Animal-friendly holidays

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When travelling around the world, it is often interesting and exciting to see animals - both wild and domestic - but you don't want to contribute to their suffering. Unfortunately, sometimes that's exactly what happens when you visit animal shows or agree to be photographed with an animal. Here are ten tips for animal-friendly holidays.

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10 tips for a pet-friendly holiday

Ten tips from World Animal Protection for those who want a pet-friendly holiday:

1. Wild animals belong in the wild. If you want to see animals on holiday, admire them in their natural habitats.
2. Do not agree to be photographed with a wild animal. These animals are often taken from the wild, sometimes after their parents have been killed. Often the animal's teeth are also extracted and it is drugged to make it easier to handle.
3. Avoid riding animals such as donkeys, camels and elephants. Many animals are overworked and not given enough food, water or rest. Wild animals are often captured when they are young and trained using brutal methods.
4. Be careful when visiting zoos. Many keep the animals in harmful conditions and stress the animals, for example by allowing tourists to handle them. Reputable zoos should also have breeding programmes to reintroduce animals to the wild.
5. Avoid attractions with marine mammals such as whales and dolphins. because they suffer from the stress and unnatural environment of captivity.
6. Don't attend cockfights and bullfights and festivals or events involving animal cruelty.
7. Eat with a clear conscience and avoid foods that come from animals that have been subjected to suffering. - such as Foie Gras from force-fed geese. Also avoid local dishes containing wild or endangered animal species.
8. Do not buy souvenirs that come from animals - fur, ivory, shells, seahorses, teeth, turtle shells and others.
9. If you see animals suffering or witness animal abuse while travelling, please document it. Photos or video recordings are valuable evidence but never pay to record anything.
10. Inform the local police, tourist office and a local animal welfare organisation if there is one. Tell your travel agent about the incident on your return.

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