How much space is required and where can you set up? How long is set up and tear down?
We need parking reserved for us to park our truck and trailer out front of the location with direct/clear access to where we will be setting up (about 5 car lengths). We need about 30 minutes prior to the event start time to set up and it takes that long to tear down afterwards. If your event starts before we are arriving, please plan to ensure all guests stay away from the designated set up area and animals until we are ready to go.
Petting Zoo: We can set up in front yards, backyards, driveways and streets. The animals prefer dirt or grass but we can set up on concrete and asphalt so long as the outside temperature high is not above 70 degrees. We do need a flat space preferable about 16×16. Larger is always better and we can accommodate smaller spaces but do not recommend an area smaller than about 12×12.
Pony Rides can be conducted on any clear flat stretch. Sidewalks, streets, flat grass or dirt areas all work well. We can set up and be ready to go for a mobile pony ride in about 15 minutes.
The Pony Cart requires a large area made of concrete/asphalt/crushed gravel. We typically utilize streets, parking lots and cul-de-sacs for this service. Set up time is about 15 minutes.
How far out do you usually book events and what is typical availability?
We recommend booking your event about 8-10 weeks out to ensure you are able to reserve your desired time. However, we are willing to book your reservation anytime within the next 12 months (holidays and seasonal celebrations fill fast!). During the school year, our availability is limited to the weekends and holidays. However, over the summer months, we are available most days.
Do you have standard rules for your events?
Safety and security for the participants and animals is our top priority. Basic rules for our mobile events: all participants must wear shoes (close toed encouraged but not required), no food/drink allowed in the petting zoo, no toys, no dogs, parental supervision is encouraged at all times, no balloons/balls/bubbles. NOISE CONCERNS: it can be nerve-wracking to the animals to be continually exposed to loud speakers, live music, generators, emergency vehicle sirens, helicopters and yelling. Please plan for us to set up in an area that a good distance away from where other loud activities may be. Anyone caught repeatedly violating rules and compromising safety, will be asked to leave the petting zoo.
If you are strictly a mobile business, why do you charge a trip fee?
Our standard service area is the Wellington, Fort Collins and Loveland area. Anything further than that, will require an additional trip fee to help us balance out the additional cost and wear on our equipment. We do take into consideration the additional distance and will modify the trip fee accordingly. We calculate trip fees based on the standard drive time as well as additional mileage.
Is there an age minimum for the petting zoo/pony rides/cart rides?
There is not an age minimum requirement to participate in our events. However, the pony and cart rides do have weight limits for the safety of the animals. Our pony can safely carry children up to 85 lbs. The pony cart can carry multiple passengers not to exceed 150 lbs combined.
How do I book?
Please fill out a price quote inquiry on the website (please allow 2-3 business days for a response) with all the event details including address and desired booking time. We need both to know our availability with traveling and set up time considered. Once an available booking time is nailed down, we will create a contract for services to confirm all of the event details as well as cost. A signed contract and deposit is required to complete a reservation.
How much is the deposit and is it refundable?
The deposit required to complete your reservation is 50% of whatever total services are booked. This deposit is non-refundable but may be transferred to another service date so long as we have a minimum of 24 hours notice to reschedule.
What is the weather policy?
We can perform petting zoos, pony rides and cart rides so long as the temperature is no lower than 25 degrees and no higher than 95 degrees (if you have the ability to provide shelter/shade/heaters, please let us know as that allows us to be more flexible in regards to weather conditions). We will not work in active snow/rain/thunderstorms. In the winter, the area we work in must be clear of all snow/ice that may be left on the ground.