Start a Petting Zoo: Business Setup Guide

Essential Steps to Launch Your Petting Zoo

Steps to Starting a Petting Zoo

Picture this: kids squealing with delight as they feed a gentle goat, adults smiling at cuddly bunnies, and you running a business that brings joy to your community. That’s the magic of a petting zoo.

But here’s the reality—starting one takes serious planning. You’re not just launching a business; you’re taking on the daily care of living animals, navigating complex regulations, and investing significant time and money. This isn’t a decision to rush.

Take your time. Talk to people who run petting zoos or work with animals professionally. Their real-world experience will save you from costly mistakes. This guide walks you through every step you need to take, from initial research to opening day.

Let’s dive in.

Understanding What You’re Really Getting Into

Before we get to the action steps, you need to know what running a petting zoo actually involves. Too many aspiring zoo owners fall in love with the idea without understanding the daily reality.

Animal care is a 24/7 commitment. Plan on several hours of daily animal care—feeding, cleaning, and health checks—before visitors even arrive. Weekends are typically the busiest. Holidays or sick days don’t pause animal needs.

You have options for how to structure your business. A stationary petting zoo gives you a permanent location where families visit you. A mobile petting zoo means you travel to birthday parties, schools, senior centers, and community events. Some owners do both.

The size of your operation matters enormously. A small backyard setup with a handful of animals requires far less investment than a multi-acre facility with exotic animals. Start by thinking realistically about what you can handle and afford.

Your skill set needs to include:

Daily animal care (feeding, watering, cleaning)
Health monitoring and record-keeping
Basic veterinary knowledge
Visitor safety management
Standard business operations

Don’t have animal experience? Consider working at a farm, zoo, or veterinary clinic first. The education you get will be invaluable.

The Steps to Launch Your Petting Zoo

1. Do Your Homework

Research isn’t glamorous, but it’s the most important step you’ll take. The more you learn now, the fewer expensive surprises you’ll face later.

Start by connecting with existing petting zoo owners. Most are happy to share advice, especially if you’re not competing in their area. Ask about their biggest challenges, unexpected costs, and what they wish they’d known at the start.

Visit petting zoos as a customer. Watch how they manage crowds, interact with visitors, and handle the animals. Take notes on what works and what doesn’t.

You also need to understand your target customers. Yes, adults visit petting zoos, but families with young children are your bread and butter. That means you need to locate in an area with a strong family population. Research local demographics, nearby schools, and family-oriented attractions.

If you skip this research phase, you’re building on quicksand. For a deeper look at evaluating any business opportunity, check out points to consider before starting a business.

2. Choose Your Location Wisely

Location can make or break your petting zoo. You need the right combination of visibility, accessibility, and demographics.

For a stationary zoo, look for areas with heavy family traffic—near schools, parks, or family entertainment centers.

Size the site based on local zoning/setback rules, enclosure needs, and visitor flow (including ADA-accessible routes), rather than a fixed acreage figure.

Ensure the property can support compliant animal housing, safe visitor paths, parking, and room to grow.

Check zoning regulations immediately. Some areas restrict the types or numbers of animals you can keep. Exotic animals often face stricter rules. Call your local zoning office before you fall in love with a property. Nothing’s worse than discovering your dream location doesn’t permit farm animals.

Accessibility matters too. Can families easily find you? Is there parking? For mobile operations, you need a base location that’s convenient for loading animals and traveling to gigs.

Don’t assume anywhere with open space will work. Choosing the right business location requires careful evaluation of multiple factors.

3. Pick a Name That Sticks

Your business name follows you forever. Choose carefully because changing it later confuses customers and wastes marketing dollars.

Make it memorable and relevant. “Sunny Meadows Petting Farm” tells people what you do. “ABC Enterprises” doesn’t. Keep it simple enough for kids to remember and parents to spell when searching online.

Check that your name is available. Search your state’s business registry and grab a matching domain name for your website. You don’t want to build a brand around a name someone else already owns.

Avoid trendy names that might feel dated in five years. You’re building something meant to last.

4. Make It Legal

This step is non-negotiable. Running an illegal operation puts you at massive risk.

Business Structure

Choose your legal structure carefully. A sole proprietorship is quick and cheap to set up, but it offers zero protection for your personal assets. If someone sues your business, they can go after your house and savings.

An LLC (Limited Liability Company) protects your personal assets and offers tax flexibility. It costs more upfront but provides peace of mind. Given the liability risks of a petting zoo, an LLC is often the smarter choice. For a detailed comparison, see LLC vs sole proprietorship.

Licenses and Permits

Here’s where petting zoos face serious requirements. In the United States, you’ll typically need:

A USDA Class C Exhibitor license is required for most businesses that exhibit covered animals to the public under the Animal Welfare Act, and you must pass a pre-license inspection and meet facility/animal-care standards.

Some activities are exempt (e.g., certain agricultural events and small-scale “8-or-fewer” exhibitors). Use APHIS’s licensing assistant and confirm with your state/local authorities to see what applies to you.

State and local permits vary widely. Some states require additional exotic animal permits. Your county may have specific animal handling licenses.

Business license from your city or county.

Contact your state department of agriculture and local licensing office. Ask specifically about petting zoo requirements. Don’t rely on generic business license information. For more on navigating licenses, visit our guide on business licenses and permits.

You’ll need a Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN) if you’ll hire employees, form certain entities, or if your bank/payment processor requires it. A sole proprietor without employees can generally use an SSN, though obtaining an EIN is often helpful for banking and privacy.

5. Build Your Brand Identity

Your brand is how customers recognize and remember you. It goes beyond just a logo—it’s the complete visual and emotional impression you create.

A professional corporate identity includes your logo, color scheme, business cards, signage, website design, and any promotional materials. Everything should look cohesive.

Starting out, you don’t need everything at once. Prioritize:

A professional logo
Business cards
A clear, welcoming business sign
A basic website

As your business grows, add brochures, branded t-shirts for staff, and vehicle graphics if you run a mobile zoo.

Don’t skimp on design quality. A amateur logo suggests an amateur operation. Parents won’t trust you with their children if your brand looks thrown together. Hire a professional designer or use high-quality online design services.

Your brand should feel friendly, safe, and fun. Those are the emotions parents want when choosing entertainment for their kids.

6. Calculate Your Startup Costs Accurately

This is where many dreams crash. Underestimate your costs, and you’ll run out of money before opening day. Overestimate wildly, and you can’t secure funding or justify the investment.

Your costs depend heavily on your operation’s scope. A backyard petting zoo with a few chickens and rabbits costs a fraction of what a large facility with exotic animals requires.

Major expense categories include:

Animals: Prices vary dramatically. Common farm animals like goats, chickens, and rabbits are relatively affordable—hundreds to low thousands. Exotic animals can cost tens of thousands and require special permits.

Land and facilities: Leasing or buying property, building or renovating barns, installing fencing, setting up proper drainage and water systems. This is often your largest expense.

Equipment and supplies: Pens, corrals, feeding equipment, cleaning tools, first-aid supplies, heating and cooling systems for animal shelters.

Transportation: If running a mobile operation, you need a reliable truck and trailer. Even stationary zoos need a vehicle for supply runs and emergency vet visits.

Licensing and insurance: Application fees, permit costs, and your first year of liability insurance (which won’t be cheap given the risks).

Professional setup: Website development, signage, initial marketing materials.

Operating capital: You need enough money to cover six months to a year of expenses before expecting profit. This includes feed, utilities, insurance, and unexpected costs.

Get quotes from local suppliers, contractors, and insurance agents. Don’t guess. Small differences in estimates multiply across dozens of expense categories.

7. Write Your Business Plan

A business plan isn’t busywork. It’s your roadmap and reality check.

You need a business plan if you’re seeking investors or applying for loans. But even if you’re self-funding, writing one forces you to think through every aspect of your operation. Where will revenue come from? What are your monthly expenses? How many visitors do you need to break even?

Your plan should cover:

Your business concept and target market
Competitive analysis of other local attractions
Marketing strategy
Detailed financial projections
Operational plan (daily operations, staffing, animal care)
Growth strategy

Don’t know where to start? See our guide on how to write a business plan.

Be honest in your projections. Overly optimistic numbers might feel good now but lead to disaster later.

8. Set Up Your Banking Relationships

You need a separate business bank account. Never mix personal and business finances.

Choose a bank in your local area, especially if you handle cash. You’ll make frequent deposits, and driving across town gets old fast. Plus, keeping large amounts of cash on site increases theft risk.

Build a relationship with your banker. Seriously. A good banking relationship pays off when you need a loan, want to expand, or need financial advice. They’re more likely to approve your loan if they know you and your business.

Set up a merchant account so you can accept credit and debit cards. Most customers expect to pay with cards. Requiring cash only means lost sales. See what is a merchant account for details on getting set up.

9. Secure Your Funding

Now comes the hard part—getting the money you need.

Cash flow and capital shortfalls are a leading cause of small-business failure. Starting a petting zoo requires significant upfront investment, so build conservative financial projections and ensure you have sufficient working capital to operate for months before reaching break-even.

Funding options include:

Business loans: Traditional bank loans are tough to get for new businesses, especially unusual ones like petting zoos. You’ll need a solid business plan, good credit, and often collateral.

Personal savings: Many small business owners self-fund initially. This gives you complete control but puts your personal finances at risk.

Investors: Friends, family, or angel investors might believe in your vision. Be clear about terms and expectations.

SBA loans: The Small Business Administration backs loans that might not otherwise get approved. The process takes time but offers better terms than many alternatives.

Selling assets: Some entrepreneurs sell property, vehicles, or investments to fund their business.

Get all your funding secured before you start spending. Don’t assume you’ll get the rest later. If funding falls through mid-project, you lose everything you’ve invested.

10. Get the Right Software

Good software makes operations smoother and saves you time.

At minimum, you need:

Bookkeeping software like QuickBooks to track income, expenses, and taxes
Microsoft Office or Google Workspace for documents, spreadsheets, and communication
Scheduling software if you run a mobile operation or take reservations

Specialized zoo management software can help with animal health records, feeding schedules, maintenance tracking, and visitor management. Some programs integrate ticketing and point-of-sale systems.

Don’t buy every tool available. Start with essentials and add more as your operation grows and you identify specific needs.

11. Protect Yourself with Insurance

Insurance isn’t optional—it’s essential.

Petting zoos carry significant liability risks. Animals can bite, kick, or knock over visitors despite your best precautions. Children can fall. Allergic reactions can happen. One serious injury could bankrupt an uninsured business.

You need comprehensive coverage including:

General liability insurance: Covers customer injuries and property damage.

Animal liability insurance: Specifically covers incidents involving your animals.

Property insurance: Protects your buildings, equipment, and supplies.

Commercial vehicle insurance: If you operate a mobile zoo.

Workers’ compensation: Required in most states if you have employees.

Expect insurance to be a significant operating expense. Get quotes from multiple insurers who have experience with animal-related businesses. Don’t just buy the cheapest policy—understand what’s covered and what isn’t. For more context, see what to know about business insurance.

12. Design Your Physical Setup

Your facility design affects safety, efficiency, and visitor experience.

For stationary zoos:

Plan visitor flow carefully. Create clear paths that guide people past all animal areas without backtracking or confusion. Install attractive, informative signs at each animal habitat explaining the species, its diet, and fun facts.

Safety comes first. Fencing must be secure enough to contain animals while allowing safe interaction. **Provide handwashing stations at exits from animal areas—these are strongly recommended by CDC and often required by state/local codes—**and post clear hygiene signage. Keep paths wide enough for strollers and wheelchairs, including ADA-compliant accessible routes (typically ≥36″ clear width).

Your animal housing needs to meet USDA standards. Animals need adequate space, shelter from weather, proper ventilation, and clean conditions. Plan for easy cleaning access.

Set up a proper office space for yourself. You’ll handle bookkeeping, scheduling, ordering supplies, and managing staff. An organized office saves you hours every week.

For mobile operations:

Your vehicle and trailer setup is your facility. Animals need safe, comfortable, properly ventilated transport. Equipment must be secured. Everything should be easy to clean and maintain.

Your home base needs adequate space for daily animal care between gigs.

Signage matters. Your business sign should incorporate your logo and be visible from the road. It’s often the first impression potential customers get.

13. Create Your Online Presence

Your website is your 24/7 salesperson.

A good petting zoo website includes:

Clear information about your animals and what visitors can expect
Hours of operation and admission prices
Location and directions (or service area for mobile operations)
Photo galleries showing happy families interacting with animals
Online booking or contact form
Calendar of special events
Educational content about your animals

Register your own domain name. Use a reliable web host. Don’t just create a Facebook page and call it done—you need a website you control. Social media is great for marketing, but your website is your home base.

Keep your website updated. Outdated information frustrates potential customers. Need help getting started? See how to build a website.

14. Build Your Advisory Team

You can’t be an expert at everything. Surround yourself with professionals who can guide you.

Your team should include:

An attorney: For contracts, liability issues, and legal questions specific to animal businesses.

An accountant: For tax planning, bookkeeping help, and financial advice.

A veterinarian: Critical for animal health, emergency care, and guidance on proper animal care.

An insurance broker: To ensure you have adequate coverage and understand your policies.

A marketing consultant: To help you reach customers effectively.

These people aren’t on your payroll—you pay them when you need their services. But having established relationships means you get help quickly when issues arise. For more on building this team, check out building a team of professional advisors.

15. Know When to Hire Employees

Starting out, you might handle everything yourself. That works for small operations with just a few animals.

As you grow, you’ll need help. Animal care alone can become a full-time job for multiple people. Add customer service, education programs, facility maintenance, and business management, and you’re overwhelmed.

Hire strategically. Your first hire might be someone to help with daily animal care and customer interactions on busy days. Don’t hire a full staff from day one—payroll can cripple a new business.

Look for people who love animals, work well with children, and stay calm under pressure. Customer service skills matter as much as animal knowledge.

Getting Customers Through Your Gates

You’ve built it, but they won’t automatically come. Marketing is essential.

Start before opening day. Build buzz through:

Social media posts showing your progress and introducing animals
Local news coverage of your upcoming opening
Partnerships with schools for educational field trips
Outreach to birthday party planners and event coordinators

Consider a grand opening event. Make it special—maybe discounted admission, special activities, local media coverage. Create an experience people want to share on social media.

Ongoing Marketing Strategies

Online: Maintain active social media with cute animal photos and videos. Run targeted Facebook ads to parents in your area. Optimize your website for local search.

Partnerships: Connect with schools, daycare centers, scout troops, and community organizations. Offer group rates for field trips.

Seasonal promotions: Holiday-themed events, summer camps, fall festivals.

Word of mouth: Happy customers are your best marketing. Provide an amazing experience, and families will tell their friends.

For more marketing ideas, explore options in our marketing section.

Essential Operating Knowledge

Daily Animal Care Requirements

This deserves emphasis because it’s the core of your business.

Every single day, animals need:

Fresh food and water
Clean living spaces
Health monitoring
Grooming
Exercise and enrichment
Medical attention when needed

You’ll spend two to four hours minimum on these tasks before visitors arrive, and another round of care after closing. Sick animals require even more time. There are no days off.

Keep detailed records of vaccinations, medical treatments, feeding schedules, and any behavioral changes. The USDA requires documentation, and good records help you catch health problems early.

Choosing Your Animals

Buy only from licensed vendors. Check credentials carefully—they should be current and issued by appropriate government agencies.

Select animals that are:

People-friendly and gentle
Well-behaved around other animals
Healthy and disease-free
Appropriate for your climate and facility

Common petting zoo animals include goats, sheep, rabbits, chickens, ducks, donkeys, ponies, and pigs. Each has specific care requirements. Research thoroughly before acquiring any animal.

Many jurisdictions require permits for exotic species, and they often involve more intensive care and may increase insurance costs. Start with common farm animals unless you have significant experience, and verify permit and insurance implications with your state and insurer in advance.

Avoid housing predator and prey species in close proximity. AWA regulations require exhibitors to house compatible animals and manage handling to protect welfare; minimizing predator–prey proximity helps reduce stress and risk.

Equipment and Supplies You’ll Need

Pens, corrals, and secure fencing
Shelter structures with heating and cooling
Feeding and watering equipment
Cleaning tools (rakes, shovels, wheelbarrows)
First-aid kits for both animals and humans
Composting or waste disposal system
Vehicle and trailer (for mobile operations)
Office equipment for business management

Monthly Operating Expenses

Budget for these ongoing costs:

Animal feed and supplements
Veterinary care and medications
Utilities (water, electricity, heating)
Insurance premiums
Facility maintenance and repairs
Cleaning supplies
Marketing and advertising
Fuel (especially for mobile operations)
Permits and license renewals
Loan payments
Staff wages if you have employees

Costs fluctuate seasonally. Winter heating expenses increase while visitor revenue often decreases.

Critical Considerations

Liability is your biggest risk. No matter how careful you are, accidents happen. A child gets bitten. A visitor trips and falls. Someone has an allergic reaction. Comprehensive insurance is non-negotiable.

Animal welfare is both a legal requirement and moral responsibility. Neglect or mistreatment can result in losing your license, facing criminal charges, and destroying your reputation. If you’re not prepared to provide excellent care every single day, don’t start this business.

Zoning restrictions can shut you down. Verify what’s allowed before investing. Some residential areas prohibit commercial operations or limit animal numbers. Don’t assume—check with your local zoning office.

Weather affects your business. Most petting zoos see reduced visitors during winter months. Budget accordingly. Mobile operations may cancel outdoor events due to rain or extreme temperatures.

Regulations are extensive and changing. Stay current with USDA requirements, state animal handling laws, health department rules, and local ordinances. Join industry associations to keep informed.

Competition exists but isn’t usually fierce. Research other petting zoos in your area. If there are several nearby, understand what makes each unique and how you’ll differentiate yourself.

The Honest Pros and Cons

The Good Stuff

If you love animals, this business lets you work with them daily. You’re not stuck behind a desk—you’re outside in nature.

You provide genuine value. Parents appreciate safe, educational entertainment. Kids form lasting memories. Schools benefit from hands-on learning.

The business is expandable. Start small and grow as demand increases. Add more animals, expand your facility, or branch into mobile services.

Competition varies by market. Conduct local competitive analysis (zoos, farms, mobile exhibitors, agritourism venues) to identify gaps and define how you’ll differentiate.

You’re your own boss. Set your own schedule (within the constraints of animal care), make your own decisions, and build something uniquely yours.

The Challenges

Winter is typically slow. Revenue drops while animal care costs remain constant.

The work is physically demanding. You’ll lift heavy feed bags, haul equipment, muck out pens, and repair fencing. It’s not glamorous.

Sick animals are emotionally difficult and financially expensive. Veterinary care adds up quickly.

Liability risks are real and substantial. Despite your best efforts, accidents can happen, leading to lawsuits.

Hours are long. Animals don’t care that you’re tired or it’s a holiday. They need care every single day.

Regulations are complex and strict. You’ll spend significant time on compliance, inspections, and paperwork.

Animal rights activists may oppose your business. While most petting zoos operating ethically face few issues, it’s something to be aware of.

Startup costs are high, especially if you’re building from scratch rather than converting existing farm facilities.

Quick Reference: 10 Essentials Before You Start

USDA Exhibitor License (Class C): Apply and pass pre-licensing to legally exhibit animals to the public. Apply for an Animal Welfare License or Registration
State & Local Permits: Check zoning, health, and ag permits before you sign a lease or advertise. Apply for licenses and permits
Zoonotic Disease Plan: Follow the national compendium for layout, animal selection, and supervision to reduce illness. Compendium of Measures to Prevent Disease Associated with Animals in Public Settings, 2023
Handwashing & Signage: Place soap-and-water stations at exits, keep food areas separate, and post clear rules. Resources for Animal Exhibitors
ADA Access: Provide accessible routes, viewing areas, and restrooms; design new builds to 2010 standards. ADA Standards for Accessible Design
Emergency Action Plan: Write and train on procedures for escapes, severe weather, fire, and injuries; review each season. Emergency action plans
Interstate Animal Movement: If you travel, work with your vet to meet CVI and ID rules for each destination state. Interstate Movement of Cattle, Horses, Swine, Sheep and Goats
Daily Health Checks & Pull-From-Exhibit Rules: Train staff to spot illness, remove sick animals, and brief visitors on safe behavior. Tips for Staying Healthy at Animal Exhibits
Manure & Runoff Management: Set a daily cleanout routine and store/manure-apply away from wells and waterways. Animal Feeding Operations – Uses of Manure
Liability Insurance: Secure CGL (slips, bites, property damage) and align limits with your visitor volume and venues. Commercial general liability insurance

21 Things Petting Zoo Business Owners Do to Succeed

Track KPIs Weekly: Watch bookings, average party size, per-visitor spend, and repeat rate so you can adjust pricing and staffing fast.
Standardize Daily Opening Checks: Walk enclosures before doors open, confirm gates/locks, water, shade, and first-aid supplies, and log completion.
Quarantine New Arrivals: Isolate and observe new animals before mixing with the herd to protect guests and stock.
Schedule Vet Rounds Proactively: Book routine exams and fecal checks on a recurring calendar, not only when you see symptoms.
Post Clear Exhibit Rules: Use simple signs at entry points—no food in pens, wash hands after contact, keep strollers and cups outside—to cut risk.
Place Handwashing Stations at Exits: Set soap-and-water sinks where visitors leave animal areas and assign staff to encourage use during peaks.
Separate Food & Animal Areas: Keep concessions and birthday tables outside animal contact zones, with distinct traffic routes.
Train Staff on Safe Handling: Practice calm restraint, crowd management, and child supervision cues; refresh training seasonally.
Use “Pull-From-Exhibit” Criteria: Define when an animal is removed (diarrhea, cough, wound, heat stress) and who has authority to act on the spot.
Maintain an Incident Log: Record bites, kicks, escapes, slips, and illness reports; review monthly for patterns and fixes.
Write and Drill an Emergency Plan: Cover weather, fire, medical events, and animal escape; run timed drills at least twice per season.
Design for Access: Provide accessible routes, viewing areas, and restrooms so every guest can participate comfortably.
Control Manure & Runoff Daily: Clean pens on a schedule and store waste away from wells and waterways; compost where allowed.
Set a Mobile-Unit Checklist: For off-site events, verify permits, water, shade, barriers, handwashing, and safe load/unload zones before departure.
Confirm Interstate Movement Rules: If you travel across state lines, plan CVIs/ID with your vet well ahead of event dates.
Bundle and Price Smartly: Offer tiered packages (basic, premium, fundraiser) with clear animal counts, time on site, and add-ons.
Require Deposits and Cutoffs: Take non-refundable deposits and set booking deadlines to lock inventory and staffing.
Send Pre-Visit Briefings: Email clients what to expect (parking, rules, handwashing, animal list), plus what to bring and what to avoid.
Refresh Enrichment Weekly: Rotate toys, browse, and pen layouts to keep animals engaged and visitor behavior calm.
Review Insurance Annually: Confirm CGL limits, venues named as additional insureds, and any mobile-operations endorsements.
Promote Proof of Care: Share your health checks, handwashing stations, and accessibility features in photos and signage to build trust.

Sources

- CDC
- NASPHV
- USDA APHIS
- OSHA
- ADA.gov
- EPA
- Insurance Information Institute

10 Resources for Petting Zoo Business Owners

USDA Exhibitor Licensing: Start and manage your Class C license application and keep your paperwork current before you advertise or open. Apply for an Animal Welfare License or Registration | Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service
Animal-Contact Safety Standard: Use this national compendium to design layouts, signage, staffing, and animal policies that lower zoonotic risk. Compendium of Measures to Prevent Disease Associated with Animals in Public Settings, 2023
Exhibit Hygiene Playbook: Build your daily handwashing, food-separation, and visitor-education routine from CDC’s exhibitor guidance. Resources for Animal Exhibitors | Healthy Pets, Healthy People | CDC
Accessibility Checklist: Plan paths, viewing areas, and restrooms to meet federal access standards when building or renovating. ADA Standards for Accessible Design | ADA.gov
Emergency Action Templates: Draft and drill your emergency action plan for weather, fire, injuries, and animal escapes using OSHA’s eTool. eTool : Evacuation Plans and Procedures – Emergency Action Plan | Occupational Safety and Health Administration
Runoff & Manure Compliance: Set up manure storage, disposal, and spill-prevention practices aligned with federal NPDES rules. Animal Feeding Operations – Regulations, Guidance, and Studies | US EPA
Interstate Travel Rules: If you do mobile events, coordinate CVIs and ID requirements with your vet using APHIS’s state-by-state guidance. NVAP Reference Guide – Interstate Movement of Cattle, Horses, Swine, Sheep and Goats | Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service
General Liability Primer: Choose coverage limits and endorsements (mobile ops, additional insureds) with this plain-English overview. Commercial general liability insurance | III
Portable Fencing Manual: Train staff on safe setup and daily checks for temporary/electric barriers at events and seasonal pens. Electric Fencing 101
Handwashing Station Specs: Select durable, easy-to-service sinks and place them at exhibit exits to drive compliance. Hands Free Wash Sink – Hand Washing Facility and Sanitation Station | Satellite Industries

Final Thoughts

Starting a petting zoo combines entrepreneurship with animal care. It’s rewarding but demanding. Success requires passion for animals, dedication to daily care, business savvy, and significant capital.

Don’t rush this decision. Visit multiple petting zoos. Talk to owners honestly about their experiences. Work with animals before committing. Calculate costs conservatively and secure adequate funding.

If you’re prepared for the challenges and excited about the rewards, a petting zoo can be a fulfilling business that brings joy to your community while supporting your livelihood. Just go in with eyes wide open.