Petting Zoo Safety Tips for Kids: What Parents Should Know

A petting zoo is one of the most fun things you can bring to a party, but it is natural for parents to have questions. Are the animals gentle? What about germs? Is it okay for toddlers?

Here is a simple guide to petting zoo safety for kids, what a well-run mobile petting zoo should look like, and the questions to ask before you book.

Are petting zoos safe for kids?

With friendly animals, a good setup and a few easy habits, a petting zoo is a safe, happy experience for kids of all ages. The keys are gentle animals, a fenced area, adult supervision and clean hands.

What a safe mobile petting zoo looks like

• A fenced area. Animals should stay inside secure pens, with guests visiting in a calm, controlled way.
• Gentle, social animals. Our animals are professional pets that are used to meeting people.
• Staff on site the whole time. Our team watches the animals and helps guests interact the right way.
• A hand sanitizer station. Every Prime Time Critters petting zoo includes one.
• Shade and water. Comfortable animals are calm animals, which is why we require a shaded or covered area, or bring a tent.

Simple safety tips for kids

• Use gentle hands. Pet softly along the back, and never grab ears, tails or feathers.
• Stay calm and quiet. Walking slowly and using inside voices helps animals relax.
• Feed only the provided feed. Party snacks can make animals sick.
• Keep food and drinks outside the pen. It keeps hands clean and stops curious goats from helping themselves.
• No fingers in mouths. Remind little ones not to touch their face until hands are clean.
• Clean hands after. Use the sanitizer station, then wash with soap and water before eating.

Is a petting zoo okay for toddlers and babies?

Yes, with an adult right beside them. Toddlers usually love the softest, calmest animals, like bunnies and tortoises. Hold little ones at the fence first so they can watch before touching, and let them go at their own pace. Bring wipes and a change of clothes for messy feeders.

Questions to ask before booking a mobile petting zoo

• How many animals come, and which kinds?
• Will a staff member stay with the animals the whole time?
• Is the area fenced?
• What do you need from me, such as shade, grass or a flat spot?
• Is hand sanitizer provided?
• How many guests are included, and what does it cost for larger groups?
• How much is the deposit, and is there a travel fee?

For a Prime Time Critters petting zoo, most of these answers are right on our petting zoo page: 15 to 20 animals, a fenced barnyard, feed, brushes, a hand sanitizer station and our team on site.

Ready to plan a safe, fun party?

Learn more on the mobile petting zoo page, see prices in our petting zoo price guide, or check dates on the booking page. Have a question we did not cover? Contact us.