Visitations

In the effort to protect our animals, and for the safety of our visitors, our organization requires that our visitors adhere to rules and acceptable behaviors.   

Rules and acceptable behaviors are as follows:

• Vistiors under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Since we have many animals and a constant supervision is necessary, we require that all vistiors who are under the age of 18 be accompanied by an parent or guardian. There are more specific requirements for children under the age of 6 (see below). 
• Respect each animal. Animals are selfless and loving companions, a source of camaraderie, and fill our lives with joy. It's our duty and privilege to give them the respect, care, and kindness they deserve.
• Proper use of touch. Please DO NOT touch the animal's eyes, ears, nose, mouth or private areas. Always touch an animal gently, with no pulling or tugging or poking, no squeezing, and never from behind. Always approach an animal slowly from the their front or the side so they may see you approach them and are not startled.
• Hygiene is a must!  We use a combination of hand washing and hygiene-based products for the protection of our visitors and our animals. All visitors must wash their hands prior to interacting with our facility animals. Throughout visitation you may be asked to wash hands, use hand sanitizers or other pet safe wipes. We require and will encourage the use of these products as we see necessary. 
• Use low voices.  Animals are easily startled by loud noises and fast movement. We strive to provide the quietest and most relaxed environment possible for their safety and wellbeing.
• Walk slowly (NO RUNNING). We ask visitors to walk slowly and to refrain from moving quickly while in the presence of the animals. Fast movements may cause animals to be frightened causing them to feel the need to protect themselves or attempt to flight. 
• Leave the animals on the surface/floor. Please do NOT attempt to pick up animals unless assistance from a handler is provided. Seating is low to the ground to allow visitors to interact with the animals at their level is most effective. If an animals is feeling the desire to engage, they may allow them to climb into a lap to for some up close and personal attention.
• Be humane and nice to the animals.  Most animals are fragile and should be gently stroked, never squeezed, pushed upon or prodded. Do not tease or joke with animals. 
• Do not put your face or kiss the animals. As tempting as it may be...we know this all too well, animals are animals and they can be unpredictable. Faces are the most vulnerable parts of our body and we need to always protect them. 
• Feed only the diets we provide for the animals.  Please do not bring in anything from the outside.  Food intake for each of the animals is closely monitored to make sure they are not getting too much of a good thing, a.k.a. snacks. Being overweight is unhealthy for animals.
• Follow all rules. We reserve the right to ask visitors to leave the space if, in our sole discretion, we feel the rules are not being followed or visitors are disruptive to our environment. 

                     YOUNG CHILDREN UNDER THE AGE OF 6

As our organization strives to offer services to everyone, this can have challenges when the development of respectful animal interaction are not achieved. We completely understand that children learn through experiences. However, very young children and small furry/scaled animals are often not the best combination. Our animals can easily become startled, while young children may also behave unpredictably.

We welcome small children to join us under the watchful eye their parent/guardian and our handlers.  We ask that the parent/guardian allow our animal handlers/volunteers to make the first introduction with your child to one of our animals and gauge further introductions based upon that experience.  A ratio of 1:1 parent to child is required.