PAWS for Change: Help Roaming Dogs in Peru

In the Andean communities surrounding Cusco, Peru, street dogs are a common sight—many hungry, injured, or ill. While many of these animals may have owners, it is common practice for them to roam freely, and access to affordable veterinary care is nearly nonexistent in rural areas.

That’s where PAWS steps in.

Our project works to reduce the suffering of roaming dogs and cats and tackle long-term animal welfare issues through a three-pronged approach: education, healthcare, and neuter/spaying. With your support, PAWS is making an immediate difference for thousands of animals—and improving the relationship between people and their pets.

Recent Results: Compassion in Action

In just the last three months, thanks to the generous support of our donors and the tireless work of our mobile veterinary team, we have:

Neutered/spayed 169 animals, reducing future litters and the number of stray animals living in poor conditions.

Provided healthcare to 251 dogs and cats, treating infections, parasites, wounds, and other health issues that would otherwise go unaddressed.

Our mobile veterinary clinic travels directly to rural villages—places where even basic veterinary services are unaffordable or completely unavailable. By offering free, on-site veterinary care and sterilization, we’re ensuring that pets receive the medical attention they need and that the cycle of overpopulation is broken at its root.

Changing Mindsets Through Education

At the heart of PAWS is not just treatment, but transformation. We run community education programs to teach families—especially children—about responsible pet care, the importance of vaccinations and sterilization, and how to treat animals with compassion. Changing attitudes is key to long-term impact, and we're seeing a growing number of families engage positively with our team and commit to caring for their animals more responsibly.

Why This Work Matters

Without intervention, stray dogs and cats often live short, harsh lives. Many suffer from malnutrition, disease, and injury. Worse, overpopulation leads to more suffering, more neglect, and public health risks. Our holistic approach addresses both the symptoms and the causes of this ongoing issue.

With your help, we are treating today’s suffering while preventing tomorrow’s.

Your support gives vulnerable animals in Peru a chance at a healthier, more dignified life—and helps build kinder, more informed communities.

Thank you for standing with us in this vital work.