About
Who is Mini Friends?
Mini Friends is owned by the animal-loving couple Tom and Melissa Karnowski. Tom grew up in San Diego, became a Navy Submariner and recently retired from the Navy. When retirement happened Melissa who was raised in Oklahoma found her chance to finally call a place home and settle. At the same time they had a diagnosis of Autism for their oldest son, Brandon. Brandon reached outside his comfort zone by showing pigs. With their two other boys; Dylan and Jackson they grabbed a great piece of property and were able to make their dream a reality and bring animals that they have longed for to fruition. With the help of all three boys the animals that have been rescued to the farm and are WELL LOVED. Tom and Jackson love the alpacas! Brandons favorite is the pony: Dolly Parton, Dylan has become the barn cat fanatic. Melissa loves her mini donkeys, once you meet them you will realize donkeys have been given a bad rap. Take it from them; there is nothing more rewarding than being able to snuggle up to an alpaca, mini donkey or pony every day! We hope to see you soon!
OPEN FARM DAY Q&A
WHAT IS OPEN FARM DAY?
MINI FRIENDS FARM USUALLY DURING THE COOLER MONTHS (DEC-FEB) WELCOMES A SELECT AMOUNT OF FRIENDS TO COME EXPERIENCE OUR LOVEABLE MINI DONKEYS, ALPACAS, PONY, RABBITS AND OTHER ANIMALS.
DO I NEED TO BOOK AHEAD TO VISIT?
YES! WE ONLY ALLOW TOUR GUESTS AT CERTAIN TIME SLOTS. DUE TO EXTREMELY HIGH DEMAND, A LIMITED AMOUNT OF SPACE, AVOIDANCE OF OVERCROWDING THE LIVESTOCK, AND LIMITED GUIDES.
WHERE IS MINI FRIENDS FARM?
MINI FRIENDS FARM IS LOCATED IN VALRICO IN CENTRAL FLORIDA. WE SIT ABOUT AN HOUR WEST FROM DISNEY AND ABOUT 30 MINUTES EAST OF BUSCH GARDENS.
CAN I BRING MY PET?
AS CLEAR AS IT IS THAT WE ADORE FLUFFY FRIENDS, WE CAN’T BE CERTAIN THAT THE LIVESTOCK WOULD DEEM THE FLUFFY FRIENDS INTRUDERS.
WHAT IS INCLUDED WITH THE TICKET?
THE TIME WITH OUT ANIMALS BEGINS WITH YOUR INCLUDED FREE PARKING, AND THEN A QUICK TRIP TO THE CHECK-IN BOOTH. ONCE CHECKED IN YOU WILL RECEIVE YOUR INCLUDED TOUR TREATS. LEARN THE INSIDE SECRETS ON HOW TO :
- GET GOOD PHOTOS
-HOW TO FEED
-HOW TO BRUSH
HOW LONG SHOULD I EXPECT TO BE AT THE FARM?
THE TIME WITH OUR ANIMALS LASTS ABOUT AN HOUR, BUT PLEASE ARRIVE 10 MINUTES BEFORE TO CHECK IN AT THE BOOTH AND RECEIVE YOUR TREATS. YOU ARE INVITED TO STAY AFTER YOUR TOUR TO REVISIT ANY ANIMALS YOU MISSED OR WANT MORE TIME WITH.
STROLLERS, WAGONS , AND WHEELCHAIRS?
WE WANT EVERYONE TO BE ABLE TO JOIN US. WE ARE A HANDICAP AND STROLLER/WAGON ACCESSIBLE FACILITY.
WHAT IS THE ATTIRE?
WE DON'T HAVE A SPECIFIC DRESS CODE, BUT PLEASE KEEP IN MIND THAT YOULL BE WALKING IN A BARN AND THE PASTURE SO WHITE SHOES BEWARE! POOP IS CLEARED BUT THE ANIMALS FORGET WHERE THE BATHROOM IS EVERY TIME. WE DO SUGGEST CLOSE TOED SHOES BUT DON'T REQUIRE IT.
Contact
Close to Mulrennan Middle School
Valrico, FL, 33596
813-494-8916- Melissa K
Would you like to donate?
If you would like to donate to help us with feed or hay...oh the hay bill. We want to spend more and more time with kids and adults that don't get to be around minis but the travel costs all add up. We would be forever grateful for whatever you donate. For a donation we are able to give you a 501c3 receipt.
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