Building Cusco’s First Large Scale Dog Sanctuary
Every day in Cusco, thousands of dogs roam the streets — hungry, neglected, and too often victims of cruelty or poisoning. Cusco Canine Rescue was founded to change that reality by creating a safe haven where dogs can heal, thrive, and find second chances.
We are currently in the fundraising stage, but with your support, we can make the sanctuary a reality.
OUR JOURNEY
Cusco Canine Rescue is the result of a lifelong calling. Michel was born in Peru but did not set foot in the country until 2021. That first visit revealed a heartbreaking reality: dogs wandering the streets, many poisoned or mistreated.
From that moment, the mission began.
2021 – Michel begins documenting the street dog crisis in Cusco.
2022 – Legal groundwork starts: obtaining Peruvian ID documents and passports to establish the nonprofit framework.
2023 – Cusco Canine Rescue is incorporated in the U.S. and receives official 501(c)(3) nonprofit status.
2024 – A year of challenge and transition. Michel and Dillon move to Europe, balancing business with the sanctuary project while laying the foundation for global awareness.
2025 – Launch of Paws Around the World, a photography and storytelling project designed to harness the power of social media and global audiences to support the sanctuary mission.
THE PROBLEM WE’RE SOLVING
Cusco is home to an estimated tens of thousands of stray dogs.
Local “solutions” often involve poisoning — food laced with nails, glass, or toxins.
Well-meaning individuals sometimes house 20+ dogs in unsafe, overcrowded conditions.
There is currently no large-scale, dedicated sanctuary in Cusco to address this crisis.
OUR PLAN
PHASE 1: LAND ACQUISITION
We plan to purchase 8–10 acres of land near Poroy (about $250,000 with taxes and closing). The land must be far enough from neighborhoods to avoid conflict, as barking often results in retaliation against dogs.
This image presents a rendering of our vision for an open, natural sanctuary.
PHASE 2: DESIGN & CONSTRUCTION
Main Building: administrative offices, vet clinic, grooming, lobby & education center, classroom, kitchen, and supply storage.
Kennel Barns: divided by size, temperament, and intake status (with isolation for quarantine).
Outdoor Enclosures: fenced areas for exercise, enrichment, and safe socialization.
Volunteer Guest House: a space for international and local volunteers, complete with basic facilities inspired by the example shown in the image from our partner rescue, Colitas Con Canas.
PHASE 3: RESCUE & INTAKE
Launch a hotline for reports of cruelty, neglect, or unsafe hoarding situations.
Intake process includes quarantine, vaccinations, medical care, and gradual introduction to larger packs.
Focus on rescuing dogs from unhealthy private conditions where individuals are overwhelmed with numbers.
PHASE 4: COMMUNITY & EDUCATION
Outreach programs in schools about responsible pet ownership.
Low-cost mobile veterinary clinics for spay/neuter and vaccines.
Advocacy with local government to stop poisoning practices and encourage humane policies.
WHY NOW / WHY US
Michel’s Peruvian roots, combined with Dillon’s shared passion, give this project authenticity and purpose. They are not outsiders — they are working with trusted local veterinarians and activists in Cusco.
Through Paws Around the World, Michel and Dillon are building global awareness by sharing the stories of dogs and their families worldwide. Inspired by creators like MrBeast, their goal is to use storytelling and social media to make this sanctuary a reality.
THE NEXT STEP
We have the legal foundation, the partnerships, and the team in place. With funding, we can acquire the land and break ground on Cusco’s first true dog sanctuary.
👉 This is where you come in. Together, we can transform the lives of Cusco’s forgotten dogs.