The Animal Academy – Shelter Tour

Introduction

Our review takes you inside the Animal Academy’s Shelter Tour, an experience that promises a genuine connection with rescued farm animals and insights into their care. While we haven’t personally walked this path, the glowing reviews and detailed descriptions highlight its special appeal.

What makes this tour stand out? First, the over 200 farm animals like donkeys, goats, horses, pigs, and sheep create a lively, authentic atmosphere. Second, the knowledgeable guides, especially Javier, are praised for their kindness and storytelling—making the visit memorable. Third, the fact that your visit directly supports the shelter’s vital work adds a meaningful layer to the experience.

On the flip side, a key consideration is that the shelter isn’t open to the public outside of these guided tours, meaning it’s a scheduled activity rather than a drop-in visit. Also, transportation is not included, so you’ll need to plan your own way there. This tour is perfect for animal lovers, families, and those eager to see real rescue efforts in action—without the fuss of a zoo or commercial petting farm.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Authentic rescue experience with over 200 farm animals
• Guided tour offers in-depth stories and personal connections
• Supports a non-profit, making your visit impactful
• Family-friendly, wheelchair accessible, and educational
• No public access outside scheduled tours
• Own transport required, no pick-up service

The Tour Experience: What You Can Expect

The Shelter and Its Mission

The Animal Academy operates as a private, non-profit organization dedicated to rescuing and caring for farm animals that have been abused, abandoned, or neglected. With over 200 animals, including donkeys, goats, horses, sheep, and pigs, the shelter is a lively hub of recovery and hope. The core mission is not just rescue but rehabilitation, giving these animals a second chance at life.

The fact that the shelter is not open to drop-in visitors means every visit is carefully curated through guided tours, which guarantees a more personal and educational experience. The tour begins outside the main gate, in the parking area, where you’ll meet your guide—often Javier or another dedicated team member—and start your hour-long journey.

The Guided Tour: Stories and Insights

The guided tour lasts roughly an hour and is led by knowledgeable guides who take their time explaining each animal’s story. Expect to hear about how some of the animals arrived at the shelter, their past hardships, and their personalities now.

Reviewers like Natasa mentioned, “The guide really took his time to explain everything about them,” which highlights the personal touch and depth of information provided. The guides seem to genuinely care, and their stories make the animals’ journeys more tangible.

More Great Tours Nearby

Visiting the Animals

After the tour, visitors are free to wander the sanctuary, revisit their favorite animals, and observe the peaceful environment. It’s not a petting zoo, but many reviewers noted that they enjoyed seeing the animals relaxed and happy after their past traumas. Lola the donkey was a particular highlight, with visitors recounting her charm and unique personality.

Some reviews, like Simone’s, describe the staff as caring and attentive, making you feel like part of a community invested in these animals’ well-being. The fact that the money from your visit goes directly to supporting the shelter’s operations, food, and veterinary care adds a feel-good element.

Practical Details: What to Bring and Consider

Travellers should come prepared with comfortable shoes, sun protection, and water, as the tour is outdoors and lasts about an hour. The shelter is wheelchair accessible, making it inclusive for most visitors.

Since transportation isn’t included, plan your own way there—whether by car or taxi. The meeting point is straightforward, outside the gate in the parking area, and the tour ends back there.

Why This Tour Offers True Value

Supporting an Important Cause

Many travelers reported that this visit isn’t just about seeing animals—it’s about supporting a worthy cause. Jeff pointed out that “the money from the tour goes entirely to the animals,” which means every euro spent helps these animals recover and thrive.

Genuine, Educational Experience

Unlike commercial petting farms or zoos, the Animal Academy emphasizes education and awareness. Guides share personal stories, behaviors, and needs of each animal, making the visit more meaningful and eye-opening.

Authentic Connection with Rescued Animals

People like Sanket and Julija appreciated seeing the dedication of the team caring for neglected animals. The experience allows for meaningful interactions, even if it isn’t a petting session, making it perfect for animal lovers and families wanting to connect with real rescue efforts.

Community and Volunteer Spirit

Reviews like Gillad Shay’s mention that they would return as volunteers, revealing the strong community vibe and the genuine passion behind the project. This isn’t a commercial attraction; it’s a heartfelt effort.

Price and Duration: Is It Worth It?

Priced affordably, the tour provides a well-rounded, impactful hour. Given the depth of stories, the chance to see so many animals up close, and the fact that your contribution supports ongoing rescue work, the value is high. It’s an affordable way to deepen your understanding of farm animal welfare and support local conservation efforts.

Deep Dive: The Day in the Life of the Shelter Tour

Starting Point and Meeting

Your journey begins outside the main gate, where your guide welcomes you. The meeting spot is simple, in the parking area, with clear instructions. There’s no transportation included, so arriving by taxi or car is best.

The Guided Experience

Once everyone is gathered, the guide—often Javier—begins by introducing the shelter’s mission and the importance of rescuing neglected animals. Expect engaging stories about individual animals, some of which have been neglected or abused before arriving here.

For example, reviewers like Jeff describe the experience as “information on how the animals got here and how they are being taken care of,” making every story a lesson on animal welfare.

Revisit and Reflect

After the tour, visitors are encouraged to walk freely, revisit animals, and take photos. Many visitors reported that they enjoyed simply watching the animals relax, with some even describing their favorites like Lola, the big-eared donkey, who steals hearts effortlessly.

Personal Encounters

Though not a petting zoo, some visitors mentioned the joy of seeing animals in a safe, caring environment. Several reviews highlight how well looked-after the animals appear, which speaks volumes about the shelter’s standards.

Practical Tips for Visiting

• Arrive early or on time for your scheduled tour to maximize your experience.
• Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking on uneven outdoor terrain.
• Bring sun protection and water, especially on warm days.
• No pets are allowed, except assistance animals.
• Cash or card is not needed for entry—just your booking confirmation.
• Remember, no alcohol or drugs are permitted on site.

The Sum Up

The Animal Academy Shelter Tour offers a heartfelt glimpse into the world of rescued farm animals. It’s a chance to learn about their stories, see the dedication of the caring team, and contribute directly to their well-being. The tour strikes a balance between education and authentic connection, making it an enriching experience for animal lovers, families, and those looking for meaningful travel moments.

If you’re seeking a genuine, impactful outing that supports important conservation efforts, this tour is a fantastic choice. It’s especially suited for travelers who appreciate behind-the-scenes stories, are willing to make their own way there, and want to see real rescue work in action.

While it’s not a commercial petting farm, the opportunity to walk through a sanctuary of over 200 animals and hear their stories makes it well worth the time. The glowing reviews from visitors highlight the importance of knowledgeable guides, the well-cared-for animals, and the feeling of making a difference.

In short, the Animal Academy Shelter Tour combines purpose, education, and authentic animal encounters—delivering a meaningful experience that will stay with you long after you leave.

FAQ

Is transportation included with the tour?
No, the tour does not include transfer or pick-up services. You will need to make your own way to the shelter, which is straightforward from most locations in Spain.

How long does the tour last?
The guided tour lasts approximately 1 hour, giving plenty of time to hear stories and see the animals up close.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, a sun hat, sunscreen, water, and casual, weather-appropriate clothing are recommended for outdoor walking.

Can I feed or pet the animals?
The tour is not a petting session or a zoo. While you can revisit animals after the tour, direct contact or feeding is generally not allowed to protect the animals’ wellbeing.

Is the shelter wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible, making it inclusive for visitors with mobility needs.

Is there a limit on group size?
While not explicitly stated, most bookings are organized around scheduled tours, ensuring a manageable group size for a personal experience.

Can children participate?
Yes, the tour is family-friendly and suitable for children, especially those interested in animals and conservation.

What language is the tour conducted in?
The tour is offered in English and Spanish, with guides like Javier providing explanations in both languages.

How does my visit support the shelter?
All proceeds from the tour go directly to the shelter’s care, rescue, and rehabilitation efforts, ensuring your visit helps these animals thrive.

Note: Always check the official booking platform for the latest availability and any specific updates about the tour.

You can check availability for your dates here: