Volunteer with Rescue Dogs in Cusco, Peru
Spend your mornings caring for rescued and abandoned dogs at shelters in Cusco supported by our PAWS veterinary team, then spend your free time exploring Cusco and the Sacred Valley. Volunteer directly with Globalteer, the UK charity that has worked in Cusco since 2006. Stay 1–12 weeks, with Spanish and salsa classes, weekly trips and a home full of volunteers from around the world.


20+
Years of impact

3,000+
Animals helped yearly

4.9 ★
Volunteer rating

UK & Peru
Registered charity
What Does a Dog Rescue Volunteer Do in Cusco?
Volunteer in Peru with rescued and abandoned dogs. You'll spend your mornings at dog shelters in Cusco, helping local staff feed, walk, socialise and care for dogs as they recover and wait for new homes. The shelters are supported by PAWS, Globalteer's own animal welfare programme, which brings veterinary care, neutering and vaccinations to dogs and cats around Cusco – and you may get the chance to join the PAWS team on field visits to rural villages. Volunteers work Monday to Friday mornings, usually from 8.30am to around 12.30pm, leaving your afternoons free to explore. It's one of the most rewarding ways to volunteer with animals in South America.
Integration of Volunteering + Cultural immersion + Tourism
The volunteering gives your stay its purpose. Everything around it gives it life. Learn to salsa, pick up Spanish, cook Peruvian dishes and share dinners with volunteers from around the world. Explore Cusco on guided walks, visit local markets and viewpoints, and take part in an authentic Pachamama ceremony, a traditional Andean offering of thanks to Mother Earth. Then make the most of your free time in one of South America's most remarkable cities.


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.
Take part in salsa classes, shared dinners, group outings and a traditional Pachamama ceremony honouring Mother Earth, alongside volunteers from around the world
From your first day, our international team and fellow volunteers are there to welcome you, support you and share every adventure
Explore Cusco's historic centre, hike to Cristo Blanco at sunset, wander San Pedro Market, or relax at a café at your own pace
- 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
Is This Programme Right for You?
This Cusco dog rescue programme is the right fit for you if:
- 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
- You're travelling solo or with friends and would love to join a ready-made community of like-minded volunteers
- You don't need animal-care experience: shelter staff show you what to do and support you from day one
- You'd rather volunteer with a registered charity than a commercial company, and want to know exactly where your money goes and how the project is run
Not sure it's right for you? Send us a message and we'll help you decide.
Impact & Ethics
Ethical Animal Welfare Volunteering
Globalteer has worked in Cusco since 2006, and our PAWS animal welfare programme brings veterinary care, neutering and vaccinations to dogs and cats in the city and the rural villages around it. The shelters you'll volunteer at are run by dedicated local teams, and PAWS supports them with vet care. Your role is to strengthen what's already there.
Why Cusco's Dogs Need Help
Roaming dogs are part of everyday life in Cusco and the villages around it. Many are abandoned, injured or born on the streets, and in rural areas unwanted female pups have often been culled. The shelters our volunteers support give rescued dogs food, refuge, vaccinations and veterinary treatment until they're healthy, socialised and ready for adoption. Through PAWS, we also run free neutering campaigns in rural villages, provide care for around 3,000 dogs and cats a year and work with local communities to reduce the number of roaming dogs. Find out more about PAWS →


Volunteer Directly, No Middlemen
Many volunteer companies pass you on to a local agency, which then places you with another organisation's project. We don't. You book with us, our own team lives in Cusco and looks after you, and through PAWS we support the shelters you'll volunteer at with veterinary care.
A Charity, Not a Company
We're not a commercial company. We're a registered UK & Peruvian charity, so every spare part of your fee goes back into our projects and our volunteers, not to shareholders. We publish independently examined accounts every year, so you can see exactly where your money goes.
Happy Volunteers, Greater Impact
In our 20 years of experience, we have learned that a well-supported volunteer makes the biggest difference. Our team prepares you before you arrive, welcomes you in Cusco and supports you throughout your placement, so you can settle in quickly, enjoy your time and give your best to the dogs.
Animal Welfare First
Animal welfare comes first. Our PAWS veterinary team supports the shelters with vaccinations, neutering and treatment for dogs and cats, and you’ll follow the staff’s guidance on handling, feeding and care so every animal is treated calmly and safely.
Gallery
Life of a Dog Welfare Volunteer in Cusco in Photos


























































































Included Cultural Experiences
Afternoons Free to Explore Cusco
Your mornings are spent with the dogs, so your afternoons and weekends are free to discover Cusco. Our included experiences take you beyond the guidebook – bustling markets, hidden viewpoints and a traditional Pachamama ceremony – always with a Globalteer team member who knows the city well.



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



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



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



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



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



Build your confidence with weekly lessons that make it easier to chat with locals, find your way and feel at home.
- Week 1: Pachamama CeremonyA 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 ClassLearn to cook classic Peruvian dishes with a professional chef, then sit down and enjoy what you've made.
- Week 3: Rainbow MountainA 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 CarDiscover Inca Cusco with a local guide: the Qorikancha sun temple, Sacsayhuamán, Q'enqo, Puka Pukara and Tambomachay.
- Week 5: Sacred ValleyA full day in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, visiting Chinchero, the circular terraces of Moray, the Maras salt mines, Ollantaytambo and Pisac.
- Salsa ClassesSocial, inclusive and fun – no experience needed.
- Spanish ClassesWeekly lessons from week 2, so you can chat with locals and get around the city with confidence.
- Cristo Blanco WalkSweeping views over Cusco from the white Christ statue above the city.
- Pisco Cocktail ClassLearn to mix a pisco sour, Peru’s national cocktail, in a fun evening class in your third week.
- Farewell DinnerCelebrate together with the team and fellow volunteers before you leave.
Explore Further
Make the Most of Your Weekends
Shelter work runs Monday to Friday, so your weekends are yours. Add Machu Picchu, the Amazon or Lake Titicaca – these trips are arranged by a trusted local travel partner and aren't part of your programme fee. Just tell us which ones interest you when you apply.


Wonder of the World
Machu Picchu
Explore the iconic Inca citadel on a day trip by train or a multi-day trek.
Rainforest Adventure
Amazon Rainforest
Swap the mountains for the jungle, or join our Amazon conservation project. Watch the video


Floating Islands
Lake Titicaca
Visit the floating reed islands on the world's highest navigable lake.
Choose Your Duration
The Longer You Stay, the More the Dogs Trust You
Stay from 1 to 12 weeks, starting any Monday. In your first week you'll meet the dogs and learn the shelter routine. Stay longer and shy dogs start to trust you, you get to know each dog's needs, and your weekly Spanish classes and cooking class add up.
1 WEEK
Perfect Introduction
A powerful first experience. You’ll hit the ground running: orientation, project, cultural experiences, and a weekend free to explore.
2 WEEKS
Most Popular
The sweet spot. Two full weeks let you build real relationships at the project and have an adventure-filled second weekend too.
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
What Does a Typical Week Look Like?
Each week combines meaningful project work, cultural activities and plenty of time to explore. Here's how your first four weeks typically fit together.
This schedule is a sample and may change due to public holidays, local events or circumstances outside our control.
VolunteeringCulture & activitiesFree time & restEach bar shows morning, afternoon and evening.
- Arrive in Cusco
- Airport Pickup
- Settle In
- First Visit to the Shelter
- Orientation Walk
- Free Evening
- Dog Shelter
- Rest & Acclimatise
- Free Evening
- Dog Shelter
- Pachamama Ceremony
- Salsa Night
- Dog Shelter
- Explore Cusco
- Free Evening
- Your Day, Your Way
- Optional Tours
- Night in Town
- Rest & Recharge
- Explore Cusco
- Farewell Dinner (if leaving)
- Dog Shelter
- Free Afternoon
- Free Evening
- Dog Shelter
- Spanish Class
- Free Evening
- Dog Shelter
- Cooking Class
- Free Evening
- Dog Shelter
- Spanish Class
- Salsa Night
- Dog Shelter
- Museum Visit
- Cristo Blanco Sunset
- Your Day, Your Way
- Optional Tours
- Night in Town
- Rest & Recharge
- Explore Cusco
- Farewell Dinner (if leaving)
- Dog Shelter
- Free Afternoon
- Free Evening
- Dog Shelter
- Spanish Class
- Pisco Cocktail Class
- Dog Shelter
- Explore Cusco
- Free Evening
- Dog Shelter
- Spanish Class
- Salsa Night
- Dog Shelter
- Museum Visit
- Free Evening
- Early Start
- Rainbow Mountain Day Trip
- Early Night
- Rest & Recharge
- Explore Cusco
- Farewell Dinner (if leaving)
- Dog Shelter
- Free Afternoon
- Free Evening
- Dog Shelter
- Spanish Class
- Free Evening
- Dog Shelter
- Explore Cusco
- Free Evening
- Dog Shelter
- Spanish Class
- Salsa Night
- Dog Shelter
- City Tour by Car
- Free Evening
- Your Day, Your Way
- Optional Tours
- Night in Town
- Rest & Recharge
- Pack Up
- Farewell Dinner
Where Will Dog Volunteers Stay in Cusco?
After your morning at the shelter, relax with fellow volunteers at our sociable Volunteer House in a safe neighbourhood next to the city's main mall – or choose your own hotel room or a local host family. Whichever you choose, our team is always close by.
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


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


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
One Price. Everything Taken Care Of.
No surprise costs once you arrive. At the Volunteer House, your fee covers your placement, accommodation, three meals a day, daily transport, cultural activities and support from our team in Cusco. Because we’re a charity, there are no agency fees or profits – your money goes straight into your support and our projects. Major tours and accommodation upgrades are the only extras.
- Flights and visas
- Travel insurance (highly recommended)
- Optional tours such as Machu Picchu
- Accommodation upgrades
- Personal spending money
Hear From Our Volunteers
Real reviews from real people, unedited and verified on Google and Facebook.
- Globalteer is a great place! Absolutely unreal experience! Was out in Peru for my university placement. Cusco was an amazing place and Globalteer is a great place to build working experience !read moreread less


Louis D×

Louis DGlobalteer is a great place! Absolutely unreal experience! Was out in Peru for my university placement. Cusco was an amazing place and Globalteer is a great place to build working experience !I totally recommend! My Globalteer experience in Peru has been wonderful and I totally recommend anyone who wants to make a difference volunteering in any of the projects. Everyone I have met is kind, lovely, welcoming, and really dedicated to the work, always trying to achieve the best for the kids and for the animals. Much love ❤️❤️read moreread less

Larissa Rodrigues Cimini×

Larissa Rodrigues CiminiI totally recommend! My Globalteer experience in Peru has been wonderful and I totally recommend anyone who wants to make a difference volunteering in any of the projects. Everyone I have met is kind, lovely, welcoming, and really dedicated to the work, always trying to achieve the best for the kids and for the animals. Much love ❤️❤️I am so grateful to Globalteer for all that you do! I had the privilege of working as an NGO Assistant Intern in Peru with Globalteer for 6 months. I did this as part of university placement year and truly had such an enriching and valuable experience. The team of people you work with are all passionate about the mission of the charity and never fail to make you feel supported and at home. Picaflor House and the children that attend it everyday were by far the highlight. My time in Peru with Globalteer came to an end a few short months ago and I have not stopped thinking about it since. I have undoubtedly grown as a person and learnt such more from Lena and Jim and the lovely interns I lived with who are now life long friends. I am so grateful to Globalteer for all that you do and for allowing me to be part of this team. Do not hesitate to intern at Globalteer it is an experience unlike any other. Thank you for everything, I miss you all so much. ❤read moreread less

Milly O'Connell×

Milly O'ConnellI am so grateful to Globalteer for all that you do! I had the privilege of working as an NGO Assistant Intern in Peru with Globalteer for 6 months. I did this as part of university placement year and truly had such an enriching and valuable experience. The team of people you work with are all passionate about the mission of the charity and never fail to make you feel supported and at home. Picaflor House and the children that attend it everyday were by far the highlight. My time in Peru with Globalteer came to an end a few short months ago and I have not stopped thinking about it since. I have undoubtedly grown as a person and learnt such more from Lena and Jim and the lovely interns I lived with who are now life long friends. I am so grateful to Globalteer for all that you do and for allowing me to be part of this team. Do not hesitate to intern at Globalteer it is an experience unlike any other. Thank you for everything, I miss you all so much. ❤ - It was an ineffable experience! Being at Globalteer this season meant broadening my horizons, professional and personal growth, taking on challenges, closing my eyes and seeing with my heart, but above all it was an ineffable experience and as a result I lost count of the good memories I took with me. from here. Creating, designing, editing, writing, among other functions, was my job for 4 months here and I couldn't be more proud of my entire process as an intern/intern, which allowed me to enhance my soft skills, be self-taught and, above all, to get out of my comfort zone. Colombia is my home, but Peru will always have a part of me. Total thanks. Thank you Globalfam.
Estar esta temporada en Globalteer significo ampliar mis horizontes, crecimiento profesional y personal, asumir retos, a cerrar los ojos y ver con el corazón, pero sobre todo fue una experiencia inefable y como efecto de ello perdí la cuenta de los buenos recuerdos que me llevo de aquí. Crear, diseñar, editar, escribir, entre otras funciones, fue mi trabajo por 4 meses aquí y no puedo estar mas orgullosa de todo mi proceso como pasante/interna mismo que permitió potencializar mi habilidades blandas, ser autodidacta y sobre todo a salir de mi zona de confort. Colombia es mi casa, pero Peru tendrá siempre tendrá una parte de mi. Gracias totales. Gracias Globalfamread moreread less

Jessica Vallejo×

Jessica VallejoIt was an ineffable experience! Being at Globalteer this season meant broadening my horizons, professional and personal growth, taking on challenges, closing my eyes and seeing with my heart, but above all it was an ineffable experience and as a result I lost count of the good memories I took with me. from here. Creating, designing, editing, writing, among other functions, was my job for 4 months here and I couldn't be more proud of my entire process as an intern/intern, which allowed me to enhance my soft skills, be self-taught and, above all, to get out of my comfort zone. Colombia is my home, but Peru will always have a part of me. Total thanks. Thank you Globalfam.
Estar esta temporada en Globalteer significo ampliar mis horizontes, crecimiento profesional y personal, asumir retos, a cerrar los ojos y ver con el corazón, pero sobre todo fue una experiencia inefable y como efecto de ello perdí la cuenta de los buenos recuerdos que me llevo de aquí. Crear, diseñar, editar, escribir, entre otras funciones, fue mi trabajo por 4 meses aquí y no puedo estar mas orgullosa de todo mi proceso como pasante/interna mismo que permitió potencializar mi habilidades blandas, ser autodidacta y sobre todo a salir de mi zona de confort. Colombia es mi casa, pero Peru tendrá siempre tendrá una parte de mi. Gracias totales. Gracias GlobalfamGlobalteer in Cusco was one of the best summers of my life. This was one of the most life changing experiences i have had. the people i worked with became some of my best friends. the children that i worked with were so amazing and fun that they made it so hard to leave. globalteer cusco was one of the best summers of my life. if you have doubts about what to do with your life or just want to do something meaningful, I cannot recommend globalteer enough. i promise you will not regret it.read moreread less

Paxton Perry×

Paxton PerryGlobalteer in Cusco was one of the best summers of my life. This was one of the most life changing experiences i have had. the people i worked with became some of my best friends. the children that i worked with were so amazing and fun that they made it so hard to leave. globalteer cusco was one of the best summers of my life. if you have doubts about what to do with your life or just want to do something meaningful, I cannot recommend globalteer enough. i promise you will not regret it.I had the privilege of working as an Intern in Peru with Globalteer I had the privilege of working as an NGO Assistant Intern in Peru with Globalteer for 6 months. I did this as part of university placement year and truly had such an enriching and valuable experience. The team of people you work with are all passionate about the mission of the charity and never fail to make you feel supported and at home. Picaflor House and the children that attend it everyday were by far the highlight. My time in Peru with Globalteer came to an end a few short months ago and I have not stopped thinking about it since. I have undoubtedly grown as a person and learnt such more from Lena and Jim and the lovely interns I lived with who are know life long friends. I am so grateful to Globalteer for all that you do and for allowing me to be part of this team. Do not hesitate to intern at Globalteer it is an experience unlike any other. Thank you for everything, I miss you all so much. ❤read moreread less

Milly O'Connell×

Milly O'ConnellI had the privilege of working as an Intern in Peru with Globalteer I had the privilege of working as an NGO Assistant Intern in Peru with Globalteer for 6 months. I did this as part of university placement year and truly had such an enriching and valuable experience. The team of people you work with are all passionate about the mission of the charity and never fail to make you feel supported and at home. Picaflor House and the children that attend it everyday were by far the highlight. My time in Peru with Globalteer came to an end a few short months ago and I have not stopped thinking about it since. I have undoubtedly grown as a person and learnt such more from Lena and Jim and the lovely interns I lived with who are know life long friends. I am so grateful to Globalteer for all that you do and for allowing me to be part of this team. Do not hesitate to intern at Globalteer it is an experience unlike any other. Thank you for everything, I miss you all so much. ❤ - I really really appreciate everything... I stayed in Picaflor House for like one month and a half. I really really appreciate everything they've done for the kids, and what I have learned from them. They are so happy, so pure, and so cute. If you go there, you would definitely love it. If you are wondering where you should go for volunteering, especially for those who love kids, Picaflor is the best choice, and Cusco is one of your best destinations. You would not regret.read moreread lessJINGRUO WANG×JINGRUO WANGI really really appreciate everything... I stayed in Picaflor House for like one month and a half. I really really appreciate everything they've done for the kids, and what I have learned from them. They are so happy, so pure, and so cute. If you go there, you would definitely love it. If you are wondering where you should go for volunteering, especially for those who love kids, Picaflor is the best choice, and Cusco is one of your best destinations. You would not regret.If you go there, you would definitely love it. I stayed in Picaflor House for like one month and a half. I really really appreciate everything they've done for the kids, and what I have learned from them. They are so happy, so pure, and so cute. If you go there, you would definitely love it. If you are wondering where you should go for volunteering, especially for those who love kids, Picaflor is the best choice, and Cusco is one of your best destinations. You would not regret it.read moreread lessPICKLE SMART×PICKLE SMARTIf you go there, you would definitely love it. I stayed in Picaflor House for like one month and a half. I really really appreciate everything they've done for the kids, and what I have learned from them. They are so happy, so pure, and so cute. If you go there, you would definitely love it. If you are wondering where you should go for volunteering, especially for those who love kids, Picaflor is the best choice, and Cusco is one of your best destinations. You would not regret it.I volunteered with Picaflor House in November 2018 for couple of weeks
Globalteer team put children into their heart and they direct you accordingly during your volunteer program. The kids are amazing, teachers are so helpful and everything is so well organized that you don’t have anything to worry about.
I can’t stop talking & thinking about this amazing experience I had!
Wish others would also find the opportunity and be as lucky as I am to have such an amazing experience!
Thanks much for this great experienceread moreread lessburcu eren×burcu erenI volunteered with Picaflor House in November 2018 for couple of weeks
Globalteer team put children into their heart and they direct you accordingly during your volunteer program. The kids are amazing, teachers are so helpful and everything is so well organized that you don’t have anything to worry about.
I can’t stop talking & thinking about this amazing experience I had!
Wish others would also find the opportunity and be as lucky as I am to have such an amazing experience!
Thanks much for this great experience - Great program, great volunteer opportunities, would recommend to anyone. I volunteered for a month with Globalteer in Peru and absolutely loved it! Great program, great volunteer opportunities, would recommend to anyone.read moreread less


Eli Joshua Echt-Wilson×

Eli Joshua Echt-WilsonGreat program, great volunteer opportunities, would recommend to anyone. I volunteered for a month with Globalteer in Peru and absolutely loved it! Great program, great volunteer opportunities, would recommend to anyone.It was organised so well and I felt so comfortable throughout the whole process. Late last year I was able to spend a month in Peru to volunteer at two of the Globalteer programs- The Dog Shelter in Cusco and The Amazon Wildlife Sanctuary in Puerto Maldonado. It was organised so well and I felt so comfortable throughout the whole process. I was picked up from the airport and the staff made me feel so welcome and at home. Being a young girl in a country like Peru, my family and friends were quite worried at first, as was I, however, I felt safe the entire time. I didn't have to worry one bit about the organisation of both volunteer groups, even though they were on the opposite sides of the country, it was an easy process with the staff being so quick and prompt in replies and helpful when I arrived in Cusco. I genuinely had an incredible time with so many life lessons and learning experiences taught throughout the trip. Would definitely recommend even if this is your first time overseas alone - as it was mine.read moreread less

Tiarne Biviano×

Tiarne BivianoIt was organised so well and I felt so comfortable throughout the whole process. Late last year I was able to spend a month in Peru to volunteer at two of the Globalteer programs- The Dog Shelter in Cusco and The Amazon Wildlife Sanctuary in Puerto Maldonado. It was organised so well and I felt so comfortable throughout the whole process. I was picked up from the airport and the staff made me feel so welcome and at home. Being a young girl in a country like Peru, my family and friends were quite worried at first, as was I, however, I felt safe the entire time. I didn't have to worry one bit about the organisation of both volunteer groups, even though they were on the opposite sides of the country, it was an easy process with the staff being so quick and prompt in replies and helpful when I arrived in Cusco. I genuinely had an incredible time with so many life lessons and learning experiences taught throughout the trip. Would definitely recommend even if this is your first time overseas alone - as it was mine.Wish others would also be as lucky as I am to have such an amazing experience! I can’t stop talking & thinking about this amazing experience I had! I volunteered with Picaflor House in November 2018 for couple of weeks Globalteer team put children into their heart and they direct you accordingly during your volunteer program. The kids are amazing, teachers are so helpful and everything is so well organized that you don’t have anything to worry about. Wish others would also find the opportunity and be as lucky as I am to have such an amazing experience! Thanks much for this great experienceread moreread less

burcu eren×

burcu erenWish others would also be as lucky as I am to have such an amazing experience! I can’t stop talking & thinking about this amazing experience I had! I volunteered with Picaflor House in November 2018 for couple of weeks Globalteer team put children into their heart and they direct you accordingly during your volunteer program. The kids are amazing, teachers are so helpful and everything is so well organized that you don’t have anything to worry about. Wish others would also find the opportunity and be as lucky as I am to have such an amazing experience! Thanks much for this great experience
Personal Growth
What You Take Home from the Shelters


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


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


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.


Friends Around the World
Share the experience with volunteers and staff from around the world. Friendships can last long after the trip.
Volunteer requirements
Who Can Volunteer with Dogs in Peru?
Volunteering in Peru with us is open to everyone aged 18 or over, with no upper age limit – whether you're taking a gap year, a career break, a sabbatical or a university service-learning placement, travelling solo or with a friend. Travelling as a family or group? We can tailor your placement – just let us know when you apply.
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
We've thought of everything, so you don't have to.
From the moment you book, you're supported – including advice on vaccinations, what to wear at the shelter and how to work safely with dogs.


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.


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.


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.


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 SolYou'll also get our tips for restaurants, bars and museums worth visiting.
Your first project day is typically the Tuesday following arrival
Your coordinator is on call throughout your stay for any issue, big or small.
The volunteer house is in a safe neighbourhood next to the city's main mall.
The shelters we work with have long-standing local teams, supported by our PAWS vets.
You'll always work under the guidance of shelter staff.
Highly recommended. We can advise on suitable policies if you don't already have one.
Pre-departure guides, packing lists and a check-in call with your coordinator, so you arrive knowing what to expect.
How much does it cost to volunteer with dogs in Peru?
Why volunteer directly with a charity rather than a volunteer agency?
What will I do at the dog shelter?
Can I join PAWS field visits?
Can I volunteer as a family or group?
Can I combine this with the children's project?
Do I need experience with animals?
Do I need to speak Spanish?
Will I get training and an orientation?
Is it safe to volunteer in Cusco?
What about altitude, health and vaccinations?
Do I need a visa to volunteer in Peru?
When is the best time to volunteer in Peru?
Can I fundraise for my placement?
How to apply
How to Start Volunteering with Dogs in Cusco
Tell us when you'd like to come and how long you'd like to stay. You'll deal with the same Globalteer team from your first question to your first morning at the shelter. Here's how it works:
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.



Ready to Make Your Move?
The dogs are waiting – start your Cusco story today.
Join the volunteers who've helped care for Cusco's rescued dogs – and left a little piece of their heart behind.




