Background Information
In Peru, sadly, thousands of pets are abandoned by their owners every year for various reasons. The fact the main reason they are left alone on the street is because most of them are cross or mixed breed and therefore of no commercial value. They’re left alone on the street to either survive or die. The luckier of these animals end up in a refuge or family shelter, where they wait to be adopted.
About the Program
Since some yeard ago we joined to our projects a local shelter in Trujillo. They look after abandoned and sick dogs found on the streets and they also have a sterilization campaign in place to decrease the potential number of homeless pets.
We aim to take care of the dogs health so they are ready to be adopted.
The refuge centre is in a shanty town just outside of Huanchaco and can accommodate up to 40 dogs. The centre is run by a volunteer who lives on site, but as you can imagine it is a lot of work to look after so many dogs! So more volunteers are always needed to help with the workload. If you have any specials skills (veterinary skills) or experience (previous work in an Animal Refuge or similar), it is a bonus but this is not necessary, all these beautiful dogs need is someone with a genuine interest in their wellbeing, some love to give and a strong willingness to help. They sure will appreciate it! to get the shelter we need to take the bus and travel for 15 minutes to ger it, and this program volunteers do it combine with Teaching English Program.
Your Role as a Volunteer
Volunteers will help to clean the shelter, take the dogs for walks on the beach of Huanchaquito, play with them, groom them and generally help around the shelter. We will provide you with all the equipment you will need, but it is important that you bring adequate clothing as you will get a little dirty!
The main task of volunteers is helping protect the good health and well being of the abandoned dogs while trying to find them a new home if possible.
Work at the Dog Shelter includes a combination of:
There are so many activities to do in and around Trujillo/Huanchaco. Volunteers have found their own activities to occupy them during the week and at weekends ranging from Yoga, Ju Jitsu. Surfing, dancing, cinema, shopping in Trujillo or relaxing on the beach of Huanchaco.
We organise one activity a week for our volunteers and these range from watching a tradition Horse show, a tour of Chan Chan, surfing, sandboarding and many more!
We also arrange for you to receive Salsa and Bachata lessons once a week here, as well as the opportunity to participate in Spanish classes (on request/aditional cost).
Fees are payable on arrival and include:
Most of our volunteers decide to stay in our volunteer house situated close to the historic centre and only fifteen minutes from the beach by bus. The rooms are shared dorms with Wi-Fi, Kitchen, bathroom and hot water. The volunteer house is a friendly environment where you can enjoy the sun on our roof or relax in the main room. Plus, volunteer parties and meetings are lots of fun.
Volunteer house comprises of 2x 2 bed dorms and 1x 4 bed dorm, 2x bathrooms, 1 kitchen, common area and rooftop. Free Wi-Fi works throughout (although not on the roof). No laundry facilities however you are able to handwash your clothes here or take them to a launderette nearby. We have 1 fridge/freezer and 2 gas hobs for you to store and cook your food.
The house is very close to a big shopping mall (5 minute walk) where there is a supermarket, food court and many other shops. We have a local market and many shops and restaurants on the street before the mall.
Buses are all available in front of the mall and they can take you to Huanchaquito and the city centre.
If you would like to stay in a quieter environment we are able to offer you accommodation in a host family where you will share your time with a Peruvian family (with all the same comforts as the volunteer house). Please contact us for more information about the terms and conditions of this kind of lodging.
Helper in Dog Shelter
This volunteer program is suitable for those who love dogs! You don't need experience. Main activities include grooming, walking them on the beach and playing with them.
$83/week
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