Q-Where are we going to sleep?
A- In most of the cases we are going to sleep in pilgrims hostels, other times in boarding houses, according to possibilities. In some places, where we do not have another option, we spend the night in school gyms and we sleep on sport mattresses. All pilgrims have to bring their sleeping bag. In some hotels it still can get quite cold during the night.
Q-Where are the dogs spending the night?
A-Like in 2009, we will bring a trailer equipped with individual cages and very comfortable, where the dogs will sleep safely and pleasantly. The dogs of the Camino 2009 loved the trailer. This gives them tranquility, shelter, confidence and warmth. Besides, there will always be someone that will take care of them. The trailer is part of our camp.
Q- There is not too long and heavy for the animals?
A- Far from it. We choose animals that can make the trip. Talking from the experience of 2009, the long distances do not represent a problem for the dogs and donkeys that are prepared for this. On the other side, the dogs have for every six days of pilgrimage one day of rest. Two or three dogs per day, and if would be necessary more, could travel in the car that accompanies us and rest. Likewise, the veterinarians will check regularly the state of health of all animals during the trip.
Q- Can I bring my dog? Where will this sleep?
A- The pilgrims that come for six weeks can bring their dog, always and when is healthy, in good state and vaccinated. Also it is important that the dog can be around other dogs. If you only come one or two weeks, please ask us beforehand. Private dogs will sleep in the trailer too, because in the majority of hotels entering with dogs is not allowed. Including the most spoiled dogs got used to it rapidly. For them is better to spend the night in their own place than in a different place every night. Do not forget that dogs are used to form a pack and are comfortable among each other.
Q- Why do we pilgrim with animals? Would not be sufficient to make the Saint James Trail without animals?
A-The wellbeing of the animals is the principal point of this initiative. As an Animal Protection Association we would do nothing to put them in danger. Without them the pilgrimage would loose sense because they are the protagonists. After all, the pilgrimage is about the rights of the animals and we want to turn our attention on them.
Q-Why there can be only fifteen pilgrims?
A-For organizational reasons. The pilgrimage includes accommodation and in a lot of places would be impossible to find more lodgings. For this reason, we take care that a lot of people receive us in the outskirts of the towns and villages in order to walk in big groups to the places and cities.
Q-How can we help on the road, if we do not participate in the pilgrimage?
A- We want to meet during our trip the biggest number of people possible. Likewise, you can help us with the organizational tasks, like, for example, to look for restaurants, transport facilities, sponsors for the animals, etc. If you send us your email address, and tell us where and when you want to help or meet us, we will contact you. We want that the biggest number of people and animals to receive us when we arrive at a certain place and to accompany us for a while walking close to our camp. Please, call us during the day and we will tell you where and when we can meet. The mobile phone is the following: 699 31 6394.
Q-How can we sponsor a dog or a donkey?
A- It is very simple. In the sponsorship formulary which can be found on our website, you can pick an animal and sponsor it with the amount wanted. It is important to indicate the name of the dog or of the donkey in payment process. You can also form a group of friends which together can sponsor an animal.
Q-How will the money be used?
A- Our main task consists in education and awareness campaigns. We work on a project to establish Animal Protection as a subject in schools. All our funds got to accomplish this beautiful but arduous project. Only this way we can achieve a lasting change.
Q- If we participate in the pilgrimage to Santiago with you on the Via de la Plata, would you provide us a pilgrim’s credential? How much do we have to walk to receive it?
A- We supply the pilgrim credentials. The minimum distance to receive the Compostelana is 100 km in the direction of Santiago. This document is only handed out personally to each pilgrim in Santiago de Compostela, showing your sealed credential. But the credential itself is a beautiful souvenir from the Camino. Also, it does not expire and those of you who will not walk all the way to Santiago with us this time, can complete the Camino with the same credential another time.
Q- What meteorological conditions should we expect?
A- We start early in the year to avoid the heat, specially for the dogs. But weather in Spain is very variable, in the area around Seville, we can get up to 28ºC even in March. But generally it is still cool, and we have to expect some rain and cold weather. It will most likely never be under 12ºC, but with the rain it can be very nasty. It generally does not rain all day long and for many days, normally the sun comes out at least once a day. It will be spring time, so we should get some wonderful mild sunny days.
Q-What type of path do we walk on?
A- All types, we mainly walk on footpaths, non paved roads and some parts on roads as well.
Q- Are meals included in the price?
A- We will provide breakfast and a lunch box (Sandwiches, fruit, yoghurt) to take with you. Water will also be provided by us. Beer and other drinks will be available to buy. The dinner is not included: we will go together at a restaurant, where each person will pay what consumes.
Q-What includes the economic contribution?
A- A full time guide, accommodation, breakfast, a packed lunch, drinking water, transport of luggage to the next stop and to and from the local bus stop on days of arrival and departure, insurance. The organizational work is very extensive and the expenses derivate from it are really high. With your economic contribution we cover all the costs from the trip, like the expenses for gas and provisions for volunteers, amongst others.
Q-We are vegetarians, will there be food for vegetarians?
A- Yes, we will take care that at the breakfast buffet has enough food for vegetarians. Nevertheless, we ask all participants to tell us beforehand. Due to the fact that we will go out for dinner, each person could pick what they want. Anyway, in retreat places, the offer of food for vegetarians will not be very big.
Q-Do we carry our luggage?
A- No. We ask insistently to bring little luggage, instead of large suitcases, bring small ones, please bring only small travelling bags. The luggage will be kept during the day in the trailer and at night each person will take his bag in the accommodation. During the day you will have to carry only your small backpack.
Q- In what measure are we responsible for the animals that we go with?
A-You will have insurance for legal responsibility, but during the walk, you are asked to keep your dog on a lead at all time, you also have to carry water for your dog, we will supply the water and water bowls. We expect people to care for the animal they are walking with, be aware of their needs and condition. Dogs will be regularly checked by vets and we take care of feeding them, but you must inform us if you see that your dog has got a problem.
Q- Can I choose the animal with which I want to make the trip?
A- In principle yes. To accompany the donkeys, we look for people that stay the six weeks and have experience with donkeys or other big animals and are ready to receive instructions from our donkeys’ keeper. Who wants to walk with a kennel dog, should inform us of how much experience has with dogs. However, we prefer, as a general rule, to decide on site who is the most adequate for each dog.
Why have you chosen the Saint James trail, is it not a purely religious event?
A – The Saint James trail invites us to meditate, by breaking the daily routine of work and having the mind occupied, these people who walk on the Camino have a great opportunity to meditate over important things in their lives, their values and beliefs. We invite people to come with us regardless of their religious beliefs, what brings us together on this spiritual walk, is our mutual respect for life of any living creature.
If you have any more questions you can write to: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , or contact us on SKYPE, our Skypename is El Camino Planeta Animal
An important point is also the respect for the Camino. We respect this antique and traditional pilgrim path, as well as the different reasons that move its pilgrims and the pilgrim hostels. For us is very important to leave a good impression wherever we pass.
