What is the minimum age to participate?

Children under 3 are not permitted; kids under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

How many people are allowed per encounter?

Each private encounter is capped at a maximum of 4 people to keep interactions intimate and safe.

Can I take photos or video?

Yes—photography is allowed, but keep flash off and follow staff guidance to avoid stressing animals.

Wear comfortable clothes and consider an old shirt if you plan to take part in the otter-painting activity.

Can we visit if it’s raining?

Yes—the encounter takes place in a climate-controlled barn, so sessions proceed rain or shine.

No—gratuity is not included in the ticket price; tips for guides are appreciated for excellent care.

Private Otter Encounter in Bremen, Ohio — Intimate Hands-On Wildlife Experience

At Paws and Claws Encounters in Bremen, Ohio, the Private: Otter Encounter compresses the weird and wonderful of wildlife education into a focused 90-minute experience for up to four people. You’ll meet five different species selected by staff for temperament and interactivity — always including Asian small-clawed otters and often paired with guests such as a fox, skunk, armadillo, kangaroo, kinkajou, or lesser anteater. The setting is a climate-controlled encounter barn, so the show goes on rain or shine and families can enjoy close-up animal time without weather worrying.

This is not a generalized petting-zoo walkthrough. Guides lead a small group through hands-on education, demonstrating feeding, enrichment, and simple husbandry while explaining each species’ natural history and conservation challenges. The otters are the headline: lively, inquisitive, and trained for gentle interaction. Guests may even leave with otter paw prints — the program uses 100% non-toxic, child- and pet-safe water-soluble paint for a playful souvenir. Staff decide which animals are suited to the group before each session, ensuring safety for both visitors and animals.

Paws and Claws Encounters situates itself as a unique element of the region’s outdoor recreation mix: part roadside animal sanctuary, part educational farm, it gives visitors a tactile link to species that most travelers never encounter up close in Ohio. The experience pairs well with a day exploring local trails, small-town main streets, and agritourism stops across the county. It’s particularly suitable for families with children over three years old and for curious adults who want an intimate learning moment rather than a crowded exhibit.

Practical notes: arrive ten minutes early to check in at Paws and Claws Encounters, complete your waiver, and expect strict group-size limits—every person in the barn needs a ticket. The experience lasts roughly 90 minutes; bring an old shirt if you intend to participate in the otter-painting activity. Children under three are not permitted and minors under sixteen must be accompanied by an adult. Tips for guides are not included but are appreciated for exemplary care.

Why book it? The Private: Otter Encounter turns animal education into an active, personable exchange, delivered by staff who prioritize welfare and learning. For travelers seeking a memorable, family-friendly wildlife experience in Bremen, Ohio, this intimate encounter delivers close contact, expert interpretation, and a chance to leave with a story — and maybe an otter paw print on your sleeve. After the encounter, guests can explore the rest of the farm, meet other residents, and watch daily husbandry demonstrations. Staff are available to answer questions about diet, enrichment, and the facility’s role in rescue work. That follow-up reinforces conservation lessons and gives families practical ways to support local wildlife and inspire future stewardship in everyday choices.

About Paws and Claws Encounters

Paws and Claws Encounters is a wildlife encounter facility located in Bremen, Ohio, offering hands-on animal experiences for families, learners, and wildlife enthusiasts.

The business provides a range of guided encounters that include Swimming with Otters, Painting with Otters, VIP Experience, Fox Encounter, Sloth Encounter, Bobcat Encounter, Capybara Encounter, and both private and public Otter Encounters. Each experience is designed for close observation, supervised interaction, and education about animal behavior and care.

Staff members guide visitors through safe, controlled interactions with species such as Asian Small-Clawed Otters, foxes from four species, sloths, bobcats, capybaras, kangaroos, and other selected animals. The Swimming with Otters session takes place in a heated pool with an indoor waterfall, combining recreation with learning. The VIP Experience offers a two-hour behind-the-scenes tour for up-close access to rare animals. Painting with Otters blends interactive art with conservation education, producing personalized "Ottergraphs." Fox, sloth, bobcat, and capybara encounters emphasize animal handling best practices, feeding under supervision, and photo opportunities.

Paws and Claws Encounters operates as a guided venue where safety and animal welfare are prioritized through staff supervision and controlled settings. Visitors receive instruction and oversight during each encounter to ensure both guest safety and animal comfort. Located in Bremen, Ohio, the facility encourages visitors to book specific experiences—public or private—based on interest, group size, and desired level of access to animals. Reservations are recommended to secure preferred times and experience types, and guests can select public or private sessions suited to their group and comfort level today.