PAWS for Change: Help Roaming Dogs in Peru

Our mission remains dedicated to delivering quality and safe healthcare to roaming animals in Cusco and the surrounding villages. At PAWS, we prioritize conducting all surgeries in a sterile environment, with a strong focus on the animals' well-being throughout their healing process.

Education for Villagers

Our recent educational outreach in Peru has been a resounding success, with a strong community response in 5 different villages. In total there were 120 participants, including both adults and children, eagerly attended our sessions. These sessions were designed to foster a deeper understanding of responsible animal ownership, and the turnout reflects the growing interest and commitment within these communities to improve the well-being of their animals.

During our health campaigns, we observed that many dogs and cats were suffering from colds, which we traced back to the practice of leaving pets outside at night during the frost season. In this region, temperatures drop drastically at night, making it especially important to protect animals from the cold. Our team took this opportunity to educate the community about the risks associated with exposing pets to harsh weather conditions.

We engaged the community in discussions about the importance of keeping their animals warm, particularly during the winter season. We emphasized practical steps such as providing warm bedding and ensuring that pets are brought inside at night. Additionally, we highlighted the importance of refraining from bathing pets during this cold season, as it can make them more susceptible to illness.

The response from the community was overwhelmingly positive. Many participants expressed gratitude for the information and shared that they were unaware of the impact that cold weather could have on their pets. The sessions not only provided valuable knowledge but also empowered community members to take proactive steps in caring for their animals.

This outreach effort is part of our ongoing commitment to improving animal welfare in the region. By educating locals about the specific needs of their pets, especially during challenging weather conditions, we are helping to ensure that dogs and cats receive the care they need to stay healthy. The engagement and enthusiasm we witnessed during these sessions give us confidence that these communities are on the path to becoming more aware and compassionate pet owners.

Health Campaigns

In the last three months we have provided healthcare to 1,396 animals in rural villages and various animal shelters in the city. 1,077 dogs and 319 cats were treated with de-worming and anti flea medications as well as antibiotics and vitamins.

A street dog saved from losing an eye

In one of the communities we serve, there was a heartwarming story of a resilient dog that touched our hearts. This dog, a familiar presence in the area, has no single owner but is cared for by the kindness of the local people who provide it with food. Despite being a beloved part of the community, no one had stepped forward to claim full responsibility for it.

One day, this gentle dog was involved in a fierce fight with another dog, leaving it with severe injuries, including a deep wound dangerously close to its eye. The injury was so serious that the dog was at risk of losing its eye entirely. The community, concerned for the dog’s well-being, reached out to our team for help.

Our team acted swiftly, mobilizing resources to provide the necessary medical care. When we arrived, it was clear that the situation was urgent. The dog was in pain, and the wound needed immediate attention to prevent further complications. With compassion and expertise, our veterinary team began the delicate process of treating the injury.

The treatment involved careful cleaning of the wound, administration of antibiotics to prevent infection, and ongoing care to support the healing process. Our team worked diligently to ensure that the dog’s eye was saved, and with each passing day, the dog’s condition improved.

Thanks to the timely intervention and the dedication of our team, the dog made a remarkable recovery. The wound healed, and the eye was saved, allowing the dog to continue roaming its familiar territory. Although this dog may not have a single owner, it has a community that cares for it.

A dog treated after a car accident

In a small village we serve, there is a touching story of a devoted elderly lady and her loyal dog, a story that reminds us of the powerful bond between people and their pets. This elderly woman, living on a modest income, had long depended on the companionship of her dog, who was more than just a pet—he was her constant friend and source of comfort.

Some months ago, tragedy struck when her beloved dog was hit by a car. With limited resources and no access to veterinary care in the village, the woman did her best to care for the dog’s injured paw. However, without proper treatment, the wound didn’t heal properly, and over time, it became infected. Despite her best efforts, the infection worsened, causing the dog considerable pain and making it difficult for him to walk.

Word of the situation eventually reached our team, and we knew we had to step in. When we met the dog, it was clear that he had been suffering for some time. The infection in his paw was serious, but we were determined to help him recover.

Our veterinary team carefully cleaned the wound, treated the infection with antibiotics, and provided the necessary care to promote healing. The elderly woman, although worried, was deeply grateful that her dog was finally receiving the help he needed. Throughout the treatment process, we kept her informed, offering reassurance that her beloved companion was in good hands.

As the days passed, the dog’s condition began to improve. The infection gradually cleared, and the wound started to heal. With proper care and rest, he regained his strength and was soon able to walk without pain. Seeing the dog’s recovery brought immense relief and joy to the elderly woman, who had been so worried about his well-being.

Thank you for your support!

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of our generous donors. Your unwavering support has been the cornerstone of PAWS' success, driving us forward and making our impactful work possible. Your kindness and dedication have enabled us to make a tangible difference in the lives of the animals we serve. Truly, it is not possible without your compassion and commitment. Thank you for making everything we do possible!

Our mission continues to focus on providing quality and safe healthcare to the roaming animals throughout Cusco and the surrounding villages. PAWS works to ensure that all surgeries are completed in a sterile environment while considering the animal's well-being throughout the healing process. We have continued our health and education campaigns in rural communities, collaborating with 16 villages and 3 shelters.

Getting to the Villages

Our Mobile Veterinary Clinic traveled to 16 rural villages last quarter for health campaigns. Many of these villages are deep in the Andean mountains, down switchback dirt roads dotted with the occasional alpaca or donkey. Due to the remoteness of some towns, villagers would not have access to any veterinary services if not for the Mobile Veterinary Clinic, so it is crucial to journey into the communities outside of Cusco.

With this in mind, PAWS tries to visit villages every three months to offer animals deworming, vitamins, and vaccinations. Additionally, if an owner brings in a sick or injured pet, our staff can assist the owner in the best way to help the animal. Sometimes, this means providing medication or cleaning a wound. For neutering campaigns, PAWS goes to villages approximately every six months, depending on the population of puppies in the town and the need for spaying and neutering. This quarter, we were able to provide 70 surgeries.

Education Programs

Our campaigns focused on three educational programs by visiting the villages of Huayllarcocha, Quillahuata, and Yuncaypata. These educational programs are paramount to the future well-being of roaming animals in the Cusco region. For each program, we focus on the importance of monitoring pets' health, practicing responsible pet ownership, and keeping animals up to date on their vaccinations. The educational program also delves into the importance of neutering animals to stabilize the growing population and reduce the possibility of animals being poisoned to reduce overpopulation.

Helping Injured Animals

With 40,000 roaming animals on the streets of Cusco, injuries can be a heartbreaking reality. While PAWS works to neuter animals and educate on responsible pet ownership, we still face instances of car accidents and poisonings. Our coordinator arrives at the scene of potentially life-threatening injuries and takes the harmed animals to local clinics for treatment.
PAWS allocates funds each month to help these animals. We have partnered with local clinics to help cover the treatment and hospitalization of animals needing medical attention. We also work with the local fire and accident service who often encounter injured dogs and provide finacial support for veterinary care.

Thank you for your support!

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of our generous donors. Your unwavering support has been the cornerstone of PAWS' success, driving us forward and making our impactful work possible. Your kindness and dedication have enabled us to make a tangible difference in the lives of the animals we serve. Truly, it is not possible without your compassion and commitment. Thank you for making everything we do possible!