What to buy for Animal Cuddle Day

An Animal Cuddle Day needs more than food and decorations. You’ll need separate supplies for visitors, volunteers and the animals, including feed bowls, water bowls, brushes, towels and rest mats. Plan your shopping around the number of guests, animals and activity stations, then add a small reserve for spills, damaged items and late registrations. This checklist also covers shelter, seating, serving equipment, hot drinks and power access.

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What to bring

Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.

Furniture

Party tentsqty 2
Tablesqty 8
Folding chairsqty 50
Registration desk
Picnic tablesqty 4
Animal fencingqty 24
Hay balesqty 12
Storage cratesqty 10

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 80
Reusable platesqty 60
Reusable cutleryqty 60
Coffee cupsqty 40
Serving plattersqty 8
Serving tongsqty 6

Equipment

Kettleqty 2
Coffee makerqty 2
Coolersqty 4
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 4

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 4
Chef's knifeqty 3
Measuring cupsqty 2
Thermos flasksqty 4
Water jugsqty 6

Animal supplies

Feed bowlsqty 12
Drinking bowlsqty 12
Animal brushesqty 8
Pet towelsqty 12
Rest matsqty 8
Hay racksqty 6
Transport cratesqty 6
Wooden sheltersqty 4
Rubber bootsqty 6

Decorations

Animal balloonsqty 40
Buntingqty 6
Animal postersqty 12
Name badgesqty 60
Tableclothsqty 8
Directional signsqty 12
Information signsqty 10

Lighting

String lightsqty 6
LED lanternsqty 8

Cleaning

Hand soap dispensersqty 4
Door matsqty 4
Cleaning bucketsqty 4
Floor squeegeesqty 2
Broom setsqty 3
Cleaning clothsqty 20

Safety

First aid kitsqty 2
Safety vestsqty 10
Barrier tapeqty 4
Flashlightsqty 4
Fire extinguishersqty 2

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Tea - 3 boxes
- Cocoa powder - 1 pack
- Sugar - 2 kilos
- Mints - 1 box
- Semi-skimmed milk - 8 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Cola - 8 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Sinas - 6 bottles
- Sparkling mineral water - 6 bottles
- Still mineral water - 10 bottles
- Apple juice - 4 packs
- Orange juice - 4 cartons
- Ice cubes - 10 kilos
- Sandwiches - 80 pieces
- Whole grain bread - 4 loaves
- Unsalted butter - 2 tubs
- Young cheese - 2 kilos
- Ham - 1 kilo
- Chicken breast - 1 kilo
- Hummus - 6 tubs
- Cucumber - 8 pieces
- Tomatoes - 2 kilos
- Lettuce - 4 heads
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Paprika chips - 6 bags
- Plain chips - 6 bags
- Snack mix - 4 bags
- Mini carrots - 3 kilos
- Apples - 5 kilo
- Bananas - 4 kilos
- Grapes - 4 kilos
- Cookies - 8 packs
- Muffins - 60 pieces
- Gluten-free sandwiches - 12 pieces
- Gluten-free cookies - 3 packs
- Vegan toppings - 6 tubs
- Paper napkins - 200 pieces
- Animal feed pellets - 5 kilos
- Hay - 4 bales
- Carrots for animals - 10 kilos
- Apples for Animals - 8 kilo
- Lettuce for animals - 5 heads
- Wood chips - 8 bags
- Straw - 6 bales
- Hand soap - 8 bottles
- Hand sanitizer - 6 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 4 bottles
- Disinfectant - 4 bottles
- Dish soap - 3 bottles
- Sponges - 12 pieces
- Paper towels - 8 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 3 rolls
- Paper towels - 8 packs
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Freezer bags - 2 boxes
- AA batteries - 2 packs
- AAA batteries - 2 packs

Tips

Set aside one food and one water bowl for each animal enclosure, plus at least two spare bowls for replacement during cleaning or busy periods.
Plan two to three reusable cups per guest if washing facilities are limited. Add extra serving platters, tongs and water jugs so food and drinks do not share animal-care areas.
Allow one pet towel per animal for the planned handling sessions, with at least five spare towels for muddy paws, wet fur or accidents.
Use one cooler for chilled drinks and another for dietary-specific food when possible. Label dietary items before the event so volunteers can serve them without searching through the stock.
Count your power points before buying or borrowing equipment. Keep extension cords and power strips away from animal fences, water bowls and walkways, and reserve a separate table for the kettle and coffee maker.

Frequently asked questions

What do I need for an Animal Cuddle Day?: Plan supplies in four groups: guest tableware, animal-care equipment, shelter and furniture, and drinks or food preparation. For every enclosure, start with one feed bowl, one water bowl, one hay rack and one rest mat, then keep at least two spare sets on site.
How many animal-care towels should I buy?: Allow one towel per animal for the scheduled activities and keep five to ten extra towels available for wet weather, muddy ground or accidents. Wash or replace used towels before the next handling group starts.
How much seating is needed for Animal Cuddle Day?: Provide one chair for each guest who may need to sit, plus at least 10% extra seating for carers, tired visitors and volunteers. Keep picnic tables separate from animal enclosures and leave clear routes between tables, fences and handwashing stations.
When should I buy supplies for Animal Cuddle Day?: Buy reusable equipment, fencing, tables, towels and animal supplies at least one week before the event so you can check quantities and condition. Buy chilled drinks and perishable food one to two days beforehand, then portion animal feed and label dietary items on the day before.

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