What is the minimum age for the VIP Experience?

Participants must be at least 7 years old; guests under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

How long is the tour?

The VIP Experience is a two-hour, behind-the-scenes program with a dedicated keeper for your group.

Can I take photos during the experience?

Yes, photography is allowed when keepers indicate it's appropriate—staff will guide safe distances and timing.

Are there accessibility accommodations?

Discuss mobility or special needs when booking so staff can prepare and provide the best possible access.

Gratuity is not included; tipping keepers for excellent care and attention is appreciated.

VIP Animal Encounters: Behind-the-Scenes Tour at Paws and Claws Encounters in Bremen, Ohio

At Paws and Claws Encounters in Bremen, Ohio, the VIP Experience puts you behind the curtain of a working animal farm where keepers translate daily care into close-up encounters. For two hours you move through barns, pens, and quieter holding areas with a small group (max six), meeting sloths, fennec foxes, a binturong, playful otters, coatimundis, kangaroos, and even a warthog. The pace is deliberate: handlers demonstrate feeding, enrichment, and habitat setup and explain how diets, substrate, and social needs differ from species to species. This is not a staged photo op but a hands-on education session. Visitors will learn about enrichment puzzles for otters, the slow-metabolism adaptations of sloths, and the nocturnal instincts that shape a fennec fox’s world. Staff discuss veterinary routines, record-keeping, and the conservation messaging that guides responsible animal care at the farm. You’re invited to ask questions, observe keeper routines, and—when animals and staff allow—participate in light, supervised interactions. What makes this VIP Experience stand out in the Midwest is its scale and access. Small groups mean more time with each animal and deeper explanations from an expert staff member who stays with your party. The farm setting—with its mix of open pens, sheltered barns, and behind-the-scenes prep areas—gives a fuller picture of daily operations than a standard encounter. It’s ideal for families with older children (minimum age 7), animal lovers studying zookeeping or vet techs, or anyone curious about hands-on animal welfare. Practical details are straightforward: the program runs two hours, arrive ten minutes early to check in at Paws and Claws Encounters, and sign waivers in advance. Closed-toe shoes and clothes you don’t mind getting dirty are required because you’ll be on a working farm. Every person attending needs a ticket, and children under 16 must be with an adult. Photography is allowed when keepers indicate it’s appropriate; expect staff to guide safe distances and timing. The experience also connects visitors to conservation topics—how captive care supports education and rehabilitation—and offers a chance to explore the rest of the farm after your VIP session. If you want an intimate, informative look at how a small animal facility balances animal needs, visitor engagement, and conservation education, the VIP Experience at Paws and Claws Encounters in Bremen delivers a rare, up-close perspective that’s equal parts classroom and adventure. Book early; sessions are intentionally limited to protect animal welfare and ensure focused interactions. The VIP Experience pairs well with regional outdoor plans—take it on rainy days when hiking is off the table. Discuss mobility or special needs when you book so staff can prepare. Tipping is appreciated for excellent keeper care. Bring a notebook; keepers often share specific, memorable facts that deepen the visit and photos.

Difficulty

easy.

Duration

2 hours.

Fitness level

Light walking and standing for up to two hours; suitable for most visitors in reasonable health.

Wildlife

Sloth
Otter

History

Paws and Claws Encounters operates as a working animal farm and education site in Bremen, Ohio, offering public and behind-the-scenes programs centered on animal care.

Conservation

Staff integrate conservation education into encounters, emphasizing responsible captive care, enrichment, and rehabilitation principles to visitors.

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.

Base locationBremen, Ohio

Tours offered9+

Specialtywildlife-nature

StewardshipLeave No Trace

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