How do I check a farm stay’s livestock and guest interaction safety?

Start with the animals. Ask which species guests may touch or feed, how each animal is chosen, and how the seller knows an animal is calm around strangers. Ask what happens when an animal is stressed, sick or has young. Look at separation between guest areas and areas that are off limits, and at how gates, fencing and latches are checked.

Then look at the habits. Ask about handwashing stations, cleaning of shared surfaces, rules for food around animals, and how children are supervised. Ask what guests are told on arrival and whether it is written or only spoken. Read any signs, and decide whether you would understand them as a first-time visitor.

Finally, ask about the record. Request notes on bites, kicks, scratches, escapes, illness among guests and near misses, and how each was handled. Ask your insurance broker what the insurer expects for animal contact and whether any activity is excluded. Ask your lawyer about guest instructions and waivers. Plan to review the setup yearly, and keep the person who knows the animals best involved in the handover. Ask who is responsible when a guest is hurt or an animal gets loose.

Key takeaways

• Ask how animals are chosen for guest contact and how they are separated from guests when needed.
• Check handwashing, supervision and the instructions guests receive at arrival.
• Request incident records and talk to the insurer about what is covered.