Carnival Booth Idea - Petting Zoo
Carnival Booth Set Up:
Hire a local company to bring in their gentle animals for the children to pet.
Plan an area that is shaded or partially shaded – this is best for the animals and the children
Be sure the petting zoo owner has access to water and shade for the animals.
Post signs that say “No Food Allowed In Petting Zoo” – sweet like cotton candy can make animals aggressive -- see the note below.
Carnival Booth Petting Zoo:
This booth may just be a break even booth if it is not donated – be sure to charge at least .75 cents or even one dollar to pet the animals.
Also, don't forget to verify that the petting zoo has current business insurance - ask for the phone number to the insurance company to make sure their coverage is up to date. Also, check references to make sure other schools or local events were happy with their service! Find out what action is taken if an animal is aggressive or just not feeling well.
Note: A few years ago at our school carnival petting zoo, my son was nipped by a pony who thought his shirt was cotton candy. He was fine, but later we found out that 2 others people had been bit before he was! The petting zoo was a new business and did not have their policies in place for the workers to understand how to handle problems with the animals. The next year, we choose a well known petting zoo with experience in dealing with animals.
