Airbnb Launches Animal-Friendly Experiences

Airbnb has launched a new line of ethical, animal-friendly experiences! Called Airbnb Animal Experiences, it allows you to sign up and get to know animals through caring, expert hosts.

Guidelines for these experiences have been created with the organisation World Animal Protection, so you can rest assured that you’re not exploiting animals, but mingling with them. The details can be found here, and they outline how each experience is designed and hosted responsibly, putting animal welfare first.

There’s Plenty To Choose From

Airbnb has experiences all over the world, from visiting the dogs of Chernobyl to hiking alongside goats in the United States to spending time with arctic foxes in Iceland! There are 3 kinds of experiences to choose from - “observe”, “play” and “care”.

According to official webpage, travellers can “get to know more than 300 species with the help of biologists, conservationists, and fellow animal lovers.” Here are just a few of the experiences listed:

• Mr. Beaches The Dog (paddlboard with corgi in the United States)
• Ibiza The Horse (bond with a horse in Spain!)
• Hamish The Sheep (a tea party with a sheep in England)
• Asian elephants (visit elephants in Chiang Mai, Thailand alongside a mahout)

You can filter experiences by habitat or region.

It’s All For A Good Cause

The best part? This initiative is what Airbnb calls a “Social Impact Experience,” meaning proceeds from these trips go to non-profits that support a variety of animal causes, including rescue, veterinary care and conservation. So you get to have fun while helping animalTimes are changing, and travel companies are waking up to conscious and eco-friendly tourism.

Earlier this year, TripAdvisor ended ticket sales for attractions with whales and dolphins in captivity. As more people become aware of the reality behind zoos, circuses and other animal-exploiting industries, Airbnb Animal Expeiences will provide tourists and travellers a way to connect with animals with a clear conscience. 

_{*Feature image courtesy Airbnb}

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