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Volunteer in Animal Care in Peru - Cusco logo

Volunteer in Animal Care in Peru - Cusco

by: International Volunteer HQ [IVHQ]

Add first reviewVerifiedSince 2007

Volunteers on the Animal Care programme in Cusco support local shelters and rescue centres caring for abandoned, injured or neglected animals. Placements may include a dog shelter, alpaca farm or small rescue centre/zoo focused on rehabilitation and animal wellbeing. At a dog shelter, tasks include feeding, grooming, walking, socialising dogs, cleaning kennels, assisting with upkeep and supporting rehoming efforts. On an alpaca farm, you may feed and care for alpacas and llamas, clean pens, assist with maintenance, support basic care when animals are unwell and learn about traditional wool processing such as shearing and weaving. Helping with farm upkeep and visitor education may also be included. In a zoo/rescue-centre placement you might assist with feeding, cleaning enclosures, habitat maintenance, record-keeping and supporting staff. This placement is ideal for volunteers who love animals and are ready for physically active work. No previous experience is required as staff provide training. You should be comfortable adapting to basic living conditions.

Program Highlights

Programs start every Monday with durations ranging from 1 to 24 weeks.

Includes homestay accommodation, airport pick-up, orientation, meals and 24/7 in-country support

Volunteer up to 4 hours a day at a dog shelter, alpaca farm or small rescue zoo in Cusco

Tasks include feeding, cleaning, grooming, socializing, and entertaining animals, maintaining enclosures, grounds upkeep, and assisting with the rehabilitation and rehoming of rescued animals

Opportunity to support animal welfare and rescue efforts in Cusco while living in Peru and experiencing local culture

Quick Details

Locations:
  • Cusco, Peru
Availability
Year(s) Offered: Year RoundDuration:
  • 1-2 Weeks
  • 2-4 Weeks
  • 5-8 Weeks
  • 9-12 Weeks
Age Requirement: 18-30
Types & Subjects
Adventure Types:
  • Tours
  • Vacation Packages
Causes:
  • Animal Welfare
Types:
  • Volunteering
Guidelines:
  • American
  • European
  • Canadian
  • Australian
  • South African
  • Kiwi
  • All Nationalities
  • Asian
See all program details
Last Updated: May 20, 2026

Awards

Top Rated Provider Volunteer Abroad 20252025 Finalist - Innovative Volunteer Abroad ProgramNotable Mention - GoAbroad Top Rated Volunteer Abroad Providers 2024Top Rated Provider 2023 - Volunteer AbroadTop Rated Volunteer Abroad Organization 2022Zero CarbonNotable Mention 2021 - Volunteer Abroad

Program Details

Learn all the nitty gritty details you need to know

Locations

  • Cusco, Peru

Types and Subjects

  • Adventure Types
  • Tours
  • Vacation Packages
  • Causes
  • Animal Welfare
  • Types
  • Volunteering

Availability

Years Offered: Year Round

Duration:
  • 1-2 Weeks
  • 2-4 Weeks
  • 5-8 Weeks
  • 9-12 Weeks
Gap Year Timing:
  • After College
  • Career Break / Mid-Career
  • During College
  • During High School
  • Post High School

Age Requirement

18-30

Guidelines

All Nationalities

This Program is also open to Solo, Group

Program Cost Includes

  • Accommodation / Housing for Program Duration
  • Airport Transfer (Drop-Off)
  • Airport Transfer (Pick-Up)
  • Pre-Departure Orientation
  • Some Meals / Partial Meal Plan
  • In-Country Orientation
  • On-Site / In-Country Staff Support
  • Cultural Training / Program / Orientation
  • Certificate of Completion

Accommodation Options

  • Group living
  • Home-stays
  • Other

Qualifications & Experience

      Accepted Education Levels

    • Any/All Education Levels Accepted

    Application Procedures

    • Online Application

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What does the program with IVHQ involve?

    The Animal Care project in Cusco allows volunteers to assist at a dog shelter, alpaca farm or rescue-zoo caring for animals that have been abandoned or harmed.

    • Work includes feeding, cleaning, socialising and grounds maintenance
    • Placement options: dog shelter, alpaca farm, rescue zoo for exotic animals
    • Based around Cusco, with some placements in rural surroundings

    When can I start and how long can I volunteer?

    You can start almost any Monday and stay from 1 up to 24 weeks depending on your choice.

    • Weekly Monday start dates
    • Duration range: 1–24 weeks
    • Volunteer hours typically up to 4 hours per day

    What are the eligibility requirements for the program with IVHQ?

    Volunteers must be aged 16 or older (families welcome) and over-18s must provide a criminal background check.

    • Minimum age: 16 years or older
    • Adult volunteers (18+) require a criminal background check
    • English proficiency and adequate travel insurance required

    What accommodation and support are included?

    The fee includes homestay or volunteer-house accommodation, airport pickup, orientation and full in-country support from the local team.

    • Accommodation in homestay or volunteer house
    • Airport pickup on arrival included
    • Orientation and 24/7 local in-country support provided

    What skills and impact can I expect from Cusco’s Animal Care?

    You’ll gain hands-on experience in animal welfare, improve your communication skills and contribute to the wellbeing of rescued animals in Peru.

    • Gain experience caring for dogs, alpacas and exotic species
    • Develop communication, animal-care and teamwork skills
    • Engage in meaningful rescue work and learn about Peruvian culture

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    International Volunteer HQ [IVHQ]

    International Volunteer HQ [IVHQ]

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    Ready to Learn More?

    Volunteers on the Animal Care programme in Cusco support local shelters and rescue centres caring for abandoned, injured or neglected animals. Placements may include a dog shelter, alpaca farm or small rescue centre/zoo focused on rehabilitation and animal wellbeing. At a dog shelter, tasks include feeding, grooming, walking, socialising dogs, cleaning kennels, assisting with upkeep and supporting rehoming efforts. On an alpaca farm, you may feed and care for alpacas and llamas, clean pens, assist with maintenance, support basic care when animals are unwell and learn about traditional wool processing such as shearing and weaving. Helping with farm upkeep and visitor education may also be included. In a zoo/rescue-centre placement you might assist with feeding, cleaning enclosures, habit...

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