Animals - both domestic and wild - just have this way of making people happier. Think about it. You're in a lousy mood. Your dog, cat, bunny, or other pet comes over, begging for pets or cuddles. That just cheers you right up, doesn't it? And the wild animals? Who can resist a smile when a squirrel is begging for a treat? Add some more smiles to your days when you experience these once-in-a-lifetime animal encounters in Pennsylvania.

1. Wolf Sanctuary of PA – Lititz

Get an up-close glimpse of wolves and wolf-hybrids at Wolf Sanctuary of PA. During its 30+ year history, the sanctuary has provided a safe haven for wolves. Guided tours are available on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. Private guided tours are also available.

Wolf Sanctuary of PA is located at 465 Speedwell Forge Rd, Lititz, PA 17543. Read more here.

2. Double Diamond Deer Ranch – Clarington

Mingle with tame deer when you visit Double Diamond Deer Ranch. The sprawling ranch offers visitors the unique opportunity to spend time with the deer. And, if you happen to visit between June and August, you just might be able to bottle feed the newborn fawns.

Double Diamond Deer Ranch is located at 12211 PA-36, Clarington, PA 15828. Click here to read more.

3. Elmwood Park Zoo – Norristown

How can any one resist that face (of the giraffe above)? Feed the adorable fella and his two friends during a special feeding session at the Elmwood Park Zoo. But, why stop there? You can also feed bison, birds, and barn animals. After all that, take a tour around the zoo to meet the rest of the residents.

Elmwood Park Zoo is located at 1661 Harding Boulevard, Norristown, PA 19401. Keep reading here.

4. Long Acres Alpaca Farm – Mercersburg

How awesome would it be to spend a few hours with a group of fun and friendly alpacas? Well, you can when you visit Long Acres Alpaca Farm, which also provides visitors a glimpse into how alpaca fleece is processed into fiber. Farm tours last about an hour. During that time, you'll get to meet and to interact with some of the 100 alpaca residents. A guesthouse is also available for rent.

Long Acres Alpaca Farm is located at 9703 Blue Spring Rd., Mercersburg, PA 17236. Read more here.

5. East Coast Exotic Animal Rescue – Fairfield

Explore East Coast Exotic Animal Rescue, a sanctuary for neglected, abused, and unwanted exotic animals. Of course, you'll meet such domestic animals as goats and cows. But, the rescue also shelters monkeys, kinkajous, and tigers. Visit on Saturdays and Sundays from May through October. Hours run from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., weather-permitting.

East Coast Exotic Animal Rescue is located at 320 Zoo Rd., Fairfield, PA 17320. Click here for more.

6. Lake Tobias Wildlife Park – Halifax

Embark on a lighthearted safari ride at Lake Tobias Wildlife Park, a wildlife park and working farm that spans 150 acres. The 45-minute safari tour will give you plenty of chances to meet some of the more than 500 residents, including buffalo, European deer, and Asian deer. The rest of the park features a reptile and exotics habitat, a petting zoo, and such exotic animals as monkeys, tigers, and capybaras.

Lake Tobias Wildlife Park is located at 760 Tobias Rd., Halifax, PA 17032. Read more here.

7. Hawk Mountain Sanctuary – Kempton

Learn more about raptors and other birds at Hawk Mountain Sanctuary's Visitor's Center. Then, head out for a hike on one of the seven trails that promise spectacular views of local wildlife and bald eagles, osprey, and golden eagles. And, make plans to visit during the special events and educational seminars that are regularly held at the sanctuary.

Hawk Mountain Sanctuary is located at 1700 Hawk Mountain Rd., Kempton, PA 19529. Keep reading here.

8. Claws ‘N Paws Wild Animal Park – Lake Ariel

Bring the kids to this action-packed animal park. Claws 'N Paws Wild Animal Park provides a glimpse at such exotic animals as the white tiger, the timber wolf, and the giraffe. Visitors can feed the giraffes, parrots, and goats, sheep, and deer at the petting zoo. Kids can also dig for "dinosaur bones" or go gem mining.

Claws 'N Paws Wild Animal Park is located at 1475 Ledgedale Rd., Lake Ariel, PA 18436. Read more here.

9. T&D Cats of the World – Penns Creek

Sure, you'll meet plenty of cats at T&D's Cats of the World. But the animal sanctuary also houses an assortment of other animals, including monkeys, bears, tigers, and parrots. The 1.5 hour walking tour provides guests with insight into how the animal sanctuary cares for its residents. Be sure to also visit the aviary that houses 300 free-range birds.

T&D’s Cats of the World is located at Mountain Rd., Penns Creek, PA 17862. Continue reading here.

10. Hope Haven Farm Sanctuary – Sewickley

Discover the vibrant personalities of the rescued farm animals who live at Hope Haven Farm Sanctuary, just outside of Pittsburgh. The sanctuary provides a safe haven for previously abused, neglected, and unwanted farm animals, including goats, ducks, turkeys, pigs, and llamas. Tours are by appointment only from May through October.

Hope Haven Farm Sanctuary is located at 2506 Wexford Bayne Rd., Sewickley, PA 15143. Click here for more.

Which of these animal encounters in Pennsylvania have you experienced? Which do you want to experience? Share in the comments below! Then, click here to read about a natural oasis that promises the opportunity to see native wildlife.