Volunteer with Rescue Dogs in Cusco, Peru

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20+

Years of impact

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3,000+

Animals helped yearly

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4.9 ★

Volunteer rating

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UK & Peru

Registered charity

PAWS Peru volunteers with rescue dogs in Cusco, Peru
01
Volunteering

Help care for rescued dogs at shelters around Cusco – feeding, walking, socialising and basic care – alongside experienced local staff and supported by our PAWS vet team.

02
Cultural activities

Take part in salsa classes, shared dinners, group outings and a traditional Pachamama ceremony honouring Mother Earth, alongside volunteers from around the world

03
Your Volunteer Family

From your first day, our international team and fellow volunteers are there to welcome you, support you and share every adventure

04
Free time

Explore Cusco's historic centre, hike to Cristo Blanco at sunset, wander San Pedro Market, or relax at a café at your own pace

Your Role
What you'll do at the dog shelters
You'll work alongside the shelter's local staff, helping wherever you're needed most. Typical tasks include:
  • Feeding and preparing food for the dogs
  • Walking the dogs and playing with them
  • Socialising shy and nervous dogs
  • Cleaning kennels and keeping the shelter tidy
  • Helping with basic care, grooming and health checks
  • Supporting PAWS sterilisation, deworming and vaccination campaigns
  • Joining the PAWS team on field visits to rural villages, when available
  • Helping with small repairs and maintenance around the shelters
  • You love dogs and want hands-on, practical work that makes a real difference to animals who need it
  • You'd like your free time to explore Cusco and the Andes with fellow volunteers from around the world
  • You want to support long-term animal welfare work, backed by our own PAWS veterinary team

Not sure it's right for you? Send us a message and we'll help you decide.

Impact & Ethics

Smiling PAWS Peru volunteer in teal scrubs holding a tiny puppy
Supporting the UN Sustainable Development Goals. PAWS and the shelters we support contribute to these global goals for animals and communities in Cusco:
3Good Health & Well-being
11Sustainable Cities & Communities
15Life on Land
Male volunteer crouching to give two dogs belly rubs on the dirt
Two Globalteer volunteers in front of Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu
Globalteer volunteer smiling in front of Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca) near Cusco
Volunteer on a balcony overlooking the Plaza de Armas in Cusco
Volunteer, vet and staff member treating a small dog beside a kennel
Terraced salt pools of the Maras salt mines in the Sacred Valley, Peru
Volunteer sitting on a rock at Humantay Lake below a snow-covered mountain near Cusco
Volunteer at a viewpoint over Cusco








Volunteer looking over the circular Inca terraces of Moray in the Sacred Valley
Two Globalteer volunteers at the Red Valley viewpoint on the Rainbow Mountain trip
Female volunteer smiling while hugging a husky in the shelter yard
Alpaca looking out over the striped slopes of Rainbow Mountain, Peru
Three volunteers under the Ausangate conservation area sign near Cusco
Volunteers exploring Cusco
Three volunteers in front of a turquoise mountain lake in the Ausangate area, Peru







Included Cultural Experiences

Two volunteers exploring the streets of Cusco
Orientation Walk

Your neighbourhood, the historic centre and the hidden streets of San Blas, with our local team.

Traditional Andean dancers in Cusco
Pachamama Ceremony

Join a local Andean Shaman for a traditional offering of thanks to Mother Earth, a living tradition older than the Incas.

View over Cusco
Cristo Blanco at Sunset

Watch the city turn golden from above, a moment you'll remember long after you leave.

Globalteer volunteers dancing at a salsa class in Cusco
Salsa Classes

Learn to move like a local in fun, social classes that are perfect for complete beginners.

Volunteers sharing food they cooked together in Cusco
Cooking Classes

Discover the flavours of Peru as you learn to prepare classic dishes, then sit down together to enjoy what you've made.

Volunteers in Spanish class
Spanish Classes

Build your confidence with weekly lessons that make it easier to chat with locals, find your way and feel at home.

Included in your programme
One trip or activity every week, plus regular classes and social events. Every trip is accompanied by a Globalteer team member.
One included trip each week
  • Week 1: Pachamama Ceremony
    A traditional Andean offering to Mother Earth, led by a pampa paqo (Andean priest), to welcome you and give thanks for your time in Peru.
  • Week 2: Peruvian Cooking Class
    Learn to cook classic Peruvian dishes with a professional chef, then sit down and enjoy what you've made.
  • Week 3: Rainbow Mountain
    A full-day trip to Vinicunca's famous striped peaks at over 5,000 m – one of Peru's most spectacular hikes.
  • Week 4: City Tour by Car
    Discover Inca Cusco with a local guide: the Qorikancha sun temple, Sacsayhuamán, Q'enqo, Puka Pukara and Tambomachay.
  • Week 5: Sacred Valley
    A full day in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, visiting Chinchero, the circular terraces of Moray, the Maras salt mines, Ollantaytambo and Pisac.
Every week
  • Salsa Classes
    Social, inclusive and fun – no experience needed.
  • Spanish Classes
    Weekly lessons from week 2, so you can chat with locals and get around the city with confidence.
Also included
  • Cristo Blanco Walk
    Sweeping views over Cusco from the white Christ statue above the city.
  • Pisco Cocktail Class
    Learn to mix a pisco sour, Peru’s national cocktail, in a fun evening class in your third week.
  • Farewell Dinner
    Celebrate together with the team and fellow volunteers before you leave.

Explore Further

Volunteers at Machu Picchu

Wonder of the World

Machu Picchu

Explore the iconic Inca citadel on a day trip by train or a multi-day trek.

Volunteers on a wooden raft in the Peruvian Amazon, play button for the Volunteer in the Peru Amazon video

Rainforest Adventure

Amazon Rainforest

Swap the mountains for the jungle, or join our Amazon conservation project. Watch the video

Four Globalteer volunteers smiling on a rocky viewpoint above Lake Titicaca at sunset

Floating Islands

Lake Titicaca

Visit the floating reed islands on the world's highest navigable lake.

Choose Your Duration

1 WEEK

Perfect Introduction

A powerful first experience. You’ll hit the ground running: orientation, project, cultural experiences, and a weekend free to explore.

3 WEEKS

Best Balance

Go deeper. Three weeks gives you time to grow into a trusted presence at the project, explore more of Peru, and truly feel at home.

4 WEEKS

Deep Immersion

A month in Cusco. Transformative. You’ll leave fluent in the rhythms of the city, close friends with your cohort, and with a story you’ll tell for life.

Volunteer Schedule

VolunteeringCulture & activitiesFree time & restEach bar shows morning, afternoon and evening.

Mon
  • Arrive in Cusco
  • Airport Pickup
  • Settle In
Tue
  • First Visit to the Shelter
  • Orientation Walk
  • Free Evening
Wed
  • Dog Shelter
  • Rest & Acclimatise
  • Free Evening
Thu
  • Dog Shelter
  • Pachamama Ceremony
  • Salsa Night
Fri
  • Dog Shelter
  • Explore Cusco
  • Free Evening
Sat
  • Your Day, Your Way
  • Optional Tours
  • Night in Town
Sun
  • Rest & Recharge
  • Explore Cusco
  • Farewell Dinner (if leaving)

Standard - Included

Volunteer House

Our most popular option. Share a home with volunteers from around the world and never explore alone.

  • Shared room with fellow volunteers
  • Hot showers & shared bathrooms
  • Shared bedrooms & Communal area
  • Free WiFi throughout
  • All food provided – a fully stocked shared kitchen where you cook with your housemates
  • Near the mall, cafés and supermarkets
Siete Ventanas Hotel Cusco

Comfort Upgrade

Hotel - Private Room

Prefer to have your own space? Enjoy a private hotel room in the heart of Cusco's historic centre.

  • Private ensuite room
  • Breakfast only included
  • In-room heating
  • Free WiFi & cable TV
  • Regular housekeeping & hot showers
  • Close to the main plaza
Volunteers smiling around the dinner table in Cusco

Local Family Stay

Host Family

Prefer deeper immersion? Live with a local family, share home-cooked meals and practise Spanish.

  • Private room in a local family home
  • All home-cooked meals included
  • Daily Spanish practice at home
  • Carefully selected host families
  • Full support from our Cusco team
  • Close to the Volunteer House

Cost to volunteer in Peru

From
US$820 / £685
per person for 1 week, staying at the Volunteer House
Hotel and host family upgrades are available at an extra cost. Prices for every length of stay are shown when you apply.
Apply Now & View Fees
Family discounts: US$200 off for ages 13–17 and US$400 off for ages 12 and under, when volunteering with a parent or guardian.
What's included at the Volunteer House
Airport pickup
Volunteer House accommodation
Food for three meals a day – you cook in the shared kitchen
Daily transport to the project
Orientation & city walking tour
A trip or activity every week, with a Globalteer team member
Local coordinator & 24/7 support
Pre-departure guides & certificate
A donation to the project
Choosing an upgrade? Host family stays include all home-cooked meals. The hotel includes breakfast only, so other meals are at your own cost.
Not included
  • Flights and visas
  • Travel insurance (highly recommended)
  • Optional tours such as Machu Picchu
  • Accommodation upgrades
  • Personal spending money
We're transparent about where your money goes. As a registered UK & Peruvian charity, your fee supports PAWS, the shelters we work with and our other projects, not shareholders. In our last financial year, 60% of our spending went on donations and grants to projects, 29% on volunteer support and just 11% on running costs. See where your money goes
4.9
★★★★★
Based on verified Google and Facebook reviews

Personal Growth

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Animal Care Skills

Learn safe dog handling, feeding and basic care, and see how a shelter runs day to day, guided by experienced staff.

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Spanish Language

Practical, real-world Spanish immersion. Combine weekly Spanish classes with everyday conversations with shelter staff, at the market and around town.

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Confidence & Independence

Finding your way around a new city, adapting to new situations and working as part of a team build skills that employers value.

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Friends Around the World

Share the experience with volunteers and staff from around the world. Friendships can last long after the trip.

Volunteer requirements

01

Minimum age of 18 unless you volunteer with an adult

02

Good English or Spanish is needed. No animal-care experience is required; full briefing and supervision are provided

03

Valid travel insurance covering your full stay is highly recommended

04

Volunteers should be comfortable working hands-on with dogs.

Before You Arrive

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What to Pack

Cusco sits at 3,400m; layers are essential. We send a detailed packing guide covering climate, project dress code, and what to bring for evenings out. Sturdy shoes, clothes you don't mind getting dirty at the shelter and a waterproof layer are the essentials.

Wi-Fi icon

Staying Connected

We recommend picking up a local SIM or an eSIM (Holafly or Airalo work well in Peru) for affordable data. Wi-Fi is available at the Volunteer House, but having your own data gives you freedom to explore independently.

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Arrival & Transfers

Fly into Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport (CUZ). Globalteer's coordinator will meet you at arrivals; just share your flight details during your pre arrival call.

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Safety & Support

Cusco is a well-established tourist city and very safe for volunteers. Our coordinator is on call throughout your stay, and the volunteer house is in a safe neighbourhood next to the city's main mall.

  • Volunteers should arrive in Cusco on a Monday for their programme start date

  • Fly into Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport (CUZ) — share your flight details during your pre-arrival call and we'll handle the rest

  • You'll be greeted at arrivals by our local Cusco team and transferred directly to your accommodation

  • On your first full day, our team shows you around in two parts:

    Your neighbourhood

    Supermarkets, ATMs, pharmacies and laundries near the house, our recommended cafés and restaurants, the bus stops for the centre and your project, and how Cusco's public transport works.

    The historic centre

    Plaza de ArmasMercado San PedroPlaza San FranciscoPlaza RegocijoSan Blas & Plaza San BlasCalle Siete BorreguitosAcueducto de SapantianaMuseo Máximo LauraAvenida El Sol

    You'll also get our tips for restaurants, bars and museums worth visiting.

  • Your first project day is typically the Tuesday following arrival

Your safety and support
Your safety is built into every part of the programme.
24/7 Local Support

Your coordinator is on call throughout your stay for any issue, big or small.

Safe Neighbourhood

The volunteer house is in a safe neighbourhood next to the city's main mall.

Experienced Shelter Staff

The shelters we work with have long-standing local teams, supported by our PAWS vets.

Structured Supervision

You'll always work under the guidance of shelter staff.

Travel Insurance

Highly recommended. We can advise on suitable policies if you don't already have one.

Prepared Before You Go

Pre-departure guides, packing lists and a check-in call with your coordinator, so you arrive knowing what to expect.

Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to volunteer with dogs in Peru?
One week at our volunteer house costs US$820 (£685). That includes your accommodation, all your food (we stock the kitchen and you cook your own meals), transport to and from the shelter, weekly activities and trips (accompanied by a Globalteer team member), your coordinator's support and a donation to the project. There are no registration or bank fees. See our pricing for longer stays and accommodation upgrades.
Why volunteer directly with a charity rather than a volunteer agency?
When you book through a large volunteer agency, your placement is usually run by a local partner organisation, and your fee is shared between them. With Globalteer, you book directly with the charity: our own team lives in Cusco and looks after you from your first email to your last day, and through our PAWS programme we support the shelters you'll volunteer at with veterinary care. You get one organisation responsible for you from start to finish and advice from people who know Cusco well.
What will I do at the dog shelter?
You'll help the shelter's local staff feed and prepare food for the dogs, walk them, play with them and socialise shy or nervous dogs, keep the kennels clean and help with basic care. Tasks vary with the shelter's needs, and you may also help with PAWS sterilisation, deworming and vaccination campaigns.
Can I join PAWS field visits?
Often, yes. When the PAWS team runs vet and neutering campaigns in rural villages around Cusco, volunteers may get the chance to join them and help. Places depend on the campaign schedule, so ask our team when you arrive.
Can I volunteer as a family or group?
Yes. We welcome families, friends and groups such as schools, universities and companies. Under-18s can volunteer alongside a parent or guardian, with family discounts of US$200 off for ages 13–17 and US$400 off for ages 12 and under. We can tailor dates and accommodation to suit your group – just tell us when you apply or send Jim a message.
Can I combine this with the children's project?
Yes, but you'll need to stay for at least two weeks, as there isn't enough time to do the Dog Rescue project and the Picaflor House children's project on the same day alongside all your organised activities. The price is the same, and you'll have the same accommodation, food and cultural programme. Just let us know when you apply, or compare both Cusco programmes.
Do I need experience with animals?
No. Shelter staff will show you how to feed, handle and care for the dogs, and you'll always work alongside them. A love of dogs and a willingness to get stuck in are all you need.
Do I need to speak Spanish?
No. English is the common language for our staff and volunteers. Some Spanish is helpful but not required, and you'll have weekly Spanish classes from your second week.
Will I get training and an orientation?
Yes. When you arrive, our coordinator gives you an orientation with local information and advice, and the shelter team shows you how they work so you feel confident from your first day.
Is it safe to volunteer in Cusco?
Cusco has a low crime rate, and thousands of visitors enjoy trouble-free trips every year. As anywhere, petty theft can happen, so keep valuables out of sight in crowded places like markets and bus stations. See our travel advice for more.
What about altitude, health and vaccinations?
See your doctor or a travel clinic 6–8 weeks before you travel, mention that you'll be working with animals and ask about the rabies vaccine. Cusco sits at 3,400m, so take it easy for your first few days while you acclimatise. Our travel advice page has more information.
Do I need a visa to volunteer in Peru?
Visa requirements depend on your nationality. Please see our visa information page.
When is the best time to volunteer in Peru?
Cusco is sunny and warm by day and cold at night, averaging around 15°C. From June to September nights can drop to around 6°C. The rainy season runs from November to March, but it usually only rains for a couple of hours a day.
Can I fundraise for my placement?
Yes. Many volunteers fundraise for their trip, and we have tips to help you get started.

 How to apply

1

Ask us anything

Have questions first? Send Jim a message ↓ or email info@globalteer.org

When you’re ready, tell us your preferred dates and duration. Apply now →

3

We review your application

Our team will review your application and get back to you.

4

Secure your place

Once accepted, arrange a call with our team or pay a deposit to secure your placement.

5

Get ready to go

You’ll receive orientation guides and packing lists from us.

6

Final check-in call

A few weeks before your start date, our volunteer coordinator will call to answer any last-minute questions.

Jim Elliott, Globalteer
Talk to a real person
Have a question before you apply? I'm Jim, founder and General Manager of Globalteer and PAWS, and I live here in Cusco. Send me a message and I'll reply personally, usually within one working day – or tick the box if you'd prefer to arrange a call.
Prefer email? info@globalteer.org

Ready to Make Your Move?