Support Animal and Wildlife Rescue Centers

Culturally speaking in Latin America, dogs and cats are not looked upon as integral members of the family the way they are in many other countries. This often leads to neglect and abandonment. The projects we work with protect these animals and provide human company, medical treatment, and playtime for the animals. Animal Care volunteers may be placed at an animal shelter or a small zoo run by the Zoology and Biology departments at a local university. Please note that due to availability and seasonal needs at our projects, we cannot guarantee any particular type of facility. However, all the projects we work with promote the values of care and conservation for animals and your participation is valued. Volunteers may have the opportunity to work with animals such as dogs, cats, crocodiles, snakes, geckos, turtles, and a variety of other wild and domesticated animals.

Depending on the project, volunteers may be asked to:

• Bathe and/or groom the animals
• Provide basic obedience training
• Clean cages, feed animals, maintain the project area
• Interact with and host visitors to the project (often children)
• Play with and walk the animals
• Assist with small construction projects
• Photography, administration, and fundraising
• Educational programs about conservation work

This project is very physically demanding. 

Working hours vary according to the needs of the project, but volunteers can expect to work 3-4 hours per day, Monday to Friday, in the morning or in the afternoon.

All year round, Cusco and its surrounding towns celebrate a mix of Inca and Catholic holidays, providing visitors with a variety of different cultural activities to experience. Cusco offers travelers a plethora of historical and archaeological sites both in and out of the city. Students most commonly like to explore the Sacred Valley, Lake Titicaca, and of course Machu Picchu. Our local staff also posts a monthly events calendar to let you know of the activities going on around Maximo. Our on-site travel partner is also very knowledgeable and can assist in setting up trips.