Hang Out With Internet-famous Pets With the Dodo’s New Animal Experiences on Airbnb
Airbnb wants travelers to spend a little more time with a few of their furry friends around the globe.
In October, the company announced a brand new category on Experiences — Airbnb Animal Experiences. This new category, it explained, will “allow people to better understand animals through caring, expert hosts and set a new standard for animal tourism.”
Already, the platform boasts more than 1,000 Experiences co-hosted by over 300 species and their human advocates. Through these journeys, guests can meet animals in places that allow for what Airbnb calls “gentle observation and bring a sense of connection far beyond animal selfies or performances.” And now, the platform is partnering with the beloved animal focused website The Dodo for a few more exclusive animal experiences.
“With technology taking up so much of our lives, it’s easy to feel disconnected from nature and animals,” Brian Chesky, Airbnb CEO and Co-Founder, said in a statement about all of Airbnb’s animal experiences. “Maybe this is why social media is dominated by animal memes. Life is better with animals, but for many busy people, looking at them through a screen is the closest they can get. With Airbnb Animal Experiences, locals and travelers are just a few clicks away from being alongside them in the real world.“
To ensure its animal experiences are ethical and the animals are always protected, Airbnb created a new animal welfare policy in collaboration with World Animal Protection. As an example, Airbnb noted, “You will never find an Airbnb Experience where you can kiss a dolphin or ride an elephant.”
The policy also states: there should be no direct contact with wild animals including, but not limited to, petting, feeding, or riding animals; for all working animals there will be a maximum one rider and never more than 20 percent of the animal’s weight, never to be overworked; marine mammals should never be in captivity for entertainment; and no wild animals can be used as selfie props or any negative training techniques.
So, what can you do on Airbnb’s new adventures with The Dodo? Check out a sampling of their offerings below.
Adventuring with Penni the Dog
Penni, one of the top-performing dogs on The Dodo’s show “Pittie Nation,” is ready to go hiking with you. Guests of this experience will take a sunset hike to the Arizona Hot Springs led by Penni. Throughout the hike, Penni’s dad Blaine will share the story of Penni's rough start to life and how the great outdoors has been the therapy she needs to make her comeback.
Picnic with Pickles the Pig
Pickles and Dill, the famed rescued pig and dog, are one of the Dodo’s favorite “Odd Couples.” Guests on this experience will arrive at Pickles' home in the San Francisco Bay area where Maddie, his human mom, will share what it's really like to live with a rescued pig. Guests will meet Pickles, Dill the dog, and their siblings, and will get to enjoy Pickles' performance of his favorite tricks as Maddie tells his incredible story.
Living the Ruff Life with Lee Asher
Inspired by The Dodo’s beloved original series, “Ruff Life with Lee Asher,” guests on this experience will arrive at a trailhead in Lake Tahoe, California where they will meet Lee and all of his dogs. After lots of tail wags and puppy cuddles, guests will hop into the Asher’s RV and take about an hour-long driving tour. The tour will finish across state lines in Nevada where guests will follow the dogs up a mile-long trail to one of Asher’s favorite destinations.
See all of The Dodo’s Airbnb Experiences here and get going on your adventure alongside a new four-legged best friend.