Diolch - Thank you. - Animal Cwtch

Diolch – A Huge Thank You from All of Us at Animal Cwtch!

“If you can’t excite people about wildlife, how can you convince them to love and protect it?” — Steve Irwin

Every encounter makes a difference.

At Animal Cwtch, we believe connection is the first step toward caring — and caring is where conservation begins.

Thank you for helping us share that spark across South and West Wales.

We Loved Meeting You! Here’s what to do next and a few things to keep in mind after your visit.

Wash your hands thoroughly after handling animals. Warm water, soap, and a good scrub for at least 20 seconds — it’s the simplest way to stay healthy and keep everyone safe after spending time with our animal ambassadors.
Leave us a review. Your feedback really helps small, family-run businesses like ours grow. Please consider leaving a review on Google or Facebook — it means the world to us!
Stay connected. Follow us on social media for animal updates, behind-the-scenes moments, and early access to upcoming events. Join our Cwtch Club for exclusive perks and conservation news!
Get involved in conservation. You can support wildlife through Animal Cwtch’s own projects — such as our wildflower and field-mouse initiatives — or by joining local or international conservation organisations. Every small action helps protect the natural world.
Be responsible with pets. Meeting our animals can inspire a real love for wildlife, but please don’t buy a pet based solely on your Animal Cwtch experience. Exotic and domestic animals alike have complex needs — we’ll share more about this further down the page.

Want advice? Chat to our team before you buy — we’ll help you choose well, or decide not to (which is sometimes the kindest choice).

What Our Conservation Work Includes

Don’t buy on impulse. Take time to research species needs, lifespan, temperament and legal requirements.
Not every animal you met is a suitable pet. Some are wild native species that are protected (e.g., wild hedgehogs, most wild birds). Others (like owls) are specialist, high-cost and generally poor pets even for experienced keepers.
Understand Your Legal Responsibility Under UK law, everyone who keeps an animal has a duty of care to meet its five welfare needs: the right environment, the right diet, the chance to behave naturally, suitable companionship, and protection from pain and suffering. These aren’t just good practice — they’re legal requirements under the Animal Welfare Act 2006.
Consider the real costs. Caring for any animal properly is a long-term financial commitment. Reptiles and exotic pets often need UK-standard equipment, controlled heating, UVB lighting, thermostats, and specialist enclosures — never cheap imports or unsafe setups. The initial outlay can run into hundreds or even thousands of pounds, and ongoing costs for food, electricity, vet care, and replacement equipment continue for years.
Check CITES / paperwork for exotics. Some species (tortoises, parrots, certain reptiles) need certificates (e.g., Article 10) for sale or commercial use, and moving CITES-listed species without permits is an offence.
Adoption first. Rescues can help match species to lifestyle and support you with realistic care info.
Children can’t be sole carers. An adult must be responsible for daily care for the lifetime of the animal (rabbits ~10–12 years; parrots and tortoises can be decades). Use this to reset expectations gently, not guiltily.

From All of Us at Animal Cwtch – Diolch!

Thank you for sharing your day with our animal ambassadors. Every visit helps us spread understanding, kindness, and respect for the animals we share the world with.

If you’ve enjoyed meeting us, please tell others — your reviews and recommendations help a small, family-run business like ours keep growing and reaching more people.

Stay curious, stay kind to animals, and remember: real conservation begins with connection.

We hope to see you again soon for more animal adventures!