Frequently Asked Questions

More Than Just an Animal Encounter – A Heartfelt, Inclusive Experience for Everyone

Children meeting a hedgehog at a school session

Why do our sessions cost what they do?

Looking after animals properly takes time, expertise and money. Your booking helps pay for:
Most of this happens behind the scenes, every day of the year, not just during the hour we spend with you. Each animal typically works no more than 4 hours a day and 4 days a week, so they always have proper rest.

Before booking any animal encounter company, it’s worth asking to see their licence and insurance. We’re always happy to show ours.

A Quaker parrot perched in a library

General Questions

You can pay by bank transfer, cash or card. Schools and organisations can pay by invoice.

A 25% deposit secures your date. The balance is due on the day, unless invoice terms have been agreed in advance.

  • The 25% deposit is non-refundable.
  • If you cancel more than 7 days before your session (14 days for public events), we keep the deposit and there’s nothing more to pay.
  • If you cancel within 7 days (14 days for public events), the full fee is due.
  • If we have to cancel, for example because of staff illness, animal welfare or unsafe weather, we’ll offer you a new date or a full refund, including your deposit.

You can read our full booking terms here.

  • Parties: usually 60–90 minutes, for up to 25 people. Adults are welcome to sit behind and watch. Adults who want to handle the animals count in the numbers.
  • Smaller groups: sessions can sometimes run a little longer, because everyone gets more time with the animals.
  • Other events: timings are flexible, so please ask.

We bring the animals, their carriers, tables and hand sanitiser. We need a calm indoor space big enough for everyone to sit in a semi-circle, with parking nearby. For outdoor and public events, the organiser provides covered shelter and handwashing with running water.

  • Food and drink: please keep these away from the animals, and serve party food after the session in a separate area.
  • Music: please turn it off or keep it low, so everyone can hear us and the animals stay calm.
  • Balloons, bouncy castles and other activities: please talk to us first, so we can plan where the animals will be.
  • No strict age limits, but experiences are best suited for ages five and older.

  • For children under five, please inform us in advance to discuss expectations.

  • Parents must supervise young children and ensure proper handwashing after handling animals.

We arrive about 10 minutes before the start to set up. The main contact should meet us when we arrive, so we can check the set-up, numbers, and any allergies or access needs. If a session starts late, it still finishes at the agreed time.

Our sessions are primarily in English, but we’re happy to use some Cymraeg (Welsh) where possible and include key phrases to reflect our respect for the language. We do have a Cymraeg speaker; Ask for Sarann. 

Mae ein sesiynau fel arfer yn Saesneg, ond rydyn ni’n hapus i ddefnyddio ychydig o Gymraeg lle’n bosib ac i gynnwys ymadroddion allweddol i ddangos ein parch at yr iaith.
Children at a session with Animal Cwtch staff

Event & Venue Requirements

For most bookings, it’s best to tell us your date and event details first so we can tailor an experience for you.

We need handwashing with running water, soap and paper towels for every booking. We bring hand sanitiser too, but it doesn’t replace proper handwashing. We don’t usually need power. For larger events, please ask.

  • Parties and private sessions: an indoor space big enough for everyone to sit in a semi-circle, with room behind us for the animals.
  • Events: this depends on the set-up, so please talk to us.
No food or drinks near the animals. Food should be covered and kept separate from the encounter area.

Yes. We can join weddings, festivals and other large events. Larger and open events may need extra staff, barriers and covered space, so please get in touch early so we can plan it properly.

A child holding a rabbit

Animal Welfare & Safety

Yes. Every animal is checked every day, and any animal with a health concern stays at home until it has been cleared. New animals go through at least 8 weeks of quarantine and a vet check before they meet anyone.

At sessions, we watch every animal for signs of stress or tiredness and rotate them so they get rest breaks. Each animal typically works no more than 4 hours a day and 4 days a week.

Yes. Everyone washes or sanitises their hands before and after handling. We bring hand sanitiser, but proper handwashing with soap and water is best, so please let us know if your venue doesn’t have it.

Nobody has to hold or touch anything. People can watch from a distance, ask questions, and join in only if and when they want to. Many nervous visitors find their confidence slowly, at their own pace.

Note: If someone has a severe phobia, they should be made aware in advance and make their own decision about participation.

Note: We can provide phobia sessions, but this is not part of our party package.

We never bring an animal that is unwell, shedding or showing signs of stress. Animals have rest days and off days, so we can’t guarantee specific animals, but you’re welcome to ask for 3–4 favourites and we’ll do our best.

Special Requests & Customisation

Yes. We love customising encounters to fit themes.
Yes, you can purchase a session as a gift—perfect for animal lovers.
Absolutely. Smaller, private sessions offer an intimate experience where you can really get to know the animals.

Ready to book, or have a question? Get in touch.

A smiling child with Penny the Quaker parrot on his head