Help the Dog Shelter
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“Every dog deserves a home and love” – Maite
Where Your Support Goes
- Special food for dogs with damaged gums
- Treats and snacks
- Repairs around the shelter
- New housing for dogs
- Dog blankets and enclosure enrichments
- Staff support
- Transportation support and new rescue pick up costs
- Medicine
- Veterinary care
- Vaccinations
In Cusco, the Callejeritos Dog Shelter was founded by a caring Peruvian couple dedicated to rescuing abandoned and mistreated street dogs. What started as a small rescue effort has become a safe haven for more than 125 animals, many of whom were injured, neglected, or left to survive on the streets. The shelter exists to provide these animals with safety, medical care, rehabilitation, and the chance to find loving homes.
Beyond rescue work, the project also promotes responsible pet ownership and community education to help reduce animal abandonment in the future. Volunteers are an essential part of the shelter’s daily operations, helping with feeding, cleaning, walking, socialization, and giving the dogs the love and attention they need to heal and trust again.
Every contribution directly supports the recovery and protection of vulnerable animals and gives them a second chance at life.
Key Goals 2026
Our Rescue Stories
Chevrolet was hit by a car outside a Chevrolet dealership, which is how she got her name. After the accident, she was left lying in the rain for three days before being found by Maite. She had suffered a broken spine, could not walk, and had lost control of her bladder. Veterinarians told Maite that she would never walk again and recommended to put her down. But after six months of intensive care, rehabilitation, and love, Chevrolet defied the odds and learned to walk again.
Nanja used to belong to a mechanic in Cusco. One day, she accidentally scratched a car and damaged the paint. As punishment, the mechanic broke both of her front legs with a wrench. Although this happened years ago, the trauma she experienced still affects her every day. Nanja remains terrified of people and does not allow humans to get close to her. She is safe now, but learning to trust again has been a long and difficult journey.
Susi was hit by a car and suffered a shattered spine. Two volunteers found her unable to move and took her to a veterinarian, fearing her injuries were too severe to overcome. Fortunately, surgery was possible, although the chances of her ever walking again were very small. Today, after 10 years, Susi has a metal implant supporting her lower back and, despite not being able to move her spine, she can walk and play with her friends.
Oso was living on the streets near placa de armas. As many streetdogs he had to fight hard to surrive. One day a family rescued him and took him home, but having learned to distrust humans he bit his new owner in the face. The women wanted to kill the dog as a result, but Maite took him in and cared for him. Now he is one of the sweetest dogs enjoying head scraces and pets from the volunteers. Oso has such a big heart, looking at him now he was very unfortunate to have grown up in such a tough environement and deserves a safe home.
Eva was sadly pushed onto the street and hit by a car. She didn’t move an inch till some volunteers found her and brought her to the shelter. After a check up it was clear that she didn’t suffer any lasting physical injury, but instead one from within. She had lost her will to live and fight on the streets. She is still a rather depressed dog, so we try to give her as many pets and snacks as possible to show her through love that her life is worth living and fighting for.
Delfín was born with an incurable eye condition, a death sentence for street dogs here in Cusco, where competition limits access to water and food for our four-legged friends. Maite took him in when he was still young, providing him with food, shelter and much-needed care and attention. He tries his best to make friends with other dogs and volunteers, once he notices their presence, and doesn’t let his eye condition hold him back.
Chomps suffers from a tumor on his stomach. It grows bigger and bigger day by day making some movements harder. Since the medical costs for an operation are simply unaffordable for the shelter, and Maite doesn't have a medical fridge to store medication long term, he can not get the treatment he might need. Fortunately he isn’t in pain at the moment from the condition, although it continues to cause him discomfort.
Top achievements
Donations of our volunteers enabled Maite, owner of our dogshelter, to provide all our four-legged friends with a brand new water tank. Now our dogs have access to fresh water. In the long run this will greatly improve their health. Thank you for your help!
Donations helped provide nutritious meals for dozens of rescued dogs throughout the year. Regular access to balanced food has improved the dogs’ overall wellbeing and supports healthier, happier lives for animals recovering at the shelter.
Thanks to volunteer donations, important parts of the shelter could be repaired and reinforced for rescued dogs. Dogs now live in safer and more comfortable spaces protected from harsh weather conditions. Your support truly makes a lasting difference.
With the support of volunteer donations, rescued dogs received daily care, attention, and social interaction many had never experienced before. These positive experiences help the dogs rebuild trust and improve their emotional recovery over time.