Does IHR have group rates, and what qualifies as a "group"?

Yes, discounted rates are available to groups of 15 or more paying individuals. Groups can include schools, churches, organizations, scout troops, homeschoolers, birthday parties, families, etc.

How many chaperones should we have for our group, and do they have to pay?

Due to the nature of our facility, we request that you have at least one adult for every ten children; in order to provide a productive and fun atmosphere rich with education, for your group as well as our other guests. Assisting IHR staff conduct thorough supervision and the enforcement of Petting Zoo Etiquette/IHR rules assures all of our guests a safe and entertaining visit, and our animals an enjoyable day. As much as we appreciate our group's chaperones, they too are touring guests, and their financial contribution is necessary for the care of IHR's animals.

Self-guided tours vs Formal-guided tours

Self-guided tours are free-flowing and allow your group to experience IHR at their own pace. Formal-guided tours adhere to a specific agenda; and your guide will provide an educational overview for each exhibit. We recommend formal-guided tours for groups seeking organization, structure, and focused education; such as school groups. Self-guided tours are best applied to groups with entertainment and play in mind; such as families and birthday parties.

When can we schedule a tour?

Groups arriving during IHR business hours (Fri Sat Sun 12:00 - 6:00pm) need not schedule; if you desire a formal guided tour we do however request that you notify us of your interest no less than one week in advance of your tour date so that a guide can be arranged. Group tours during non-business hours can be scheduled Mon-Thurs 10:30am - or later; and Fri Sat Sun 10:30am - 12:00pm.

How do I schedule my group?

Scheduled group tours require a completed Tour Contract and a non-refundable $50 deposit that must be submitted no less than one week prior to your tour date. Only a Tour Contract AND deposit can reserve your tour date and time. Tour Contracts and deposits cannot be submitted same day as your tour.

Can I email or fax my Tour Contract to you?

No. Deposit checks must be submitted with the Tour Contract, so therefore it cannot be emailed or faxed. We use checks as a form of deposit because they are held in escrow until the tour has been officially cancelled or completed. If you have no other recourse but to email or fax the Tour Contract, be sure to notify your IHR representative -- a deposit made by credit card might perhaps be accepted, however, the deposit is nonrefundable & you will not be able to change this transaction to a different type of payment at a later time.

Can our group tour without a Tour Contract and deposit?

No. Only groups touring during regular business hours can forego this paperwork. Groups arriving to IHR during non-business hours without a Tour Contract or deposit previously on record may not be permitted to tour the ranch, as per IHR Tour Policy.

Can I give the Tour Contract and deposit to you the day of our tour?

No. All paperwork must be submitted one week prior to your tour date in order for us to add you to our schedule. No Tour Contract = no reservation = no tour for your group

Do group leaders, chaperones, and bus drivers have to pay?

Yes, group leaders and chaperones are expected to pay since they too are touring the ranch with the group. We thank you for contributing directly to the care and wellbeing of the animals by being a part of the group as the admission fee is how we are able to continue to provide care to the animals of IHR as well as incoming rescues. We do however offer free admission for bus drivers so they can enjoy their time while waiting on the group.