The Animal Academy – Shelter Tour

If you’re looking for something a bit different on your trip—something that combines a love for animals with a sense of purpose—then a visit to The Animal Academy Shelter Tour in Spain might just be a highlight. We haven’t done the tour ourselves, but from what’s shared by travelers and the glowing reviews, it’s a genuine, heartfelt experience that goes beyond typical sightseeing.

What we love about this tour is that it offers a close look at over 200 rescued farm animals—from donkeys and goats to pigs and sheep—and it’s run by a dedicated team committed to their care. Plus, the tour is guided by knowledgeable staff who take the time to tell the animals’ stories, making it both educational and emotionally engaging.

A potential consideration is that the experience lasts about an hour, and visitors are responsible for their own transportation as there’s no pick-up service. So, it’s best suited for those who can easily reach the venue and are comfortable walking around in the sun. If you’re someone who prefers a quick stop or a highly interactive petting zoo, this might not be the best fit. But if you’re wanting to see a true rescue operation and support a cause, this tour is quite special.

This experience suits animal lovers, conservation-minded travelers, and those wanting to give back during their holiday. It’s especially meaningful if you enjoy hearing stories of rescue and rehabilitation—knowing your visit directly supports the shelter’s work.

Key Points

• Dedicated non-profit rescue: The shelter cares for over 200 farm animals that have been abused, abandoned, or neglected.
• Educational guided tour: About 1 hour long, with a guide explaining each animal’s story and needs.
• Support a cause: The tour fee goes directly to helping these animals, making your visit impactful.
• Family-friendly: Suitable for anyone with comfortable shoes and sun protection, including those traveling with children.
• No public access: The only way to see the shelter is through this guided tour—no open-to-public visits.
• Flexible booking: You can reserve your spot with the option to pay later, and cancellations are free up to 24 hours in advance.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Shelter Tour Experience

Visiting The Animal Academy isn’t about petting animals in a zoo-like setting. It’s about witnessing the genuine effort to give neglected farm animals a new lease on life. The tour is structured in two parts: first, a guided walk through the shelter, then free time to revisit your favorite animals. This setup allows you to absorb their stories without feeling rushed, and then enjoy some quiet moments with the animals you’ve connected with.

The Guided Tour

Your journey begins outside the shelter’s gate, at the parking area. From there, the guide—often a knowledgeable staff member—takes you on a walkaround that lasts roughly an hour. As you stroll past the enclosures, you’ll encounter a variety of animals, each with their own unique story. Many reviews highlight the caring attitude of the staff, with one reviewer mentioning, “Javier explained everything about the animals and you really feel how much the entire team cares.”

During the tour, you’ll learn about how animals like Lola, the big-eared donkey, came to the shelter, often from abusive or neglectful situations. This storytelling aspect adds a layer of emotional depth, transforming a simple walk into a meaningful experience.

The Animals

The animals at this shelter have been rescued from difficult circumstances, and you can tell they’re well cared for. Reviewers consistently mention how “happy” and “well looked after” they appear, with one even saying, “if I were an animal, this would be my ‘happy place’.” You’ll see donkeys, goats, pigs, sheep, and horses—each with their own personalities.

You might find that some animals are shy or cautious at first, but the guides are good at giving you insights into their behaviors, helping you understand their needs. Several reviews express delight at the opportunity to connect with these characters, like “the animals are super cute, cuddly, and the guide took his time to explain everything.”

Free Walkaround & Support

After the guided tour, you’re free to walk amongst the animals at your leisure. This is your chance to revisit any that touched you during the tour. Since the shelter isn’t a petting zoo, direct interaction is respectful and gentle, but many visitors appreciate the chance to observe and perhaps take photos or sit quietly with the animals.

Most importantly, your visit is directly supporting their care. The tour fee is a donation that helps sustain the shelter, which is run as a non-profit. Many reviews emphasize how meaningful it feels to contribute to such a cause, with one person stating, “they do a fantastic job and I really recommend visiting them. Let’s support them so they can continue the vital job for these animals.”

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Practical Details

• Duration: Around 1 hour for the guided part, plus free time afterward.
• Price: The fee is not explicitly listed, but the value is clear—you’re supporting a good cause and getting an educational experience.
• Reservation: Booking in advance is recommended. You can reserve with the flexibility of paying later, and free cancellation is available up to 24 hours beforehand.
• Accessibility: The tour is wheelchair accessible, which is great for visitors with mobility needs.

What to Bring & Wear

To make your visit comfortable, wear comfortable shoes, bring a sun hat, sunscreen, and some water—the shelter is outdoors, and you’ll be spending time in the sun. Light, breathable clothing is advisable.

Things Not Allowed

Pets are not permitted inside the shelter (although assistance dogs are allowed), and alcohol or drugs are not welcome—understandably, as it’s a working rescue environment.

The Value in Supporting Rescue

When you look beyond the basic facts, what stands out is how much this tour supports animal welfare. Unlike a typical tourist attraction, the money you spend here directly benefits the animals’ care and rehabilitation. Travelers consistently mention how much they appreciate knowing their visit makes a difference.

The reviews speak volumes—people describe the experience as “heartwarming,” “fascinating,” and “fabulous,” emphasizing the dedication of the team and the genuine care for the animals. One reviewer even said, “I will surely come back as a volunteer,” which highlights the potential for ongoing involvement beyond just the visit.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

If you’re an animal lover eager to see real rescue work in action, this is a rewarding stop. It’s suitable for those who enjoy learning about animals’ stories, and who want to support causes they believe in. Travelers who appreciate authentic, heartfelt experiences rather than staged attractions will find this tour meaningful.

It’s also well-suited for families with children who are respectful and comfortable walking outdoors. The tranquil environment and touching stories make it a memorable outing for all ages.

FAQs

Is transportation provided for this tour?
No, participants need to make their own way to the shelter, starting from outside the gate in the parking area.

How long does the tour last?
The guided part of the tour takes about an hour, after which you’re welcome to walk around at your leisure.

Are there any age restrictions?
The information doesn’t specify age limits, but since it involves walking outdoors and hearing stories about rescued animals, young children should be comfortable with this setting.

Can I visit without booking?
No, access is only through a guided tour reservation. Booking in advance ensures your spot.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the tour is noted to be wheelchair accessible.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, sun protection (hat, sunscreen), water, and light clothing are recommended.

Can I cancel my booking later?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund.

Final Thoughts

Choosing to visit The Animal Academy Shelter offers a chance to connect with genuinely rescued farm animals and support their ongoing care. It’s a heartfelt experience that’s about more than just sightseeing—it’s about making a difference, learning, and appreciating the dedication of those who care for these animals.

If you’re seeking an activity that combines education, compassion, and impact, this tour is well worth considering. It’s perfect for travelers who want to leave their trip feeling they’ve supported a meaningful cause and gained a rare insight into animal rescue work. Just remember to plan ahead for transportation and weather, and bring your curiosity and kindness.

In the end, this isn’t just a visit; it’s an opportunity to witness the positive change human compassion can bring to the lives of animals in need.

You can check availability for your dates here: