Animal Experience International is a boutique social enterprise that helps people travel and volunteer with animals.

I think the travel myth we collectively have to stop believing is that volunteering can be free. There are some circumstances that people's sweat investment can make their stay free but most of the time their lodging, food, electricity, wi-fi, potable water and training all costs the place they are volunteering. The local families and professionals pay out of pocket for these things and some volunteers think the help they are providing off-set these costs. Volunteering doesn't need to break the bank but if it is free to the traveller, we need to ask ourselves who is paying for the things they are consuming?

Ethical volunteering and travelling means paying for your footprint.

Animal Experience International (AEI) sets itself apart from competitors by focusing exclusively on animal-related volunteer experiences. This specialization allows the brand to offer a wide range of unique and immersive opportunities for animal lovers, students, professionals and adventure seekers.

AEI's Consent Based Tourism model is another differentiating factor that ensures all interactions are consensual from the communities hosting volunteers to the treatment of animals involved. This model promotes responsible tourism and ethical treatment of animals.

Additionally, AEI offers comprehensive support throughout the entire experience - from pre-departure training on cultural sensitivity and ethical travel to ongoing support during the trip.

Moreover, as a B Corp organization, AEI operates under high standards of verified social and environmental performance, public transparency, and legal accountability to balance profit and purpose which is not common among all competitors.

Lastly, AEI's small group trips led by a group leader provide an extra layer of comfort for those who may be hesitant about traveling alone or volunteering in foreign locations.