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Stephenson Farms
Mobile Petting Farm FAQ

For more information or to book an event, please contact:

info@stephenson-farms.com

(810) 293-9059

How much space is required for a mobile petting farm?

  • Our set-up is extremely flexible and we are able to make a variety of areas and spaces work. The minimum space required for 6-8 smaller sized animals is 10x10. For a larger petting zoo with a variety of animals we would require a minimum space of 15x15. 

What should I do to help prepare for the event?

  • We’re so glad you asked! Having a safe and sensible parking spot for our truck and trailer so we can easily unload our equipment and animals is essential. Please have the spot set aside and in mind prior to our arrival in order for us to be set up in time. We prefer to be parked as close as possible, the closer the better! There is a lot of fencing and equipment to carry which requires several trips. It’s ok if we can’t stay parked there during the event, we are happy to move our truck and trailer once we are unloaded.

  • If your event is during the evening hours when it may be dark, please ensure the area is well lit for the safety of guests and our animals.

  • Please have someone onsite when we arrive to help make recommendations or let us know any preferences as to how we set up.

What if it snows/rains or is windy on the date of my event?

  • While some of our animals may not be able to participate in the event of snow or rain, we do have many animals that are unbothered by the weather. If your event is scheduled during the winter months and there is snow in the forecast, as long as we are able to safely make it to your venue, we will be there. If your event is cancelled due to the weather, we will do our best to accommodate rescheduling for another date. In the circumstance of rain, if your venue allows, we are able to provide a tent for the petting zoo.

What if the animals make a mess while at our event?

  • Our farm attendants clean up during and after your event should any of the animals leave something behind. We try our best to maintain clean pens through the entirety of your event and also do a final cleaning once all of our equipment is removed.

Is set up included in my time slot?

  • Our set up and tear-down/clean-up time is not included in your time slot. Depending on your type of event, we arrive ~45 minutes early to set up and be ready by the time your event starts.

What kind of animals are available for the mobile petting farm?

  • We offer a variety of animals, our list of animals available is below. If you are wanting specific animals at your event, please let us know in advance. Please note that some animals are sensitive to certain weather conditions and are not suited for all types of events so may not be available for all events.

    • Mini donkeys, ponies, piglets, sheep, goats, calves, rabbits, and ducks.

Does the mobile petting farm include pony rides?

  • Our standard mobile petting farm does not include pony rides, but a pony (or multiple ponies) for pony rides can be added for any type of event. Please let us know upon inquiring if you are wanting to have pony rides at your event.

How does adding pony rides to the mobile petting farm work?

  • For private events like birthday parties, pony rides are unlimited for the duration of your time slot. The pony is hand-led by one of our farm hands in a designated area of your choosing. 

Are you insured?

  • Yes, we are fully insured for your protection. Many people are unaware that bringing livestock onto residential/city properties is rarely covered under homeowners’ insurance in most circumstances. Please let us know if you require a copy of our liability insurance prior to your event. 

Are the animals safe to interact with?

  • Yes, all of our animals are well handled and human friendly. We closely monitor guests’ interactions with our animals during the event. We also include signage posted on the safe and appropriate way to feed the animals treats and interact with them.

Is there a health risk to petting zoos?

  • All animals carry good and bad bacteria – including us! But there is no need to be concerned about potential health risk, as long as suitable precautions and hygiene rules are observed. This includes washing or sanitizing hands after touching the animals, keeping food + drinks outside the animal areas, and preventing children from putting their hands in their mouths while interacting with the animals. Children should be reminded not touch their faces or pet their hands near their mouths after touching animals.

  • We provide hand sanitizing stations at all of our events and also include signage of the information stated above. As long as people follow normal care, there is little risk of becoming ill from visiting a petting zoo.

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