On the surface, an animal tour appears to be an exciting and appealing way to explore a new destination.

However, Compassionate Travelers should keep in mind that some of the animals used for these tours – including horses, donkeys, mules, camels, llamas and even elephants – are forced to work for many hours with no access to shelter, food or water. In other cases, they are forced to wear poorly-made harnessing equipment that causes immense pain.

It is possible to find ethical and humane horse, donkey and camel rides, during which animal welfare is protected. Using the following guidelines, tourists can responsibly choose a tour vendor that properly feeds and cares for its animals:

• Avoid riding wild animals (such as elephants) altogether, because they are often captured from the wild, inadequately cared for and trained using inappropriate and cruel methods.
• Avoid riding animals with sores and wounds – look particularly near the animals’ mouths, shoulders, spines and bellies, as these areas are typically in constant contact with harnessing equipment.
• One rider per animal; the animal must accept your weight without discomfort and be able to start, stop and move easily. If the animal stumbles, staggers or appears to be struggling in any way, please get off.
• One wheel per person when riding in a carriage (e.g. two people in a two-wheeled carriage.) Carriages should be driven at a walking pace only.
• Look past the carriage decoration and choose an animal that looks fit and healthy rather than an animal with protruding hip bones, ribs or backbones.

What to do if you witness tour animal mistreatment >>