Animal Care & Cultural Connection with My Mom in Cusco

4.0

(4 reviews)4

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The experience

We welcome one or two independent and respectful volunteers to help my mother care for our six pets — three cats and three dogs — for about 4 hours a day, 4 days a week.

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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.

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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

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Requirements

Between 19 and 60 years old

Only hosts solo volunteers (doesn’t accept couples or partners)

Be from outside Peru

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What's not included

Flights, Travel Insurance, Internal Transportation and Visa

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Program Details

Would you like to enjoy Cusco while spending time with animals in a peaceful family home? We welcome responsible volunteers to help us take care of our pets in Saylla, a quiet town located about 25 minutes from Cusco city center.

You’ll stay in a calm environment surrounded by nature and animals, with flexible schedules that give you plenty of free time to explore Cusco and nearby areas.

We have two big dogs, one small dog, and three cats — all friendly and part of our daily life. Your main task is to help with their routine and make sure they’re healthy, happy, and safe.

We offer:
Free accommodation (private or shared room depending on availability)
Breakfast included
Lunch is negotiable – if you help a bit more around the house (for example, organizing or assisting my mother), she will gladly share lunch with you.
Access to the main kitchen for personal use. If you prefer more privacy, a separate kitchen can be arranged — you’ll just need to keep it tidy and prevent animals from entering.

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Activities & Shift

There are two daily pet-care shifts, and every volunteer is responsible for completing one or both of them. If there are two volunteers, you can coordinate who takes which shift.
If you are the only volunteer, you’ll be responsible for both shifts.
There’s flexibility — if you plan a longer trip or activity in Cusco, just let my mother know that you’ll only cover one shift that day.
However, when you return, please always check that all the animals are safely inside the house.

🌅 Morning Shift (7:00 – 9:00 a.m.)
- Let the two big dogs out for fresh air outside the house
- 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 provided by my mom
- Let the big dogs out again after breakfast
- Pick up any dog waste from the garden to keep it clean

🌇 Afternoon Shift (around 5:00 p.m.)
- Make sure all animals are safely inside the house
- Check and clean water bowls if needed
- Feed the cats first (making sure the big dogs don’t steal their food)
- Feed the dogs afterward

This schedule lets you enjoy Cusco freely during the day, while keeping a meaningful daily routine with the animals.

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Rules

To make your stay comfortable and respectful for everyone:

1.- Communication: Let my mother or me to know in advance if you will only do one shift that day or plan to return late.
2.- Responsibility: If you are the only volunteer, you must cover both shifts unless another arrangement is agreed.
3- Animal safety: Always check that all animals are inside at night.
4.- Cleanliness: Keep shared areas clean and organized.
5.- If you use the separate kitchen, make sure animals don’t enter and everything stays tidy.
6.- Respect and coexistence: Be kind to the animals and respectful of our family space.
7.- Flexibility: Enjoy Cusco, but remember your shift commitments — our pets depend on your consistency
8.- Meal Arrangements: When food is provided, please use ingredients with care.
On days off or when meals aren’t included, you’ll handle your own food.
Lunch may be offered depending on how much you help around the house.