contact Lauren
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    English

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    Travel dates

    1. - 1. Jan 1

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