About

& Meet the Team

Who We Are & What We Stand For

Animal Cwtch was created because of the incredible impact animals have on people’s lives, especially within our own teulu (family). We have seen firsthand how animals can build confidence, ease anxiety, spark curiosity, and bring joy to children and adults alike. Our encounters are designed to be engaging, welcoming, and inclusive, ensuring that everyone—no matter their background, ability, or experience with animals—feels comfortable and included.

Whether it’s a child gaining confidence through handling an animal, a care home resident reminiscing about a beloved pet, or a school group getting hands-on with nature, our goal is to create real connections and lasting memories.

At the heart of Animal Cwtch is a belief that animals help us to understand, care for, and connect with the world around us. Every encounter is built around kindness, respect, and ethical care—both for the people we meet and the animals we share our lives with.

Meet Our Animal Ambassadors

Animal people are a breed of their own—driven by passion, fueled by care, and dedicated to the wellbeing of every creature they meet

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How Animal Cwtch Started

Animal Cwtch began as a family-run idea, inspired by the positive effect animals had on our own children, particularly those with additional learning needs. We saw how animals could encourage communication, support emotional regulation, and provide a safe, judgment-free space, helping children and adults alike to build confidence and feel at ease.

What started as something personal soon grew into a full-time passion, as more and more people experienced the joy and benefits of animal interactions. Over time, we have carefully built a team and an animal family that reflects our commitment to inclusion, respect, and ethical care—ensuring that every encounter is as engaging for visitors as it is enriching for the animals.

Animal welfare has been at the heart of our journey from the very beginning. We believe that for people to truly connect with animals, they must first respect and understand them. Every encounter is designed with choice, comfort, and ethical handling in mind.

We are fully licensed, insured, and committed to the highest standards of animal welfare, following strict welfare guidelines to ensure that all animals receive enrichment, choice in interactions, and the best possible care.

Animal Cwtch isn’t just an experience—it’s a connection, a learning opportunity, and a moment of magic.

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What Makes Us Different

A personal and welcoming approach, adapting each session to suit the needs of different individuals and groups, ensuring a relaxed and positive experience for all.

A fully inclusive and ALN-friendly service, designed to be calm, structured, and accessible for everyone, including those with additional needs.

Deep bonds with our animals, who aren’t just part of our business but part of our family. Visitors don’t just meet animals; they see their personalities shine, experiencing trust and connection in a way that is special.

Strict welfare and ethical animal care, ensuring all animals are handled with respect, given breaks, enrichment, and choice in interactions.

More than just fun – learning with purpose, whether in schools, businesses, or community settings, encouraging conservation awareness, responsible pet ownership, and empathy for animals.

A trusted and professional service – every team member is DBS checked, and we are fully licensed and insured. We are members of BHS, IHS, REPTA, and Responsible Reptile Keeping, ensuring we follow the highest industry standards.

Meet the Team

Animal Cwtch started as just Jo and Kevin, but as demand grew, so did the team. We have built a close-knit group of passionate individuals who share a love of animals, experience in animal care, and a commitment to making encounters accessible to all.

Animal Cwtch is more than just a team—it’s a family of passionate animal lovers who bring care, warmth, and expertise into every encounter. From schools and care homes to private events and therapy sessions, our goal is to create meaningful moments, lasting memories, and genuine connections between people and animals. Every member of our team lives and breathes animals, not just at work but at home too.

Our animals are part of our family, and because of that, they trust us completely. This deep bond means that every encounter is calm, natural, and full of personality—which is what makes Animal Cwtch truly special. Above all, we love what we do. Every session is filled with enthusiasm, care, and excitement, because we know how magical it is to see people connect with animals for the first time. Whether we’re handling an exotic reptile, introducing a child to their new favorite animal, or bringing joy to someone who hasn’t interacted with animals in years, we genuinely love being part of these moments.

Founder & Animal Educator

Jo founded Animal Cwtch to share the incredible impact animals have on people’s lives. As a lifelong animal lover with experience in education, neurodiversity, and animal welfare, Jo ensures that every session is tailored to be fun, inclusive, and respectful to both visitors and animals alike.

Inspired by their own children, including Sam and Daniel, who are both autistic and have ADHD, Jo has firsthand experience in creating calm, engaging environments where people of all abilities can feel comfortable. Seeing how animals have helped their own children thrive has shaped the way Animal Cwtch operates today—putting wellbeing, understanding, and respect at the heart of every encounter.

Jo’s passion for animals—especially reptiles—began at Penscynor Wildlife Park as a young child. From the very first time they touched a snake, Jo was fascinated, and that passion never faded. Animals became an essential part of Jo’s life, leading to a lifelong journey of learning, caring, and educating others about them.

Alongside handling the animals, Jo is also the one who keeps everything running behind the scenes, from writing policies and maintaining compliance to handling customer bookings and ensuring high welfare standards are met. While Jo spends a lot of time on the admin side, there’s always time for hands-on animal interactions, and Jo has a particularly special bond with Alan the Prairie Dog.

Founder & Animal Educator

Kevin

Kevin has a natural connection with animals—so much so that he’s often called “Dr. Dolittle” because creatures of all kinds seem to instinctively trust him. Whether it’s a bird landing on his shoulder, a reptile curling up beside him, or a prairie dog snuggling into his arms, animals are naturally drawn to his calm and steady presence.

Although he’s always loved animals, it wasn’t until adulthood that he held his first snake—an experience that sparked a deep fascination with reptiles. Since then, animals have become a huge part of family life, and Kevin has played a vital role in caring for them and supporting Jo in growing Animal Cwtch.

While Jo manages the policies, bookings, and admin, Kevin is the hands-on problem solver who keeps everything running smoothly. From transporting animals and setting up for events to handling logistics and repairs, he ensures that every encounter is stress-free and enjoyable. His patience and quiet confidence help both visitors and animals feel at ease.

Kevin has a special bond with many of the Animal Cwtch residents, but none more so than Jemima the Duck and Penny the Parrot, who both adore him. It’s not uncommon to see Jemima waddling after him, refusing to leave his side!

And somehow, he manages to do all this while juggling a full-time job as a gas engineer.

Educator & Animal Handler

Jess

Jess brings her teaching experience and love for animals into every encounter. She has worked in schools across Swansea, Neath Port Talbot, and Cardiff, giving her a deep understanding of different learning environments and how to adapt sessions for a wide range of students.

With a strong background in education, she knows how to make learning about animals engaging and interactive for all ages. Whether leading a school workshop, assisting in a therapy session, or running a party visit, Jess ensures that every experience is informative, fun, and accessible.

She is also the one most likely to be found with a hedgehog in her pocket or working with the grumpier animals—she seems to have a special talent for handling the more mischievous members of the Animal Cwtch family!

Her favourite animal is Jabba the Bearded Dragon, who has a big personality and likes to keep her on her toes.

Animal Care & Exotic Pet Specialist

Nisha

Nisha has extensive experience in exotic pet care and retail, making her an invaluable member of the team when it comes to understanding animal behaviour, care, and handling.

With years spent working in pet shops and animal businesses, Nisha has a wealth of knowledge about responsible pet ownership, welfare standards, and ethical handling. While she’s a quiet presence, she is the go-to person when anyone has a question about animal care, and her expertise is invaluable in ensuring all animals receive the best possible treatment.

She promised herself she wouldn’t take any animals home, but so far, she has adopted two birds and a hedgehog called Urchin! Nisha loves reptiles but stays well away from spiders!

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Lucy – Future Conservationist

Lucy works at Animal Cwtch during holidays alongside her education, with the ambition of completing a Zoology degree and a Conservation Master’s degree. She has a strong passion for wildlife conservation and is working towards a career in protecting and studying animals in the wild.

Her work with Animal Cwtch allows her to gain hands-on experience with a wide variety of species, learning about their behaviour, welfare, and education in public engagement. She is a valuable part of the team and helps ensure that all animals are happy, healthy, and well cared for.

The Extended Animal Cwtch Family

Animal Cwtch has always been a family-led passion, and we are lucky to have an extended team who help when needed.

Jo and Kevin’s children have been a huge part of the inspiration behind Animal Cwtch. Sam and Daniel, both autistic with ADHD, have found incredible comfort and confidence through animals, shaping the way we approach our encounters. Their experiences have taught us how powerful animal interactions can be in supporting emotional well-being, self-confidence, and learning.

Jacob and Lucy are both hands-on with the animals. Jacob takes care of the ducks and chickens every single day and also helps with the rabbits and guinea pigs. Lucy is fearless and gets involved with all tasks, with animals often flocking to her much like they do to Kevin!

Jo is severely hearing impaired, which has shaped the way Animal Cwtch was built. Communication isn’t just about words—it’s about connection, body language, and the quiet understanding that animals instinctively bring. This belief is woven into every encounter, making Animal Cwtch a place where interaction is more than verbal—it’s about trust, presence, and the shared experience between humans and animals.

We also welcome volunteers and work experience students from time to time, offering hands-on learning opportunities for those passionate about animals. We believe in supporting and nurturing that passion, providing a safe and encouraging space for people to gain confidence, develop new skills, and learn about ethical animal care.

Our team is dedicated, passionate, and absolutely love what we do. It’s not just a job—it’s something we truly enjoy, and that enthusiasm is what makes Animal Cwtch encounters so special.

All staff and volunteers are DBS checked, and Animal Cwtch is fully licensed and insured, ensuring the highest standards of safety, professionalism, and animal welfare.