Last Updated on September 13, 2023 by Project Party

Petting zoo hire for your child’s birthday can transform a simple celebration into a magical, unforgettable experience. If your child has ever encountered a petting zoo at local markets and wished for the same at home, you’re in the right place.

As a dedicated parent, it’s only natural to want to fulfil such a request. However, hiring a petting zoo comes with its set of challenges. From understanding the logistics to ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience, there’s much to consider.

The Pros and Cons of Petting Zoo Hire for Kids’ Birthday Parties

Petting zoos can transform a child’s birthday party into an unforgettable experience. However, like any event planning, hiring a petting zoo comes with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Here, we outline three pros and three cons to consider when deciding whether a petting zoo is the right choice for your child’s special day.

Pros of Petting Zoo Hire:

• Educational Experience: Petting zoos provide children with a hands-on learning opportunity. They get to interact with different animals, learn about their habits, and understand their needs.
• Unforgettable Memory: Having a petting zoo at a birthday party is not something kids experience every day. It can create lasting memories for your child and their friends.
• Engaging Entertainment: Animals are natural entertainers. A petting zoo can keep children engaged and entertained for hours, giving parents some respite during the party.

Cons of Petting Zoo Hire:

• Potential Allergies: Some children may have allergies to certain animals, which could pose a challenge. It’s essential to check with all the invited children’s parents about any known allergies beforehand.
• Animal Care Requirements: Animals require careful handling. Ensuring the animals’ safety and well-being during the party is crucial, and this responsibility falls on the host.
• Cost: Hiring a petting zoo can be more expensive than other forms of entertainment. Therefore, it’s important to budget appropriately to avoid financial surprises.

In this blog, we’ll delve into everything you need to know about petting zoo hire. We answer common questions, provide insights, and guide you on creating a memorable birthday party that will be the talk of the town. Ready to embark on this exciting journey? Let’s get started!

1. Can You Hire a Petting Zoo for a Birthday Party?

Absolutely! Many people are familiar with petting zoos at local markets or fairs but often wonder if it’s possible to bring this fun-filled experience into a more personal setting like a child’s birthday party. The answer is a resounding yes. Many petting zoos offer mobile hire packages specifically designed for children’s birthday parties. These packages are comprehensive, usually including a team of professional supervisors who help manage the animals and ensure that your child and their friends can have a fun, enjoyable, and memorable experience. It’s like bringing a piece of the farm right to your backyard, creating a unique birthday party experience that your child will remember for years to come.

2. How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Petting Zoo?

As parents, we all want to make our children’s birthday parties special while keeping an eye on the family budget. So, how much does it cost to hire a petting zoo? Generally, a mobile petting zoo costs around $400-$900 for a 2-hour party. This cost includes approximately a dozen farm animals, fencing, insurance, flooring, and professional supervision. The price primarily depends on the number and size of animals you want to include. For example, if you’re opting for ‘baby animals,’ the cost would be on the lower end, but if you wish to include larger animals like alpacas or ponies, the price might go up. It’s always worth discussing your specific requirements and budget with the petting zoo company to find a package that suits your needs.

3. Where Can a Petting Zoo Be Set Up?

One of the great things about mobile petting zoos is their flexibility in setup locations. They can be set up in either your front or backyard, provided there’s enough accessible space. Some companies also provide floor covers for indoor spaces like community halls or garages. However, it’s essential to ask about the minimum space required for the setup and for the children to fully enjoy the experience. Remember, while the petting zoo staff will manage the animals, they aren’t qualified to supervise children, so responsible adults should always be present throughout the event.

4. How Much Space is Needed for a Petting Zoo?

If you’ve decided to hire a petting zoo, you’ll need to prepare a space that’s around 4x4m to 6x6m. This size allows 8-12 children to sit in a circle and interact with the animals comfortably. If you’re considering additional services like a face painter or a bouncy castle, remember to accommodate extra space for these activities. The petting zoo company can help guide you on exactly how much space you’ll need based on the number of children attending and the additional activities you plan to include.

5. What Animals Are Included in a Petting Zoo?

Typically, petting zoos include common farm animals such as sheep, goats, rabbits, chickens, ducks, and guinea pigs. However, if you wish to make the event more unique and memorable, you can consider adding a party alpaca or pony. Some companies even offer exciting experiences with unusual animals like reptiles or sharks! Remember, the variety of animals can affect the cost of the petting zoo, so it’s important to discuss your preferences with the company when booking.

6. Which Animals Are the Best for a Petting Zoo?

Choosing the best animals for a petting zoo can be subjective and varies with personal preference. Goats are often favoured due to their confident demeanour and entertaining antics, but younger children usually gravitate towards baby animals like chicks or ducklings. Regardless of the animals you choose, it’s crucial to monitor the interactions between children and animals to ensure safe and gentle handling. It can also be a good idea to discuss with the petting zoo company about the temperaments of the animals they provide, to ensure a good fit for your child’s party.

7. Is Renting Just a Pony More Economical?

Renting just a pony might seem like a more affordable option, and indeed, it is slightly cheaper than hiring a full petting zoo. However, keep in mind that pony rides require more space and additional safety equipment, which could potentially increase the cost. You’ll also need a dedicated handler to manage the pony and ensure the children’s safety during rides. It’s always best to weigh the pros and cons before deciding on this option.

8. Can You Add Something Unique Like a Camel?

If you’re looking to add an element of excitement or intrigue to your petting zoo, consider renting a camel. These majestic animals are gentle giants that will undoubtedly make your event unforgettable. Just make sure you have plenty of space (at least 10x10m) and ample hay to keep the camel content. While adding a camel can be an exciting option, it’s important to remember the needs and comfort of the animal, so discussing this option with the petting zoo company is crucial.

9. Are Petting Zoos Safe?

Safety is paramount when hiring a petting zoo. Reputable companies ensure their animals are well-cared for, vaccinated, and accustomed to being around children. The handlers who accompany the animals are trained professionals who guide children on safely interacting with the animals. Moreover, they adhere to strict hygiene practices, including providing hand washing facilities and cleaning up after the event to ensure that your home or party venue is left clean and tidy.

10. What Are the Benefits of Hiring a Petting Zoo?

Hiring a petting zoo for a birthday party offers more than just entertainment; it’s also an educational experience. Children learn about different farm animals, their habits, diets, and how to handle them. This hands-on interaction can foster empathy, responsibility, and love for animals in children. Plus, interacting with animals has been proven to reduce stress and increase happiness, making a petting zoo a unique, exciting, and enriching addition to your child’s birthday celebration. It’s not just about the fun; it’s about creating a memorable and educational experience that your child will treasure.

Why Petting Zoo Hire Could Be Your Best Choice

Choosing a petting zoo hire for your next event might just be the perfect solution you’ve been looking for. The process of hiring is straightforward and largely handled by professionals, ensuring minimal stress on your part.

Once you’ve considered and worked out the practical aspects such as cost and space requirements, there’s little standing in the way of you and an unforgettable event. Not only will a petting zoo hire guarantee a fantastic day filled with fun and learning for the kids, but it also provides a unique opportunity for them to connect with nature and various animals.

Moreover, a petting zoo hire ensures approximately two hours of freedom for you as a parent or host. This means relief from supervising overly energetic children running around, potentially causing damage or incessantly demanding their party favors. Instead, you can sit back and watch as the children immerse themselves in the interactive and engaging experience that a petting zoo offers.

In conclusion, if you’re looking for a unique, educational, and hands-off entertainment option for your next children’s party or event, a petting zoo hire could be just what you need.