Safety Guidelines

Please read our safety guidelines before arriving at Willow Vale for an animal experience.

We will also talk through and ensure that you fully understand upon your arrival.

If you have any questions at all please don't hesitate to contact us.

Should you need to cancel, please ensure that you give us 48 hours notice.

If the weather is unsuitable or we need to cancel the walk/ experience, we will contact you to either reschedule or reimburse you.

Strictly NO DOGS are allowed during your time at Willow Vale.

Strictly NO SMOKING anywhere at Willow Vale.

Please keep all Mobile Phones on silent during your visit so not to startle the animals.

Alpaca Safety Guidelines

Please be aware that the walking areas and ground is an uneven terrain, so is therefore unsuitable for those with mobility issues. Sensible, sturdy and comfortable footwear is required.

You will be supervised at all times by a trained Alpaca handler. The Alpacas are familiar with the walking route, but as with all animals, sometimes the unexpected can happen.

Following the below guidelines will help to prepare for this.

Never stand behind the Alpacas. They can sometimes kick so always remember to stay by their shoulder.

Please try to stay calm and quiet when you are with the Alpacas. Loud noises and sudden movements might frighten them.

Alpacas do not really like to be touched on their heads, however they do like a stroke on their neck. You will be guided and helped with this but you must approach them in a calm manner.

Alpacas do sometimes spit at each other but it is rare for them to spit at a human.

Never put your hand through the loop of the rein or wrap the rein around your hand. If your Alpaca spooks at something, they generally hop to the side and then carry on walking. If this scares you or you do not feel confident then you can let go of the lead and the supervisor will assist you. You do not need to panic or worry.

Please keep your mobile phones on silent when walking with the Alpacas. This is to prevent the animals from being scared or distracted if it rings.

You are welcome to take as many photos as your like and our supervisors can also assist with this.

Donkey Safety Guidelines

Donkeys may kick or bite therefore we do not encourage hand feeding.

If they feel like they don't want to be near you they will move away.

Donkeys may jump if they are spooked by something.

Sheep and Goats Safety Guidelines

It is important to be aware that both the Goats and some Sheep have horns. They also may be a little over friendly and jump up.

Zoonoses and Pregnancy Guidelines

Zoonoses is a Disease which can be transferred from animals to humans.

These are rare but we are aware and take precautions by regular health checking and testing our animals.

We recommend that if touching and handling our animals you regularly sanitise and wash your hands during your visit and prior to eating or drinking anything.

Hand washing stations are available and you will be shown these upon arrival.

Risks can be greater if you are Pregnant. We do not advise handling the animals if you are pregnant or visiting at lambing time.

Please see GOV.UK for notes on pregnancy and contact with animals.