Connect
New Chapter... children & family ministry
  • Home
  • Children's Ministry
  • Freebies
  • About
    • Media Kit
  • Contact

Christmas petting zoo? Add these safety suggestions

7/11/2013

0 Comments

 
Bookmark and Share
Picture
You'll often hear the advice, 'Don't work with children or animals'. As a kidmin leader, I often find that we're doing both- working with children and animals. And yes, it can be interesting.

We've had visiting camels, deer, reptiles, and birds. We've visited dairy farms, goat farms and sheep farms. We've created our own beach with sand, shells and crabs and gone fishing in a super-sized water tank. Mmmm... yes, it's been fun.

Safety
But 'safety' is paramount when you're working with kids and especially when animals are a big part of these activities. So.. if you're considering a petting zoo for your Christmas celebration, then please make sure you consider the following recommendations. (Please add any other suggestions you may think of below.)

Children & animals
Children love animals and a petting zoo allows them to gain a greater understanding of the conditions surrounding Jesus' birth. Kids will often make comments like, 'Yuck! It smells!' Yep.. it does. But when Jesus was born in a stable, it wasn't like a hospital, and those were the kinds of smells you'd find there. 

Picture
Use a registered, insured petting zoo company
Although it's tempting to cut your costs and bring in some animals from a neighbouring farm, please use a registered, insured petting zoo company. Yes, I know they can be expensive but it's worth it. The animals are used to being handled and are comfortable with kids. They have a well-organised setup with a large, portable enclosure with double gates to allow kids to come in but prevent animals escaping. They usually use a waterproof sheeting to avoid any damage and their staff will quickly clean up messes as they occur. That's particularly important if you're having the petting zoo inside. Let's face it.. animals can make a big mess.

Picture
Although the company you're using will have their own rules and guidelines for visitors, it's helpful to provide a printed copy of your safety recommendations to families beforehand. The following are some ideas to consider. Please feel feel to include additional safety rules yourself.
*Require supervision: Under 5s must be accompanied by an adult.
It's also helpful to staff the petting zoo activity with additional volunteers to help with supervision. My experience has been that our own kidmin volunteers are more vigilant and quick to step in and help than any outside company's supervision.
*Prohibit food and drink. Don't let kids feed the animals unless the company allows it and provides approved food. Sometimes, feeding bottles are provided for some of the baby animals and kids will be allowed to feed them. Monitor it carefully. Animals can become frantic for their food and push kids aside, even if they're babies, so keep a careful eye on these activities.
Don't let kids enter the animal enclosure carrying food and remind them to keep their hands away from their mouths while they're with the animals.
*Provide handwashing/sanitising stations. Yes, these companies normally include sanitising solutions but it's best to be prepared and set up a special area nearby for this. Make a big deal of it to ensure all the kids wash their hands after handling the animals. Encourage this by giving them a sticker as they wash their hands- helps you see who has washed their hands,too.
*Do not allow the children to pick up any animals. I know this is very tempting for kids, but please enforce the rule. The animals are used to being handled but they can be upset when they're picked up. And.. we don't want animals hurt. Children take a long time to understand the safe and careful way to pick up and hold animals. Some children like to pick up animals to hear them squeal. Keep an eye on this and remind them repeatedly not to pick up animals.

Children and families love and appreciate these opportunities to interact with animals. And, they provide a wonderful source of family discussion. Provide and encourage some simple safety guidelines and this holiday activity will be a memorable event.


Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
0 Comments



Leave a Reply.

    get the latest kidmin news
    About me- I'm Anne and I love connecting passionate leaders with quality resources, so they can spend less time on mundane tasks and more time creating eternal impact.
    Join my newsletter
    For Email Newsletters you can trust.
    Picture
    SPONSORS
    Send personalized invitations with Smilebox.
    PicMonkey Photo editing made of win

    Archives

    November 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    February 2014
    January 2014
    December 2013
    November 2013
    October 2013
    September 2013
    August 2013
    July 2013
    June 2013
    May 2013
    April 2013
    March 2013
    February 2013
    January 2013
    December 2012
    November 2012
    October 2012
    September 2012
    August 2012
    July 2012
    June 2012
    May 2012
    April 2012
    March 2012
    February 2012
    January 2012
    December 2011
    November 2011
    October 2011
    September 2011
    August 2011
    July 2011
    June 2011
    May 2011
    April 2011
    March 2011
    February 2011
    January 2011
    December 2010
    November 2010

    RSS Feed

    Follow Me on Pinterest
    View my profile on LinkedIn
New Chapter- packed with information, ideas and resources for family life, faith and ministry.

Picture
OUR SERVICES

Resources
Apps
Puppetry
Freebies
COMPANY

About 
Why
Disclosure Policy
SUPPORT

Contact
GALLERY