Starting a Petting Zoo, Hobby Farm, or Farm Event Venue: Tips from a Ranch Owner

1. Know Your Why  

Do you want to create a peaceful place for families to connect with animals? Host parties? Sell eggs and handmade goods? Your goals will shape everything from animal selection to marketing strategy. 

💡 Tip: Write down 3 reasons why YOU love your Farm and build from there.

2. Start Small & Start Smart

At Eastside Acres, we began with our two little Highland cows, and it grew from there. Put in the time and socialize your animals before you invite the public. Take your time selecting animals that fit your farm. Purchase livestock directly from other farmers. Be aware that sales barns and rescue animals usually have health issues—be prepared for veterinary costs.

Always give your farm animals a friend! 🐐🐐

Most farm animals are herd animals by nature—they thrive in groups, build bonds, and even form little families. Whenever possible, try to keep them with a buddy of the same species. Companionship reduces stress, improves behavior, and creates a happier, healthier animal. Because just like us... animals need community too. ❤️

• 🐐 Goats & sheep

• 🐔 Chickens & ducks

• 🐰 Bunnies

• 🐴 Mini horses or donkeys

• 🐮 Mini cows or Highland cattle

3. Paperwork (Don’t Skip This!)  

One of the most important (and overlooked) parts of running a petting zoo or farm event venue is making sure you're legal:

- Talk to your local farm extension office or county office for guidance  

- Create an LLC or Corporation for your farm

- Sales tax: As a business, you have to collect it.

- Secure liability insurance  

4. Build an Experience, Not Just a Petting Zoo

What makes your place special? It’s not just the animals—it’s the atmosphere. Make sure you have an experience to offer guests.

• Peaceful visits

• Hands-on animal encounters

• Outdoor games, farm photo ops & a relaxing vibe

• A little farm store with homemade gifts & swag

Make it feel intentional, safe, and family-friendly, and people will keep coming back.

5. Create a Strong Online Presence  

If you want to grow, you need a website and social media that make people say "I want to go there!" It takes time, but this is how people will find you.

What to focus on:

-Mobile-friendly platforms

-Easy online booking system  

-Instagram, Facebook & Pinterest for cute animals, events, and updates  

6. Host Events to Build Buzz  

Special events are a great way to bring in new visitors and create loyal fans.  

Try hosting:

- Easter egg hunts  

- Pumpkin patch days  

- Christmas on the farm  

- Goat yoga or storytime with animals  

- Birthday parties & private events

Start with one or two per season and grow from there.

7. Be Ready to Hustle (But It’s Worth It)  

Running a small family farm business isn’t easy—it takes early mornings, late nights, and a whole lot of heart. But if you love animals, love people, and want to build something meaningful, it’s 100% worth it.