My mom wants to start a small petting zoo....?

Question

we have mini horses,2 horses,chickens,pot bellied pigs,and we might be getting a donkey soon. people are always asking to bring their kids to play with our animals so my mom was thinking of starting some kind of petting zoo where we could charge a small price for people to come see the animals, but we have no clue how to go about doing this, any help?

thanks =]

Answer 1

Just write a letter to your local council asking them for more info.

By the way, i would also offer to take in peoples unwanted pets like Guineapigs, as they probably will want to visit them = more visitors, word will get round = More visitors and your giving a pet a second chance where they will be loved :)

Also, instead of putting a price, why not just ask for donations instead, then you wont need a license or health and safety checks.

Answer 2

MAYBE KIDS CAN RIDE THE HORSES ? FEED THE ANIMALS.. U WOULD HAVE TO GET A PERMIT  FOR THE PETTING ZOO.. ASK THE LOCAL RM  STALLS/ OPEN AREA..

Answer 3

Call your local county extension office, you may need a license.  The animals will all have to be up to date on vaccines, etc., and also check with your homeowner's insurance company to see what you need to do to add that on.

Answer 4

Make sure you put up a sign stating that people play at their own risk! Other than that I would check with local zoning laws to make sure you can run a business from there and check on permits etc. Insurance would be a big thing, just in case!

Answer 5

I think you need a license to charge people. Call your local town hall and ask around about it.   Good luck

Answer 6

The main thing to think about is insurance!!! what happens when someone gets hurt (for whatever reason) and they are ready to sue, like all red blooded Americans do? Are you prepared to fight it out in court? Are you prepared to settle up with them with your own finances? Any time you charge someone for something nowadays, make sure you have insurance! Are you gonna have girls there too? I might be interested in some petting! LOL!!!!  Seriously, you have a good idea but just protect yourself.

Good Luck!!!!