Therapeutic Program
Animal Cuddling
WHAT IS Animal Cuddling all about?! HOOF offers the well establish therapeutic practice of the Dutch: “koe knuffelen” (translation: cow hugging). “Helpers of Our Farm” was aptly named not only because animals depend on humans to help them, but also because animals help us by teaching us how to love, care, and learn from them. At HOOF, they perform an important task of educating visitors during our tours, petting farm, and farm classes. The goal has always been to integrate education into the lives of our community through the lives of these animals… and what better an addition to their programs than offering a private opportunities to connect with an animal.
Why should people pay to do this? Besides the support you’ll be giving this nonprofit organization, you’ll be giving yourself an experience that you didn’t even know you needed! This particular program helps keep our community outreach programs affordable for schools, the disabled and mentally challenged, and seniors. Your donation helps us provide access to programs for those who need it the most.
Everyone experiences stress in their lives, but finding effective ways to relieve it is essential for our well-being. One delightful solution is cuddling with animals. When we hold an animal close, our bodies release oxytocin, often called the "love hormone." This special chemical helps us feel happier and more relaxed, making our worries fade away. The soothing presence of a furry friend can transform a tough day into a moment of joy. So, why not take a break and snuggle with a cow, a goat, a pony, a pig? It could make a world of difference in how you feel!
How to participate in this therapeutic program
Return this SIGN UP FORM to schedule BEFORE making a donation to HOOF.
To learn more about this unique experience, you can contact (texting gets a faster response than calling due to farm schedules) 910.253.7934 or email helper@hoofnc.org.
Who can you cuddle with at HOOF and what should you expect? HOOF offers a chance to pick your cuddle buddy: a mini cow, a goat, a pig, a rabbit, and more. All interactions are done in a pen, spacious enough for you and your new friend to get to know each other comfortably and safely. Part of this experience is putting yourself in a place to offer love as much as get it. You will have a HOOF volunteer staff member with you at all times to ensure your safety and the safety of the animal.
Cuddling Sessions are at 2pm & 3pm Tuesday and Thursday – Saturday.
We are pretty flexible, if you aren’t available at the above times, let us know what date & time you’d like and we’ll check our schedule.
Who can participate? Guests of 16 and older (5 -15 year olds with adult) can sign up for this experience for the following suggested donation:
Cow – 1 hour: 1-2 guests $75 or 3-4 guests $125
Goat – 1 hour: 1-2 guests $75 or 3-4 guests $125
Baby Goat (seasonal) – 30 minutes: 1-2 guests $35 or 3-4 guests $75
Pig – 1 hour: 1-2 guests $75 or 3-4 guests $125
Rabbit – 30 minutes: 1-2 guests $25 or 3-4 guests $50
Poultry (Chicken, Turkey, or Duck) – 30 minutes: 1-2 guests $25 or 3-4 guests $50
Barnyard Mix (Goats, Cow, Pig, Pony) – 1 hour: 1-4 guests $150 or 4-8 guests $300
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This experience is for Guests of 16 and older (5-15 year olds with an adult).
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You can bring just you or up to a group of 8 people. Animals can get overwhelmed with larger groups so we make sure we include more animals - try our Barnyard Cuddling!
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We do not hand feed at HOOF because animals begin to look to hands for food and will bite guests. We want everyone to have a positive experience at HOOF.
To make sure you get the most out of your HOOF experience, please read the following important information below
UPON ARRIVING
□ Please park at 604 Midway Road SE at our “Farm Car Park” in the grassy lot. We will meet you at the brown barn-style building at the front of the property (668 Midway Road SE). Wait for us there. For your safety, please do not wander.
□ Please arrive on time for your session.
THINGS TO KNOW
□ HOOF reserves the right to substitute, change or not include an animal for any reason- once in a while we determine that an animal is not up for handling on a particular day. Our first priority is always the health, comfort and safety of our animals.
□ HOOF reserves the right to reschedule outdoor programs in the event of inclement weather.
□ Animal feeding is not available for any HOOF program.
□ This HOOF experience if for guests of 5 and older (5 -15 year-olds with adult).
BARNYARD RULES
Although we will go over these rules with guests, please be aware of rules before your session.
DO NOT pick up, sit on, hit, be mean, poke, scare, or scream at the animals at any time.
DO NOT feed the animals.
DO NOT pet livestock guardian dog(s).
No food or beverages allowed in the enclosed barnyard area.
DO NOT let your child put their hands in their mouth after petting an animal.
Keep your child’s/children’s hands and feet out of the mouths of the animals.
DO NOT climb any fence.
No barefoot or open toed shoes allowed inside the enclosed barnyard area (with the exception of HOOF Farm Yoga).
Sanitize your hands before petting and immediately after petting. (See warning below)
If you get scratched or bit, from a surface or an animal, please notify us immediately.
Keep the gate closed after entering and upon leaving enclosed barnyard area so no animals escape.
These rules are in place for everyone’s safety. We take a no tolerance stance on them. If you do not cooperate, your session will end and you will be asked to leave.
Please read our Liability Disclosure before signing up.
WARNING
There are some diseases and parasites that can be spread from animals to humans. The risk of infection through petting farm animals may be prevented by following everyday good hand hygiene measures. Therefore, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warns that children and adults should wash and/or sanitize their hands immediately after touching the animals at any petting zoo.
Heightened precautions should be applied to high-risk groups: Children under age five, people with weakened immune systems, and pregnant women fall in the category of high-risk for serious infection, and hence should strictly follow all the precautions enforced in the animal contact area. If you prefer to wear gloves or shoe covers, please ask for a pair.
