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Animal Care & Cultural Connection with My Mom in Cusco

The experience

We welcome one or two independent and respectful volunteers to help my mother care for our animals — 2 cats and 3 dogs.

What you offer

4 hours of help per day

Pet Sitting: Taking care of and looking after pets.

Cleaning: Help clean the kitchen, bedrooms, bathrooms and common areas.

What you get

3 days off per week

Private Room: You will have a bed in a private room. In other words, a room just for you.

Shared Dorm: You will have a bed in a shared room, which means you will share the same room with other travelers.

Breakfast: You are entitled to a free breakfast, every day of your stay.

Free Laundry: You can use our laundry room freely.

Bikes at your disposal: You can use our bikes any time you want.

Use our equipped kitchen: Feel free to use our kitchen and make your own delicious food.

Basic Internet Access: Basic speed internet for you to work remotely

Requirements

Beginner Spanish

Between 19 and 60 years old

Welcomes solo volunteers, couples, and partners of volunteers

Be from outside Peru

European Union Passport

United States visa or citizenship

What's not included

Flights, Travel Insurance, Internal Transportation and Visa

Program Details

Volunteers help with animal care. This position is ideal for early risers and animal lovers who enjoy calm, structured routines and want to contribute to a peaceful family home.
Expected hours: 3-4 hours per day, 4 days a week.

What we offer:
Accommodation in a private room (max 2 volunteers) with a shared bathroom.
A room with a private bathroom may also be available, depending on availability.
Breakfast is included only on the days you volunteer.

This is a family-based experience, where respect, communication, and cultural exchange are essential. Sharing something from their own culture, whether it’s a recipe, a story, a tradition, or a skill. Your presence is not just about helping, but also about connecting.

Activities & Shift

🕐 Daily routine: 7:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. and at 5:00 p.m.

Morning tasks (7:00 – 9:00 a.m.):

- Let the two big dogs out outside the house for fresh air
- Wash food bowls and change the water
- Feed the two cats
- Take the small dog for a 30-minute walk
- Feed all animals with food or treats that my mom will provide
- Let the big dogs out again after breakfast
- Pick up any dog waste from the garden to keep the space clean.

During the day, you are free to go to Cusco (50 minutes away) or Pisac (30 minutes away) and enjoy the surroundings. the Sacred Valley is yours to discover!

Afternoon task (5:00 p.m.):

- Make sure all animals are safely inside the house
- Check water bowls and clean if needed
- Feed them again in the same order: first the cats (making sure the big dogs don’t steal their food), then the dogs.

Note:
1.- If my mother is traveling:
- The pets’ protein (meat or liver) will be in the fridge, ready to fry. Just cook a small amount, enough for two days.
- Breakfast items will be available for volunteers, such as cereal, milk, coffee, bread, butter, and fruit.
2.- During the winter: the small dog should sleep on the balcony. Please remember to close the door to the stairs to keep him warm and safe overnight.

Rules

- Keep shared spaces clean and organised at all times
- Respect the meal arrangement: when food is provided, please use ingredients with care. On your days off, please take care of your own food.
- Treat all animals gently and respectfully — they are part of the family
- Always close gates and doors securely to prevent pets from escaping
- No outside visitors allowed without permission
- Use water, gas, and electricity responsibly
- Let us know if anything breaks, gets lost, or needs attention