Try everything, try speaking Spanish and ordering fun snacks and drinks. I will be going back, volunteering was great for me as a person and when my Spanish improves I would love to be more involved but also was a great way to get your feet wet when in a new country with a language you don't speak.
Animal Care Volunteer Program in Lima - Peru
Purpose
Care for & rehome abandoned dogs
Start dates
Programs start the first and third Monday of the month
Duration
Choose from 1-12 weeks
Volunteer hours
Up to 5 hours a day
Age
Volunteers aged 16+ and families
Accommodation
Volunteer house or homestay
Who is going?
Group video calls
Once you have secured your place, join regular video calls to meet your Program Manager and other volunteers before your trip.
This program is ideal for:
Attention all dog enthusiasts! Embark on a rewarding journey in Lima where you can significantly improve canine welfare through various volunteer tasks. Whether you're new to animal care or a seasoned volunteer, you'll collaborate closely with our passionate local team to make a lasting difference.
Project details
Love hanging out with man’s best friend and want to be an Animal Care volunteer in Peru - Lima? International Volunteer HQ’s Animal Care project is a great opportunity for volunteers to help the thousands of dogs that have been abandoned on the streets of Lima and are often suffering from hunger, disease and injury. Volunteers gain animal care experience while providing vital support and help for non-profit dog shelters that manage, treat and rehabilitate the dogs and try to find them new, loving homes.
What to expect and how you'll make an impact
Thousands of stray dogs call the streets of Lima home, especially in low-income areas where many people have pet dogs, but struggle to access sterilization programs. When dogs fall pregnant they, or the pups, are often abandoned as the owners can’t afford to provide for an entire litter. Dog shelters are seen as important institutions to help manage street dogs that commonly suffer from hunger, infection and injuries, however they are not funded and rely on the help of volunteers to operate.
As an Animal Care volunteer you will assist in the daily running of non-profit dog shelters, which provide a loving home to many dogs that would otherwise be on the street. Tasks include:
- Dog walking
- Bathing and grooming
- Feeding
- Playing games
- Administering vitamins
- Cleaning and general upkeep of the shelter
- Adoption campaigns to help give dogs a permanent home and free up shelter space for other dogs.
Why do Animal Care volunteering in Lima with IVHQ?
When you volunteer with animals in Peru - Lima you’ll be adding value to the local community, while also developing personally and professionally by:
- Helping stray and abandoned dogs from the streets of Lima
- Assisting local initiatives to rehabilitate and rehome animals
- Developing your communication skills
- Gaining animal care experience
- Immersing yourself in Peruvian culture
- Exploring the stunning mountains and ancient ruins of Peru
Volunteer requirements
- Volunteers under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian to participate in this program
- Volunteers aged 16 or 17 on their program start date are required to provide IVHQ with parental consent in order to participate on the program, and may be asked to provide additional document to the local team.
- All volunteers aged 13+ are required to provide a criminal background check to IVHQ prior to departure. Those aged 13-17, if unable to obtain a criminal background check, can provide two character reference letters instead
- All volunteers are required to have adequate volunteer travel insurance
- All volunteers must speak fluent English.
Are you eligible to volunteer?
Submit a free application so we can confirm your eligibility and check availability for your preferred dates.
Not sure which program to join?
Get personalized recommendations >
Who is going?
Group video calls
Once you have secured your place, join regular video calls to meet your Program Manager and other volunteers before your trip.
Peru photo gallery
IVHQ Teaching project
IVHQ Animal Care project
IVHQ Medical Outreach project
IVHQ Construction & Renovation project
IVHQ Childcare project
IVHQ Medical Outreach project
IVHQ Animal Care project
IVHQ Medical Outreach project
IVHQ Construction & Renovation project
IVHQ Teaching project
IVHQ Childcare project
IVHQ Animal Care project
IVHQ Medical Outreach project
IVHQ Childcare project
IVHQ Special Needs/Childcare project
IVHQ Medical Outreach project
IVHQ Special Needs/Childcare project
IVHQ Community Support project
IVHQ Medical project
IVHQ Medical project
IVHQ Medical project
Exploring Lima, Peru during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring Lima, Peru during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring Lima, Peru during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring Lima, Peru during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring Lima, Peru during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring Lima, Peru during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring Lima, Peru during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring Lima, Peru during an IVHQ weekend
What recent volunteers said about their IVHQ experience
BM
Becca McCart
27 Aug 2024
...
FT
Francisco Trejo Pérez Gil
22 Aug 2024
I had an amazing time. I am so happy that I started my social service journey here. I wish to continue volunteering.
...
BM
Bryn Macaulay
22 Aug 2024
I went with a close friend of mine as we wanted to travel and volunteer in a new country. Although it was somewhat daunting for us, we had the most amazing experience. We met lots of amazing people that became our friends, got to volunteer in a program we felt so passionate about, and had plenty of time to explore on our own. The memories I have gained from taking part in this program are ones I cherish. I can’t wait to do another program like this!
...
JH
Julia Harnadek
10 Aug 2023
The IVHQ preparation checklist was an excellent resource. The local coordinators were absolutely excellent I cannot sing their praise loudly enough. They consistently looked out for us, helped us in any way they possibly could, and were always kind and approachable. The dog shelter is amazing and the people there are passionate and dedicated. I really looked forward to going to my volunteer placement every day and felt that I really built relationships with the shelter dogs. I loved spending time with them, and looking after them, and I think that the local staff do an amazing job with managing the volunteers.
...
ME
Madison Ekstrom
14 Jul 2022
I realize how grateful I am for what I have. It was humbling to go to a place where there was many places without safe water or access to electricity. Take the leap. I was scared at first to travel alone to a foreign country, but I felt safe and supported from the moment I arrived in my volunteer city, and was able to enjoy the local culture through the recommendations of the local team with many of the volunteer friends I made.
...
MV
Mollie Veale
13 Jul 2022
I loved every minute of it and want to do it more regularly, trying different programs and destinations. Try it, just for a week, you won’t regret it
...
To read all reviews, visit our reviews page.
Academic course credit
Academic course credit
Gain course credit from your college or university and meet your academic requirements when completing a volunteer abroad program with International Volunteer HQ!
Learn about course creditLocation
Location
Lima, Peru’s capital city, is perched along the country’s Pacific coast. As the biggest city in Peru and one of the largest in South America, Lima is an important hub of culture, commerce, finance and politics. It’s also got a long history dating back to Pre-Columbian times as well as a strong Spanish influence and both of these can be explored in the many museums, art galleries, churches and ancient historical sites dotted around the city.
IVHQ’s Lima projects are set in and around the city, near the tourist hotspots of Barranco and Miraflores, wildly different in nature but both known for their beauty, great food and buzzing nightlife.
Arrival and orientation
The program orientation begins on the first and third Monday of each month and volunteers will need to arrive in Lima on the day before orientation in preparation.
After you have registered for the program, please book your flights to arrive at Jorge Chavez International Airport (LIM). When you arrive, you will be greeted at the airport by a member of the local team and transported to the volunteer accommodation in Lima.
Your accommodation, and airport pick up is covered by your Program Fee and is provided the night before your program orientation. If you are traveling in Peru - Lima prior to your volunteer program, we can arrange for you to be picked up at a prearranged destination in central Lima the day before your program orientation.
Orientation is hosted by the local team at the volunteer house in Lima and begins on the morning of your chosen start date. It will cover everything you need to know for your volunteer program in Lima, including:
- An introduction to Peru and Peruvian customs
- Program rules and expectations
- Safety guidelines
- Transportation options
- Travel opportunities within Peru
- Local tour to explore the area, obtain a SIM card, and withdraw cash
- Details about your specific project and placement
The orientation also provides an opportunity to meet other volunteers and exchange contact details for weekend travel and socializing!
Volunteer schedule example
First Day You’ll kick-start your program with a warm welcome from our local staff, who will provide you with an orientation and a local city tour to prepare you for the week ahead!
Weekdays - A typical day would be as follows:
| 6:00 AM | Breakfast: Start your day with breakfast that is provided at the volunteer house and homestay, fueling up for the day ahead. |
| 7:00 AM | Departure: At this time, volunteers, accompanied by local coordinators, embark to their placements to commence their day of volunteering. |
| 12:30 - 1:00 PM | Volunteer day concludes: Volunteers will now journey back to the volunteer accommodation, where you can prepare your lunch in the communal kitchen or enjoy the flavors of the local cuisine at a nearby food cart or restaurant. |
| 2:00 - 6:00 PM | Free Time: With your volunteering duties complete, the afternoon is yours to explore! Whether you’re immersing yourself in Spanish lessons, discovering hidden gems in Lima, or simply soaking up the vibrant culture. |
| 6:30 - 7:00 PM | Dinner: This is when typically when volunteers unwind, enjoy their dinner, and make any necessary preparations for the following day. |
Weekends
During the weekends, explore the wonders of Lima and beyond! From paragliding over the cliffs of Miraflores to surfing the coastal waters of Barranco, the possibilities are endless. Venture further afield to discover the ancient ruins of Pachacamac or the breathtaking beauty of Machu Picchu.
Looking for more ideas of things to do in Peru - Lima? Check out our Lima Travel & Tours page!
Accommodation and WiFi
Volunteers will either be accommodated in the volunteer house or a homestay experience. Typically, volunteers are housed in our main housing facility, unless capacity is reached.
Volunteer house: The volunteer house offers shared bedrooms, a communal area and kitchen, creating a sociable environment for meeting and connecting with other volunteers. Each room is equipped with single bunk beds, usually shared with up to 4 - 8 volunteers of the same gender. Amenities include Wi-Fi, hot water, bedding, a fridge, and a TV in the common area for your comfort.
Homestay: Alternatively you will be placed in a homestay hosted by a local Peruvian family who has been approved by our local team in Lima. This offers an immersive experience with a local family to learn about the Peruvian way of life, meet local people, try traditional food and speak the local language - especially when host families in Lima tend to have limited English.
Living is often basic but comfortable and all homesteads have electricity, hot water and western style bathrooms. You can expect to be accommodated with up to 6 volunteers of the same gender, with bedding provided. WiFi is typically available in our homestay accommodation but please expect that some homesteads do not have WiFi. If you would like to keep connected during your stay, we recommend bringing an eSIM or an unlocked mobile phone and purchasing a local SIM card when you arrive in Lima.
Accommodation Upgrades: For those seeking a quieter retreat, we do offer private rooms for individuals, couples and families. This option places you either in the volunteer house or in a homestay with a local host family. While preferences can be noted, room allocation cannot be guaranteed. Reservations incurs an additional cost and is subject to availability.
Meals
Volunteers are provided with both breakfast and dinner throughout their stay on the program. Breakfast is conveniently available as a self-service offering in the volunteer kitchen. It features a selection including tea, coffee, toast, breads, fresh fruits, cereals, assorted condiments, savory options like ham and eggs, and yogurt and cheese.
Although lunch is not provided, you have the flexibility to explore the diverse flavors of Peru. You can either use the fully equipped kitchen in your volunteer accommodation to prepare your meals or explore the nearby food stalls and restaurants for a taste of local cuisine.
Dinner offers a fusion of Peruvian and Western-style dishes. Featuring locally sourced ingredients, our menu provides pasta, rice, bread, corn, potatoes, vegetables, and flavorful chicken dishes.
Should you have any dietary restrictions or preferences, please inform us in advance, and we’ll make the necessary arrangements. While we strive to accommodate your needs, we also recommend bringing extra spending money for any personal dietary snacks. As a volunteer, flexibility is key, so expect some variation from your usual dining habits.
IVHQ volunteer orientation
IVHQ volunteer orientation
IVHQ volunteers dining
Typical volunteer breakfast
Typical volunteer breakfast
Typical volunteer dinner
Typical volunteer dinner
Typical volunteer dinner
Typical volunteer dinner
Typical volunteer accommodation kitchen
Typical volunteer bedroom
Typical volunteer communal area
Typical volunteer homestay
Pricing
Secure your place for just US$299 (approximately CA$440), pay your Program Fee later.
Spots are limited. For a Registration Fee of just US$299 (approximately CA$440) you secure your spot and unlock all our preparation and training tools.
You don't need to worry about paying your Program Fee until you get closer to your start date.
Duration |
Program FeeDue 30 days before you start, or within 48 hours if you register inside of 30 days. Covers the cost of hosting you.
|
|---|---|
| 1 week | $285 Equivalent to $41/day |
| 2 weeks | $498 Equivalent to $36/day |
| 3 weeks | $710 Equivalent to $34/day |
| 4 weeks | $845 Equivalent to $30/day |
| 5 weeks | $984 Equivalent to $28/day |
| 6 weeks | $1,124 Equivalent to $27/day |
| 8 weeks | $1,414 Equivalent to $25/day |
| 10 weeks | $1,694 Equivalent to $24/day |
| 12 weeks | $1,974 Equivalent to $24/day |
- All programs attract a Registration Fee of US$299 (approximately CA$440) in addition to the Program Fee. This covers all pre-departure support services.
- A 5% international banking fee is added at point of payment.
- Recommended spending money: Volunteers in Lima generally find US$50 - $100 per week to be sufficient for expenses, such as snacks, lunches, in-country tours, and Spanish language lessons.
- Anyone volunteering during the week before Christmas will have a one-off surcharge of US$70 added to their file when registering, for Christmas activities within the community.
- Breakfast and dinner
- Airport pick-up
- Accommodation
- 24/7 in-country support
- In-country program orientation
- Pre-departure support from your Program Manager
- Personalized preparation tools, guides and check lists
- Access to IVHQ’s preferred insurance and flights partners
- Discounts on language lessons
- Discounts on travel and tour add-ons
- Certificate of International Volunteer Service
Learn more about what's included in your IVHQ Registration Fee and Program Fee.
- Transport to and from your placement each day
- Return to the airport when your program finishes
- Lunch
- Flights
- Visa (if required), travel insurance (mandatory), vaccinations, criminal background check.
- Personal spending money for snacks, laundry, public transportation, drinks and leisure activities during your free time.
Popular add-ons & experiences in Lima
Take your volunteer experience to the next level with these popular add-ons and experiences. Explore your options below and learn how to book them once you've been accepted onto the IVHQ Lima program.
Full day bus tour in Lima
Discover the stunning beauty of Paracas and Huacachina from sailing the waters to exploring towering sand dunes and thrilling sandboarding adventures!
CA$260
Spanish Lessons
Elevate your volunteer experience in Lima with personalized Spanish lessons!
From CA$32
Private Room for Two
Upgrade to private room for you and your travel partner!
From CA$312
Spanish language lessons
Spanish language lessons are available for all volunteers regardless of their ability. IVHQ strongly recommends these for all volunteers, unless they are fluent in Spanish. If volunteers have little or no Spanish ability and are volunteering for a period longer than 2 weeks, they should strongly consider these courses, so they can work and communicate with all parties more effectively during their program. These language lessons can be pre-booked by the hour via your MyIVHQ profile and the class schedule confirmed on your arrival in Lima at your program orientation. The language lessons are tailored to each volunteer’s current level of Spanish. The cost is very affordable and offered exclusively to IVHQ volunteers at US$20 (approximately CA$29) per hour for a private class.
Check what's required to visit Peru
Safety and support
Safety and support
IVHQ follows best practice and industry-leading health and safety procedures, which are regularly reviewed and optimized as part of the B Corporation recertification.
- All volunteers encouraged to complete our interactive pre-departure training.
- All local teams trained on best practice volunteer management & First Aid.
- All IVHQ programs are required to adhere to IVHQ's Risk Management Policy.
- All volunteers have access to 24/7 in-country support from our local team.
Essential country information
Essential country information
| Capital | Lima |
| Population | 32 million |
| Languages | Spanish |
| Currency | Nuevo Sol (PEN) |
| Time zone | UTC-05:00 |
Weather and climate: Peru, unlike other equatorial countries, does not have an exclusively tropical climate; the influence of the Andes and the Humboldt Current causes great climatic diversity within the country. The coast has moderate temperatures, low precipitation, and high humidity, except for its warmer, wetter northern reaches. In the sierra, rain is frequent during summer, and temperature and humidity diminish with altitude up to the frozen peaks of the Andes. The jungle is characterized by heavy rainfall and high temperatures, except for its southernmost part, which has cold winters and seasonal rainfall.
Apply to check if you're eligible!
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