FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

What are the OPets hours of operation?
We do not have regular hours. We ONLY provide OFF-Site private parties and educational shows at your home, school, or a venue of your choice. The rest of our time is spent cleaning and working with the animals. If you would like to book a program with us, please call 845-352-4477 Monday through Friday between 12 Noon and 5 PM. You can always leave a message at other times. All calls are returned ASAP!

Where do we get our animals from?
Many of our animals are born right here at Outragehisss…Pets. Some of them we get from other animal exhibitors, who do similar programs. Many of our animals are adopted, from people who could no longer keep them.

What time will my animal exhibitor arrive?
About 10 to 15 minutes before your show is scheduled to start.

How much space do I need in my house for the animal show?
The animal mat is 8′ x 10′ and the children sit on your floor around it. Each animal is in its own covered carrier. Space behind the animal exhibitor will be needed during the program to accommodate the animals.

How long will the animal show last?
A birthday party program lasts about an 60 minutes with 8 animals, however, we can provide a full program with 8 animals in 45 minutes, if needed, and upon request. Please be aware that the price is the same.

Please keep in mind that younger children (1-4 year olds) may not have a long attention span, so we offer a 45 minute program with 6 animals of your choice.

Educational programs and assemblies are offered, as well. It can be a single program, or multiple programs, as desired. Please call the shop for specific information regarding booking an event with us.

Can I serve food during the animal show?
NO food or drink is allowed during the animal presentation. No one in the audience can be actively eating or drinking during the program. In fact, it’s recommended that food be avoided around the show area.

Can I have a rain date?
We do not give out rain dates. We will allow you to cancel one time only due to extreme weather conditions, or a family emergency. We will reschedule your date according to availability during the one year after the original booked date. Your deposit is not refunded, if you choose not to rebook your program within that time period.

What happens if it rains or snows the day of the party?

OPets arrives for your event rain, snow, or shine. We will not cancel a program, unless it is an unexpected and extreme weather event, that is beyond our control.

Can I have the party outside?
In order to hold your program outside, the temperature must be at least 70°F & no more than 90°F. Outdoor presentations can be hot for all involved. Please provide shade for the guests, especially the children, the animals and the exhibitor.

FYI…Due to “West Nile Virus” we DO NOT bring our birds outdoors, so if you select a bird, the entire program must be done inside. Any place where a mosquito can reach the bird is not safe. We will not show all the other animals outside, and then show the bird inside, as this creates confusion for the children and the animals. It also limits your presentation time to pack up and move to another area.

What is the OPets’ program cancellation policy?
If cancellation is given 10 days prior to first date scheduled, 80% of deposit will be refunded. In case of snow, bad weather or illness, a party can be rescheduled one time only, within one year of the original scheduled date. The deposit is not refundable on rescheduled parties.

What if I pick the same animals as someone else having a party, will OPets run out of animals?
In many cases, OPets has multiples of one type of animal. Sometimes we coordinate the animals, depending on time and distance of your program. Oftentimes, the same animals are requested due to their popularity. We will advise you of any specific circumstances at the time of your booking.

Will the animals bite?
Our animals are accustomed to being held as a part of the program provided. They enjoy going to shows and meeting people. However, they still are animals and should be treated with care and respect. Our exhibitors are experienced in animal handling. Our programs are structured and controlled. This enables the animals to enjoy what they are doing and to remain calm during the presentations.

Is Outragehisss…Pets regulated to present animals?
OPets holds permits with the USDA, N.J. Division of Fish & Wildlife and N.Y.D.E.C. They do not allow us to have animals that are not on our permits.

Can I have balloons near the presentation area for an OPets event?
No balloons are recommended near our animals. Balloons scare animals, and if/when they pop, they leave behind pieces of balloon that, if swallowed, will harm the animals. Safety is always our first consideration when giving a presentation.

Should I tip the animal exhibitor and/or party hosts?
Gratuity is not included in the program fee. The animal exhibitors are very appreciative of any and all tips, however, it is always at your discretion.

How do I book a party?
To book a party call the shop at 845-352-4477. Our phone lines are very busy so if you get the machine, please leave a message. Upon inquiry, we can hold a potential date for 3 days without a deposit. After that time, the date is opened up for booking again, if we do not hear back from you. When you are ready to book, we require a $100.00 deposit with a credit card. You will not receive your contract via email until we get a deposit. All of the necessary documents be emailed to you.

How do I pick my animals?
OPets has an extensive Animal List from which to make your selections. We request first and second animal choices be noted on page 2 of the contract. If you do not have your second choices listed, it will up to the exhibitor to make a substitution of an animal, if needed. Please be aware that if an animal is ill, pregnant, or “cranky” for any reason, the exhibitor reserves the right to choose a different animal the day of the scheduled program. The exhibitors refer to the first choice list provided, and try to honor it as best as possible.

Please review our animal list carefully when selecting your animals. You do not have to select an animal from every category. You may customize your program based on the interests of the child or adult! Audiences often like to see the animals that do things during the show, i.e., eat, take a bath, etc. This information is noted on the list provided with the contract.

Why can’t audiences pet the fox in N.J.?
We are licensed in New York and New Jersey. The regulations in each state are different. We must follow the regulations of the specific state that the animal show is being performed in. This information is noted on the OPets Animal list for your reference.

Do any of these animals make good pets?
Most of the animals at Outragehisss…Pets DO NOT make good pets, but there are a few that do. If you truly are interested in owning an exotic animal, the first question that needs to be answered is:

What are the laws, rules, and regulations that govern the animals in your state and/or country?

You need to be very thorough in this investigation and research state, county, municipal, and local zoning regulations. If you violate any of these regulations you risk having your animal taken from you. We have received many animals this way.

After you have found out what the laws are, consider the facts related to what makes “a good pet.” There are specific questions to evaluate:

First, establish how much time you have to spend with your new pet.
Who will take care of the pet?
What does the pet eat, and is the person feeding it afraid of what it eats?
How much room will the pet need?
How big will it get?
How much can the pet be handled?
Who will clean up the area for the pet?
What are the veterinary requirements, if any?
Who will take care of your pet when you are not home?
What will you do with your pet if you move, and are not allowed to have it where you are moving to?
This list of questions could continue.

Now, if you still want to own an exotic pet, here are some suggestions that you may want to consider:

Chinchilla, Corn Snake, Leopard Gecko, Bearded Dragon, Ball Python

Remember…these are only suggestions, so please do your research, and remember to give your pet lots of love and care. If you take the time to do things correctly, you will end up with a quality animal, as well as a pet.

For more information on laws and regulations, please contact:

United States Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service

New Jersey
Division of Fish, Game and Wildlife
(609) 984-0839 or 292-6685
http://www.aphis.usda.gov/vs/sregs/nj.html

New York
Department of Environmental Conservation
Division of Fish and Wildlife
(518) 457-3400 or 439-7635
http://www.aphis.usda.gov/vs/sregs/ny.html