Join International Volunteer HQ, the world’s leading volunteer travel organization, on the Animal Care project in Cuzco or Lima. You will have the opportunity to help the thousands of dogs that have been abandoned on the streets of Peru and are often suffering from hunger, disease and injury. Volunteers gain animal care experience while providing vital support and help for non-profit dog shelters that manage, treat and rehabilitate the dogs and try to find them new, loving homes. In Cuzco, you could assist in either a dog shelter or small zoo which operates as a rescue center.

Cuzco offers start dates every Monday throughout the year. Lima offers start dates on the first and third Monday of each month.

While volunteer schedules depend on the particular projects and placements, a typical day might look like this:

8:00 AM Breakfast with your host family.
9:00 AM Leave the homestay and travel to your placement, where you will be given a structure sheet and a plan for your work.
12:00 PM Lunch at a local restaurant.
1:00 - 6:00 PM Work at the placement usually ends. You are free to travel back to your accommodation, go sightseeing or take Spanish lessons.
7:00 PM Dinner with your host family.

Weekends are left for free time and exploration.

This program ranges from 1-24 weeks. Your fully-hosted experience includes airport pick-up, orientation, accommodation, meals and 24/7 support. Detailed pricing information for your duration is available on our website. Volunteers on Cuzco based projects will be accommodated in either a dorm-style volunteer house or a homestay with a local host family. In Lima, you’ll stay in a volunteer house run by the local coordinator’s family or in a homestay.
 
When you volunteer in Animal Care at the dog shelter, you will assist local staff to care for and entertain abandoned dogs, with the ultimate goal of finding them happy new homes. Most of these dogs have been rescued from the streets and all are vaccinated. Volunteer duties can vary but generally include helping with:

• Playing and entertaining dogs
• Feeding
• Cleaning and grooming
• Training and socializing
• Grounds maintenance

The zoo placement is run by a biology faculty at the local university and accepts exotic animals that have been either harmed by humans or abandoned by people they’ve been dependent on. You’ll focus on all aspects of animal care and also help with assisting logistical tasks such as journal keeping. Animals can include:

• Eagles
• Monkeys
• Cats and other felines
• Bears
• Llamas
• Deer
• Birds
• Turtles

We ask that you state your placement preference when you apply to volunteer with animals in Cuzco. However, as placements are allocated based on need, your preferred option cannot always be guaranteed. All Lima volunteers work at the dog shelter.
 
IVHQ’s Peru programs are available year-round, starting most Mondays.

IVHQ provides the most affordable and top-rated programs. Detailed pricing available for your duration on our website:

• Animal Care Volunteer Program in Peru - Cuzco
• Animal Care Volunteer Program in Peru - Lima

You’ll be joining a global network of 123,000+ volunteers backed by the world’s leading team of volunteer travel experts with an outstanding safety system and track record.

Support impact-driven volunteer projects run by locals within your host community.

Academic credit available for all experiences with 45 hours or more through our School of Record with University of Montana that you can apply towards your degree at your home institution.

Flexible booking and free changes so you can register with confidence.  

• Select your start date & duration: All IVHQ volunteer programs are available year-round and you can choose to volunteer for durations on this program ranging from 1 to 24 weeks.
• Complete your registration: After you have been accepted on your chosen program, you can secure your place by paying the Registration Fee.
• Pay your Program Fee: This is only due 30 days before your program starts.

Need to make changes to your booking? You can make free unlimited changes to your destination, project and dates up until 14 days before you start.