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Expert Advice

KID'S BIRTHDAYS

Petting Zoo Birthday Parties

By Carole Jace

Olivia

Looking for birthday party entertainment that will keep even very young children mesmerized for at least an hour? Consider a petting zoo.

Few party activities are more fascinating to tiny tots—and older children—than petting and feeding gentle furry and feathered farm animals, says Melanie Pien, owner of Pied Piper Pony Rides & Petting Zoo, in Carmel, New York.

"Kids get to touch and pet a variety of different animals. They love the different feels of each one," says Pien, who has run the family business for 20 years, and whose company does between 600 and 700 parties a year.

Pien and her staff often bring petting zoos to people's homes [see "Better than I'd Imagined: Olivia's Barnyard Bash;" (Olivia is the adorable one-year-old shown in the photo above.)] In addition, Pied Piper has brought animals to county fairs, picnics, museums, and even New York City townhouses—as well as schools for special needs children, adult group homes, and nursing homes.

Many adults love the animals as much as kids do, Pien notes. "Some people rent specific animals for the kids and other animals for the parents."

Pien recommends that for very young children, the petting zoo alone (without pony rides) is probably the best idea. Older children will more likely enjoy the pony rides and won't be frightened.

Other advice for parents considering a petting zoo for their kids' parties:

    Other Children

  • The best ages for petting zoo parties: Interestingly, Pien contends, age really isn't a factor. She points out that she recently did a party for 18-year-olds. "Parents sometimes have petting zoo parties expressly to introduce very young children to animals," she says. As a general rule, though, she advises, "Be sure your kids love animals before you decide to have such a party."
  • How long: An hour is usually perfect for a group of 20 kids, says Pien. However, some party-givers choose to increase the time by a half hour or an hour.
  • Which animals to include: Pien's company permits customers to select four different kinds of animals. Smaller animals, such as chicks, bunnies, and ducks, come in pairs; larger ones, such as goats, pigs, and sheep, individually. Customers can choose to have a small petting zoo, only pony rides, or a combination of the two.
  • What to check before hiring any company: The most important factor is current USDA certification, Pien says. Having a license indicates that inspectors have reviewed all animal health care records and have visited the farm to review the living conditions and daily routine care given to the animals.

    Insurance is also essential. Pien says her company has full liability coverage for both pony rides and the petting zoo. "In addition," she says, "if they wish to do so, customers can become additional insureds or co-insureds for the day of their event." Usually, she adds, there's no charge for this service.
  • In case of rain: Pien says she runs parties rain or shine. However, if she's scheduled to do pony rides and it looks like rain, she will substitute a petting zoo, if the customer prefers, since petting zoos can be set up in garages or even kitchens. "However," she adds, "we have had pony rides in three-car garages."

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  • Party safety: Keep all food, babies' pacifiers, kids' toys, and other personal belongings away from the area in which interaction with the animals will take place, says Pien.

    Equally important, she notes, have running water, soap, and disposable towels available for thorough hand washing immediately after children touch the animals and before they continue with any other party activities. Adults should carefully supervise hand washing for all children—especially, those under age five.

    If pony rides are part of the party fun, be sure that pony-ride staff will walk on the side of the pony, next to each child, with one arm on the child's back. Not only does this precaution help keep kids safe; it also makes little ones feel more secure.
  • Cost: Costs will vary according to location, the number of animals included, and the amount of time the petting zoo is available to party guests. Pien charges $350 for a one-hour petting zoo; an additional hour is usually about $125 more.
  • Available extras: Pien offers hay for sale (not rental) at $15 per 40-lb. bale. Some customers use the bales of hay for decoration or as benches in the petting zoo area. Others open the bales and hide objects in them for the kids to find as part of a treasure hunt.

    Pien's company also sells bandanas, horseshoes, and other items designed to serve as costumes or party favors. Most petting zoo companies will undoubtedly offer similar items.

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