Land O'Lakes Petting farm; where kids and critters meet

Aug 05, 2010

Campers and staff of Land O Lakes Petting Farm near Cloyne

Donna and Barry Smith understand the mutually beneficial relationships that can develop between kids and critters and it was for that reason they opened the Land O’ Lakes Petting Farm earlier this summer on Road 506 just east of Cloyne.

The Smiths purchased the three-acre parcel of land beside their home three years ago, cleared it, built the barn and fenced off the various paddocks that now sit on the property.

The farm has a homey feel and includes a duck pond, a snack bar with picnic tables, a covered outdoor eating/craft area, an outdoor pool, and a playground.

The initial idea to start up a petting farm came as the Smiths were raising their three daughters, Desiree, Chantal and Darian and decided to purchase a few horses for the girls.

Barry grew up on a farm and has a background with horses, and after seeing how his daughters took to the horses the Smiths decided that it would “be great to be able to offer local kids in the area a similar kind of experience.”

The petting farm is open 7 days a week and visitors can drop by free of charge anytime though donations for the animals’ upkeep are always welcome. On site are close to 20 farm animals, each with a name. They include a family of llamas, miniature horses, one Shetland and two Welsh ponies, Mr. Jackson the donkey, Casper the friendly goat, a baby lamb, a cow, chickens, a rooster, ducks, rabbits, of course dogs, cats, and last but not least, Daisy the pot-bellied pig, who does tricks.

Most of the animals are rescue animals that have been taken from some very unpleasant situations. They had been either abandoned or were in dire need of medical attention. The Smiths have worked for two years caring for, and socializing them to ensure their safe interaction with children. Barry credits the animals' quick rehabilitation to their ongoing interaction with children. “The mix of kids and animals is a really great thing- for both. It's therapeutic both for the animals and the kids. The animals adore the kids and both have an opportunity to build lasting relationships. We have one child here with Down syndrome who spent over an hour grooming one of the horses this morning.”

During the summer months Donna runs a full time day camp at the farm weekdays from 8am-6pm. Children can come for a single day for $50 and she also offers a special weekly rate of $225 for any five days throughout the summer. One day includes two meals- breakfast and lunch plus snacks and a full day of activities that include animal grooming, education and interaction, arts and crafts, sports (badminton, soccer, volleyball and crochet), daily swimming, and nature hikes.

In an effort to promote other businesses in the area the Smiths have partnered with two nearby businesses, Hunter's Creek Golf Course and Sherwood Park. The former provides campers with golf lessons and golfing, and the latter with daily swimming and fishing.

In case of inclement weather campers can retreat indoors to the Smiths’ home where there are movies, and a workout room.

Barry says that after the initial investment and the ongoing expense of caring for their animals, their business may not see profits for a number of years. That, however, does not seem to deter either of them. In Barry's words, “We love what we are doing, specifically two aspects of the business in particular. 1-The care and love of the kids and 2- the care and love of the animals. There is nothing more satisfying than seeing a kid come to know and love and really care for an animal.”

All children, including children with special needs, are welcome at the petting farm. For more information please call 613-336-0330; visit www.landolakespettingfarm.ca or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.