A Journey of Rescue, Learning, and Love

Critter Caravan wasn’t born perfect, but that’s what makes our story special. We started with a love for animals and kids, and made every mistake possible. But we learned the most important lesson? Rescue, rescue, rescue! Never adopt a sick pet from a pet store. Trust us—we learned this the hard way. Our critters come from backgrounds where they’re seen as pets, and while we can’t change their origins, we can make sure they’re loved and cared for. That’s what we do—rescue, nurture, and introduce them to children, teaching lessons about compassion, courage, and curiosity along the way.

A Nephew’s Inspiration and a Bold Idea

The concept was sparked by our nephew Adam. For his third birthday, we hired a clown, but it fell flat. That’s when we thought, *We can do better!* We wanted something that combined our love for animals and kids. After brainstorming, we realized nothing like that existed—so we created it! From there, Critter Caravan was born. We dreamed of building a safari adventure that could travel to kids instead of the other way around. Our vision included a giant map, helping children connect to the world’s diverse ecosystems and cultures and giving them amazing experiences. Yes, we’ve hosted a **Madagascar Hissing Cockroach race or two!

Learning Through Mistakes

Our first stop? The pet store. We bought everything: chinchillas, hedgehogs, prairie dogs—you name it. Looking back, we cringe at the price tags and the conditions of some of the animals we unknowingly supported. But we also made some good choices, like getting an English Angora rabbit from a local farm. The biggest takeaway? Mistakes are inevitable, but you learn, grow, and do better. And, rescue!

From Mompreneurs to Educators

What started as a way for us to work while staying home with our kids quickly grew into something bigger. Critter Caravan gave us financial freedom, but more importantly, it opened doors—like earning a degree from Columbia University. Over time, we realized how impactful animals could be for children with special needs. Our very first gig was for a special needs group, and it was a huge success. Today, this is a cornerstone of our mission: creating joyful, inclusive experiences for all kids.

The Journey Continues

We are still thriving. Kathryn keeps the caravan rolling with a fantastic team, while Tori has moved on to a new chapter in her career. Jungle Jim, our younger brother, even launched his own spin-off called Party Safari! Critter Caravan has grown with us, from a little family adventure to a business that touches lives. Our animals help kids face fears, embrace differences, and discover the wonders of the world.

Want to see what it’s all about? Come take a look at how we care for our critters and inspire the next generation of animal lovers! 🐾