We know this policy can be difficult.
Raprager Farms is a working farm first and foremost. We open the farm to share the joy of the country, the love of farm life, and meaningful experiences with our guests. At the same time, we have a duty to protect the health and safety of our livestock, visitors, staff, and outside animals.
Protecting animal health
Our biosecurity program helps protect both the animals who live here and the animals our guests care for at home. An animal brought onto the farm could carry disease, worms, or another foreign organism that may cause substantial harm to our livestock. Our farm animals could also expose an outside animal to unfamiliar health risks.
Protecting guests and livestock
Several animals in our farm experience are natural prey of dogs. The presence of an unfamiliar canine can cause those animals to behave unpredictably, creating an immediate risk for guests interacting with them—especially small children.
We also have livestock guardian dogs. They are extremely friendly to people, but they are instinctively driven to protect our animals from coyotes, bobcats, foxes, panthers, and wild canines. Even a calm outside animal could be perceived as a threat and could be harmed.
No outside animals anywhere on the farm
Animals and livestock are present throughout the property, including areas outside the pastures and enclosures. Our working livestock guardian dogs patrol and protect the farm. They may identify any unfamiliar animal as a threat and could seriously injure or kill it.
For the safety of guests, livestock, guardian dogs, and visiting animals, pets, emotional-support animals, service animals, and all other outside animals are not permitted anywhere on the farm.
ADA and Department of Justice safety guidance
The Americans with Disabilities Act does not require a policy modification when it would fundamentally alter the nature of the goods, services, or activities being offered, and it does not override legitimate safety requirements. The U.S. Department of Justice specifically explains that service animals may be prohibited from animal areas where the animals are the natural prey or natural predators of dogs and a dog's presence would be disruptive, causing the animals to become aggressive or agitated.
At Raprager Farms, livestock, prey animals, and working guardian dogs are present throughout the active farm property—not only inside individual pens or pastures. Because those animal interactions and risks exist across the property, Raprager Farms applies this safety restriction throughout the farm.
Official references: U.S. Department of Justice ADA Service Animal FAQ, Questions 25–26; 28 C.F.R. § 36.302; and 28 C.F.R. § 36.208.
Please plan before you arrive
Please leave all animals safely at home. Do not leave an animal unattended in a vehicle.
If you need a disability-related accommodation, contact us before visiting so our team can discuss non-animal alternatives.
Email service@raprager.com or call (813) 606-4242.
Thank you for understanding.
This policy allows us to welcome the public while continuing to protect the animals entrusted to our care and the guests who come to meet them.