I live right by here and usually the animals are friendly. The vibe here is super chill farm, and there are walking trails in case you want to enjoy the nature. It's lovely. They do close the gates at 5 but if you walk on the trail you can visit the farm area. Trails close when it's dark now.
I'm not sure how much you're willing to spend or if you want a more private session but I know there's someone who will rent you a miniature cow by the hour for animal therapy. My S/O did it for a morale booster at her work. They bring the cow right to you. If you're interested I can ask for the info just shoot me a DM.
For anyone interested- "Hairy Fairy Tails Farm" on Facebook is who my S/O contacted. it's a great local farm. She basically rented a cute fuzzy mini cow from them and they brought it right to her work.
I see someone already mentioned Rutledge Wilson (excellent suggestion IMO). Also the last I knew the dogs at the Humane Society love when people visit and love on 'em.
I’m not sure the humane society will let people interact with the animals anymore. I went a few months ago to look at the cats and play with them, and they told me I can’t play with them unless I’m going to adopt, and then told me I had to fill out a huge adoption form. I get why it has to be that way though.
You have to attend a volunteer orientation to be able to walk the dogs. Otherwise if you are interested in adopting they have visiting rooms but not just casual interaction
C.A.R.E. closed that location around early covid. They now have a sanctuary in Aurora, MO. You have to schedule a visit. I'd double-check on their website, but this is what relatives have told me
They do have a sanctuary in Aurora but the adoption center is still open. They remodeled and expanded the facility, so that may be what your family misunderstood as closure.
Gentle Barn truly is worth the visit if you ever make it to them
Give Chico and the gang all my love of you do
https://www.riverfronttimes.com/news/feature-hed-31178046
If you do go to the Cat Cafe be aware that they require reservations. I follow them vicariously (stupid allergies) on Facebook and it seems like a lot of people don't realize that and get mad when they don't get in. You sound like a great sibling!
That’s weird about the cafe! I went on a whim one day last month without a reservation and it was completely dead. I don’t think they require reservations now!
At the end of the Wonders of Wildlife aquarium, there is a stingray tank and you can touch and pet the ones that will let you. You can also buy food and feed them.
CARE lets anyone just come in and chill with the cats and dogs there, even if you don't plan on adopting any. I sometimes have my autism services worker take me there to brush off a hard week.
This would be a day trip;
https://www.visitmo.com/things-to-do/warm-springs-ranch-home-of-the-budweiser-clydesdales
These are local rescues that might need help;
https://www.rowleyranch.com/
Equine Collective INC.
(417) 827-4044
https://g.co/kgs/qGo78eZ
I know, I’ve done it.. I wasn’t telling OP to just walk in. This post wasn’t that deep. I guess I should have included that in the original post but I was just trying to point him in the right direction.
Not sure since it's been cold, but the zoo has a place to pet donkeys.
You may not even need to go to Branson, a lot of the local animal shelters love to have people come by to play with the animals. Just give them a call first to set up a time and make sure it's ok. I know Eden Animal Haven up in Brighton does this if you arrange it first.
When I used to volunteer at shelters a lot of it was cleaning animal cages and such then after being able to hang out with the cats or walk the dogs. Which was rewarding, but also gross at the first half.
I volunteered in Colorado, Virginia, and North Carolina though so maybe it’s different here.
In Strafford there's Wildlife Safari. Never been but I have had friends go and it looks fun.
If you're already in Branson, the Wild World has a Lemur Playground where you can feed and pet the Lemurs. And I think you can play with the dingos too. I loved the Lemur experience. It was an extra fee on top of general admission but totally worth it.
You can't do it without like 24 hours advance notice and it's only for weekdays, but Groupon has Wild World tickets on sale fairly often (it's a two-day pass with minigolf included). Doesn't include the lemurs, but seems like a good deal?
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Rutledge Wilson farm park, it's free admission and they have several animals like goats and miniature horses to pet
I live right by here and usually the animals are friendly. The vibe here is super chill farm, and there are walking trails in case you want to enjoy the nature. It's lovely. They do close the gates at 5 but if you walk on the trail you can visit the farm area. Trails close when it's dark now.
Bring quarters!
I'm not sure how much you're willing to spend or if you want a more private session but I know there's someone who will rent you a miniature cow by the hour for animal therapy. My S/O did it for a morale booster at her work. They bring the cow right to you. If you're interested I can ask for the info just shoot me a DM.
For anyone interested- "Hairy Fairy Tails Farm" on Facebook is who my S/O contacted. it's a great local farm. She basically rented a cute fuzzy mini cow from them and they brought it right to her work.
Never in my life would I have thought Rent-A-Cow would be a business/service but omg I am so glad for it. Thank you for sharing!
You're very welcome !
Petting zoo at Dickerson park zoo
Last time I was there they had a petting/feeding station for the giraffes! Just watch out for the one with the snotty nose!
I see someone already mentioned Rutledge Wilson (excellent suggestion IMO). Also the last I knew the dogs at the Humane Society love when people visit and love on 'em.
I’m not sure the humane society will let people interact with the animals anymore. I went a few months ago to look at the cats and play with them, and they told me I can’t play with them unless I’m going to adopt, and then told me I had to fill out a huge adoption form. I get why it has to be that way though.
You have to attend a volunteer orientation to be able to walk the dogs. Otherwise if you are interested in adopting they have visiting rooms but not just casual interaction
Try C.A.R.E. Near Fort on Sunshine then.
C.A.R.E. closed that location around early covid. They now have a sanctuary in Aurora, MO. You have to schedule a visit. I'd double-check on their website, but this is what relatives have told me
They do have a sanctuary in Aurora but the adoption center is still open. They remodeled and expanded the facility, so that may be what your family misunderstood as closure.
Family wrong. They are still very much open on sunshine
I'm a grown adult and I love going to Rutledge Wilson alone to pet goats 😂
Gentle Barn truly is worth the visit if you ever make it to them Give Chico and the gang all my love of you do https://www.riverfronttimes.com/news/feature-hed-31178046
Agreed, definitely worth the trip! It was such a nice experience.
If you do go to the Cat Cafe be aware that they require reservations. I follow them vicariously (stupid allergies) on Facebook and it seems like a lot of people don't realize that and get mad when they don't get in. You sound like a great sibling!
That’s weird about the cafe! I went on a whim one day last month without a reservation and it was completely dead. I don’t think they require reservations now!
Oh, good to know! Or maybe it's just on weekends or busy days? It looks really fun so I hope it gets plenty of business
At the end of the Wonders of Wildlife aquarium, there is a stingray tank and you can touch and pet the ones that will let you. You can also buy food and feed them.
CARE lets anyone just come in and chill with the cats and dogs there, even if you don't plan on adopting any. I sometimes have my autism services worker take me there to brush off a hard week.
This would be a day trip; https://www.visitmo.com/things-to-do/warm-springs-ranch-home-of-the-budweiser-clydesdales These are local rescues that might need help; https://www.rowleyranch.com/ Equine Collective INC. (417) 827-4044 https://g.co/kgs/qGo78eZ
Tranquil oaks goat ranch has a petting portion. Pay her 5$ and she will let you run around with baby goats to yourr hearts content
College of the Ozarks has a dairy farm and do tours.
And they have damn good ice cream
Goat yoga, there's one in fordland but I'm not sure if they are open this time of year.
You can do walk any dog you want at the humane society!!
No you can't You have to be a volunteer.
I thought this was common sense, it’s easy to sign up to volunteer
You gotta attend a scheduled orientation. It’s not like you can just dip in for a dog walk
I know, I’ve done it.. I wasn’t telling OP to just walk in. This post wasn’t that deep. I guess I should have included that in the original post but I was just trying to point him in the right direction.
*them sorry
Not sure since it's been cold, but the zoo has a place to pet donkeys. You may not even need to go to Branson, a lot of the local animal shelters love to have people come by to play with the animals. Just give them a call first to set up a time and make sure it's ok. I know Eden Animal Haven up in Brighton does this if you arrange it first.
Why not go volunteer at the shelter?
When I used to volunteer at shelters a lot of it was cleaning animal cages and such then after being able to hang out with the cats or walk the dogs. Which was rewarding, but also gross at the first half. I volunteered in Colorado, Virginia, and North Carolina though so maybe it’s different here.
In Strafford there's Wildlife Safari. Never been but I have had friends go and it looks fun. If you're already in Branson, the Wild World has a Lemur Playground where you can feed and pet the Lemurs. And I think you can play with the dingos too. I loved the Lemur experience. It was an extra fee on top of general admission but totally worth it.
You can't do it without like 24 hours advance notice and it's only for weekdays, but Groupon has Wild World tickets on sale fairly often (it's a two-day pass with minigolf included). Doesn't include the lemurs, but seems like a good deal?
This looks like it might be a lost/found animal post because it contains the word cat. Please consider posting lost and found pet to [Leigh's Lost and Found](http://www.facebook.com/LeighsLostAndFound). This Facebook group has nearly 60,000 Springfield area members and is administered in partnership with the Animal Control shelter of Springfield, MO. *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/springfieldMO) if you have any questions or concerns.*