Are photos and videos allowed?

Yes — pictures and videos are encouraged, but follow the guide’s direction about flash and proximity to animals.

What is the minimum age?

Children under 6 are not allowed; kids under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

Do I need to bring anything specific?

Bring a ticket for every person, wear closed-toe shoes, and arrive 10 minutes early; waivers should be completed in advance.

How long is the encounter?

Each session is 30 minutes and is limited in capacity to reduce animal stress.

Can I stay and explore the rest of the farm?

Yes — after your encounter you’re welcome to visit other enclosures and educational displays around the farm.

Is this suitable for photographers?

Absolutely — low-light, close-up opportunities are available but respect handlers’ guidance and avoid flash.

Spring Babies Encounter at Paws and Claws in Bremen, Ohio

Spring arrives at Paws and Claws Encounters in Bremen, Ohio, with a tiny parade of fur and curiosity. The Spring Babies Encounter — a 30-minute, limited-capacity experience — brings visitors face-to-face with baby otters, fox kits, raccoon pups, coatimundi young, and the occasional civet in a controlled, educational barn setting. This is not a petting zoo spectacle; it's a guided, expert-led introduction designed around animal welfare and conservation.

Arrive ten minutes early to the meeting point at Paws and Claws Encounters and have your waiver completed ahead of time; every person in the barn needs a ticket and children under six are not permitted. Sessions run for 30 minutes and prioritize small groups so handlers can rotate animals out of the spotlight, reduce stress, and keep interactions calm. Guides explain species-specific behaviors, diet, and rehabilitation needs, and they’ll show you how to read body language so you can safely capture photos and memories.

What sets this encounter apart is the mix of rare and familiar baby wildlife. The slick, playful motions of otter pups contrast with the nimble curiosity of fox kits; raccoon pups offer camera-ready expressions; coatimundi and civet youngsters bring an exotic note. The space itself is utilitarian: a sunlit barn with hay-bedded holding areas, handwashing stations, and viewing perches that let you observe without crowding. After your session you’re invited to explore the rest of the farm, where enclosures and educational displays deepen the conservation message.

The experience is family-friendly for older children, and it doubles as an introduction to local rescue work. Learn how animals are cared for here, what rehabilitation looks like, and how small behavior changes at home can reduce human-wildlife conflict. Photographers will find close-up portrait opportunities, while parents and educators will appreciate the hands-on conservation curriculum.

Practicalities are simple: book in advance via the supplied referral link, arrive early, and expect to stand and kneel at times for photos and interactions. Wear closed-toe shoes and clothes you won’t mind getting damp or dusty. Most sessions are scheduled through the farm’s booking system and capacity is deliberately limited—this keeps the experience intimate and the animals less stressed.

For anyone passing through Bremen or seeking a compact, high-value wildlife encounter near Columbus, the Spring Babies Encounter at Paws and Claws Encounters is a memorable, education-forward way to meet the season’s youngest residents while supporting local animal care and conservation. Bookings fill quickly during spring weekends, so reserve a slot early. The farm’s small-scale approach makes this encounter a rare chance to learn about neonatal wildlife care, ask questions of experienced handlers, and leave with practical conservation steps you can use at home — a short visit with lasting impact today.

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.