• Wash Your Hands

  Before and after interacting with the animals, always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. This helps prevent the spread of germs and keeps both you and the animals healthy.

• Follow the Rules

  Pay attention to and follow all posted rules and guidelines at the petting farm. These rules are there to ensure the safety of visitors and the welfare of the animals.

• Be Gentle

  Treat the animals with kindness and respect. Avoid any rough or aggressive behavior, and never chase or harass the animals.

• Ask Questions

  If you have questions about the animals or the farm, don’t hesitate to ask a staff member. Petting farms are often educational, and the staff can provide valuable information about the animals and their care.

• Feed the Animals Safely

  If the farm allows you to feed the animals, use only the provided food and follow any specific feeding instructions. Don’t feed them human food or anything that’s not approved.

• Supervise Children

  Keep a close eye on children to ensure they interact with the animals safely. Teach them to be gentle and respectful.

• Respect Animal Boundaries

  Some animals may be in pens or enclosures. Respect these boundaries and don’t enter restricted areas unless authorized to do so.

• Stay Calm and Quiet

  Loud noises and sudden movements can startle animals. Speak softly and move slowly when approaching them.

• Dispose of Trash Properly

  Use designated trash bins to dispose of any litter or trash. Litter can harm animals if ingested, so keep the area clean.

• Dress Appropriately

  Wear suitable clothing and closed-toe shoes when visiting a petting farm. Avoid wearing loose jewelry or items that could get caught on things or pose a risk to animals.

• Support the Farm

  Petting farms often rely on visitor fees and donations to care for their animals. Consider making a small donation or purchasing products from the farm’s gift shop to support their work.

• Enjoy the Experience

  Take your time to observe and appreciate the animals and the farm environment. Enjoy the unique opportunity to get up close with various farm animals.

Remember that the primary goal of a petting farm is to provide a safe and enjoyable experience for both visitors and animals. By following these do’s, you can contribute to a positive and respectful visit for everyone involved.

Certainly, here are some “don’ts” to keep in mind when visiting a petting farm:

• Don’t Bring Outside Pets

  Leave your own pets at home. Bringing dogs or other pets to a petting farm can stress out the farm animals and pose safety risks.

• Don’t Ignore Farm Rules

  Pay attention to and follow all posted rules and guidelines at the petting farm. These rules are there to ensure the safety of visitors and the welfare of the animals.

• Don’t Climb on Fences or Enclosures

  Climbing on fences or enclosures can be dangerous and disruptive to the farm environment. Stick to designated pathways and viewing areas.

• Don’t Tease, Taunt, or Startle Animals

  Avoid teasing, poking, or making sudden movements to startle the animals. Treat them with respect and kindness.

• Don’t Enter Restricted Areas

  Respect any signs or barriers indicating restricted areas. These are in place for the safety of visitors and the well-being of the animals.

• Don’t Bring Outside Food

  Most petting farms have rules against bringing your own food. Follow their policies and purchase food on-site if you’d like to eat.

• Don’t Ignore Handwashing

  Always wash your hands thoroughly after touching animals, even if you didn’t touch them directly. This helps prevent the spread of germs.

• Don’t Litter

  Dispose of trash and litter in designated bins. Litter can be harmful to animals if ingested.

• Don’t Smoke or Use Tobacco Products

  Many petting farms have no-smoking policies due to the risk of fire and the potential harm to animals and other visitors.

• Don’t Shout or Make Loud Noises

  Loud noises can startle animals and disrupt their environment. Speak softly and avoid shouting or yelling.

• Don’t Feed Inappropriate Foods

  Only feed the animals the approved food provided by the farm. Do not give them human food, as it can be harmful to their health.

• Don’t Neglect Supervision

  Keep a close eye on children to ensure they interact with the animals safely and do not engage in behavior that could harm the animals or themselves.

• Don’t Overfeed the Animals

  Be mindful of the amount of food you give to the animals. Overfeeding can lead to health issues for the animals and disrupt their natural diet.

• Don’t Pick Up or Handle Animals Without Permission

  Some animals may be too young, sick, or stressed to be handled. Always ask for permission from farm staff before picking up or handling any animals.

• Don’t Ignore Safety Guidelines

  Pay attention to any safety guidelines provided by the farm staff and follow their instructions.