Your Guide to Responsible Animal Tourism

This was just one snapshot from my recent Pinterest-worthy farmhouse stay at SoulSpace Farm Sanctuary in New Richmond, Wisconsin. Farm sanctuaries like SoulSpace rescue animals conventionally used for food, giving them the opportunity to live out their lives free from harm. My visit to SoulSpace felt rewarding knowing that the animals’ care (not my entertainment) was the top priority, and that the cost of my stay would benefit the residents.

Responsible animal tourism is on the rise. In 2016, facing accusations of profiting from cruelty, the world’s largest travel site, Tripadvisor stopped selling tickets to attractions where tourists come into physical contact with wild animals or endangered species. This commitment was a meaningful step toward reducing cruel and exploitative forms of animal tourism, like elephant rides, tiger selfies, and swimming with dolphins. (Sadly, farmed animals are frequently left out of the conversation about responsible animal tourism.)

Under conventional animal tourism, many well-intentioned travelers have unknowingly participated in harm to animals, from farmed animals to endangered species. As more consumers pursue ethical travel opportunities, responsible animal tourism offers a compassionate alternative. Your travel choices can help to put an end to animal exploitation in the tourism industry. Whether you choose to snorkel alongside exotic fish or stay overnight at a farmed animal sanctuary, these opportunities allow you to have a unique experience with animals while prioritizing their wellbeing.

What is an animal-friendly vacation?

Responsible animal tourism goes by many names, including animal-friendly travel, humane animal tourism, and cruelty-free travel, just to name a few. All of these terms aspire to the same meaning; when animals are involved in our travel activities or accommodations, their wellbeing should always take priority over our entertainment and enjoyment. Responsible animal tourism encourages travelers to appreciate animals in their natural habitats, to support rescue organizations, and to avoid subjecting animals to cruelty or exploitation. In many cases, such as wild animal interactions, this means a hands-off approach, where tourists enjoy sights of the animals from a distance but avoid direct physical contact.

In other cases, such as farmed animal sanctuaries, this means that human visitors should pay special attention to any cues from animal residents that indicate they do not want to interact. Responsible animal tourism should foster meaningful encounters between humans and animals while advancing the wellbeing of the animals involved.

Top tips for animal-friendly travel

Tip #1: Avoid activities that harm animals

This may seem like a no-brainer, but it’s not always easy to determine which activities harm animals. When it comes to wild animals, avoid any direct contact or interaction. Riding wild animals, swimming with dolphins, or posing for selfies with tigers are a few well-known examples of activities that harm animals. Make sure animals are allowed to behave naturally. If the wild animals at a tourist attraction are held, restrained, confined, or forced to perform certain tasks, the activity is likely harmful to animals.

It’s worth noting that this type of animal abuse is normalized and rampant within our food system. Many animals used for food today suffer extreme confinement in factory farms, unable to express their natural behaviors for their entire lives.

In the case of companion or farmed animals, some direct interaction may be acceptable—just be sure to let the animals interact on their own terms. If they walk away, let them do so. Be observant, err on the side of caution, and let compassion be your guide.

Tip #2: Do your research

Know before you go! Seek out tour operators that prioritize animal welfare. Look for certifications from reputable organizations, such as World Animal Protection. Online reviews can also be valuable sources of information. Keep an eye out for one and two star reviews and any references to the condition of the animals involved. By doing research in advance, you can avoid supporting businesses that are harming animals.

Tip #3: When in doubt, stick to observation

Human contact is stressful for many wild animals—and can sometimes be stressful for domesticated animals too. If you’re unsure about what’s best for an animal, stick to enjoying their presence at a distance. Most ethical tours involving wild animals are observation only, and prohibit hands-on interactions like feeding or holding animals. If your travel activity involves domesticated animals, observe them carefully to assess if they prefer space or if they want to engage with you.

Responsible vacation stays with farmed animals

• Farm Sanctuary - Watkins Glen, New York Enjoy an unforgettable stay in a luxurious tiny house or a cozy cabin amidst sprawling green pastures where animals rescued from farms roam. A complimentary vegan breakfast and guided tour is included with each morning of your stay!

• Best Friends - Kanab, Utah Whether you want to stay in a cabin, a cottage, or an RV site, Best Friends has you covered! At the nation’s largest no-kill sanctuary for companion animals (and farmed animals too!), you’ll stay alongside more than 1,000 rescued animal residents. You’re sure to enjoy the stunning red rock vistas and canyons all around you. Pets are welcome, too!

• Woodstock Farm Sanctuary - High Falls, New York Stay at an award-winning boutique inn! Your windows will overlook a goat pasture, set against a stunning backdrop of the Shawangunk Mountains. Daily vegan breakfasts are included in your stay!

• Pebble Cove Farm - Eastsound, WA Prepare for a relaxing stay at a waterfront inn and sanctuary! At Pebble Cove, you’ll enjoy a private beach, the company of rescued animals, a “you pick” organic garden, a rowboat, hot tub, fire pit, and more.

• Catskill Animal Sanctuary - Saugerties, New York You’ll fall in love with this charming old farmhouse, complete with exposed brick! Situated on a 110-acres haven for horses and other farmed animals, this is a perfect stay for an animal-lover. Complimentary vegan breakfasts are included with your stay!

• Berkshire Sanctuary - Peru, Massachusetts Berkshire Sanctuary is a peaceful respite for dozens of farmed animals. When you stay with this Airbnb Superhost, you’ll have the farmhouse all to yourself. All proceeds benefit the animals!

• The White Pig - Schuyler, VA This vegan bed and breakfast is an oasis in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia. Here, you’ll enjoy sightings of rescued farmed animals and wildlife alike!

• SoulSpace Farm Sanctuary - New Richmond, WI This Airbnb is situated in a historic farmhouse attic. Your suite is filled with little surprises, like an old arcade video game, vegan snacks, and a large soaking tub. You’re welcome to roam around with the 100+ animal residents whenever you’d like.

• Red Robin Song Guest House - Lebanon, NY Enjoy peaceful views of rolling hills in the New York Berkshires! Along with the uplifting company of rescued animals, you’ll also enjoy a complimentary vegan breakfast each morning.

• SARA Sanctuary - Seguin, TX Stay in a cozy barn loft with a private deck! Situated in Central Texas, you’re likely to be spoiled with some of the best imaginable sunsets. You’re also welcome to help with the daily chores and animal care if you’d like.

• Loving Farm Animal Sanctuary - Paso Robles, CA Enjoy views of vineyards, olive groves, and grazing animals at this sanctuary for 50+ animals rescued from farms. During your visit, be sure to book a private tour of the sanctuary and consider visiting one of the many local wineries too!

Responsible vacations with other animals

• Stay with big cats at Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge - Eureka Springs, AK Support wild animals as you sleep among rescued big cats like tigers and lions in the Ozark Mountains. Turpentine offers a tree house, safari suites, and glamping tents!

• Go whale watching - Victoria, British Columbia, Canada Watching a massive wild animal emerge from the ocean is truly magical. With Eagle Wing Tours Whale & Wildlife Watching, the wellbeing of wild animals is top priority.

• Go birding at Los Tarrales Natural Reserve - Patulul, Suchitepéquez, Guatemala Birders rejoice! This nature preserve is home to some of the best birding—and best birding guides—in Central America. You can spot the Horned Guan, Azure-Rumped Tanager, and other breathtaking birds during the day, and then hop over to your onsite accommodations at night. You can book other outings through Los Tarrales too, like waterfall and coffee mill tours.

• Witness Monarch Migration - Michoacán, Mexico The migration of millions of Monarchs to Mexico each year is widely considered one of the most spectacular natural phenomena on the planet. On your trip to the Central Highlands of Mexico, you’ll witness hundreds of thousands of these butterflies taking to the sky!

• Assist with Underwater Research at Gili Shark Conservation - Lombok, Indonesia Join an international team of marine biologists to assist with research to preserve ocean life! You’ll learn about their research methodology, attend dive school, and provide hands-on support through underwater surveys and data collection. Not up for a big commitment? There are countless spots around the globe where you can responsibly snorkel or scuba dive among marine life!

• Support rescued elephants at Somboon Legacy Foundation - Bangkok, Thailand Unlike some elephant sanctuaries in Thailand, elephants come first at Somboon. This hands-off, nonprofit rescue allows a range of vantage points for viewing elephants throughout the sanctuary, as well as an elephant museum. Want a more immersive experience? Somboon allows you to stay for a week as a volunteer! You’ll prepare meals and enrichment for the elephants, among other special tasks. (If you visit Chiang Mai, don’t miss Elephant Nature Park!)

• Visit Local or National Parks Near You I recently visited the National Park closest to where I live: Isle Royale National Park, situated in Lake Superior. It was there that I had one of the most magnificent encounters I’ve ever had with wild animals—a mother moose and her son played in the water in front of us, within view of our campsite. Whether it’s a colorful caterpillar, a deer, or an animal species you’ve never seen before, there are special wildlife encounters awaiting you at your local parks!

Bon voyage, animal lover!

Animal exploitation is widespread. In the food industry, farmed animals spend their lives trapped inside factory farms, robbed of their ability to run, play, experience fresh air or sunlight, or even engage in basic movements like stretching their wings or turning around. In the tourism industry, animals of all kinds are often subjected to similar constant discomfort for the sake of entertainment.

Fortunately, caring travelers like you are creating a brighter future for animals. And you don’t have to compromise on the quality of your trip when you choose kindness! Whether you want to snorkel amongst exotic fish or experience the tranquility of a sanctuary sunset, animal-friendly vacations are filled with magic and wonder, as well as the rewarding feeling that you’re contributing to a better future. By using the tips and ideas from this article, and following your compassionate instincts, you have everything you need to start planning an unforgettable animal-friendly vacation!