Animal Storytelling Afternoon Checklist

Use this checklist to organise an animal storytelling afternoon in a clear order, from confirming the venue to supervising animal contact. It covers the details that are easy to arrange too late: children’s permissions, dietary requirements, suitable handlers and calm arrival conditions for the animals. Plan the reading programme alongside the enclosure layout so every session has a safe route and enough seating. On the day, allow time for registration, a short welcome briefing and settling the animals before the first story begins.

Organize this event for free with Lizzt

The plan, step by step

Every task with its own sub-checklist, in the order you'll actually need them.

Preparations

Confirm date and location
Select read-aloud texts
2 people
Confirm animals and handlers
2 people
Send invitations
2 people
Process registrations
Collect dietary requirements
Check permissions for children
2 people
Print the read-aloud program
Agree on animal welfare rules
3 people
Check the weather forecast
Do the shopping
2 people
Collect books and materials
2 people
Chill drinks
2 people
Prepare Animal Enclosures
3 people
Set up tables and chairs
4 people
Set up reading corners
3 people
Hang up decorations
2 people
Set up catering
3 people
Set up the registration table
2 people
Check safety and pedestrian routes
2 people
Let the animals settle in calmly
3 people

Event

Welcome visitors
3 people
Give welcome briefing
2 people
Supervise read-aloud sessions
4 people
Supervise animal contact
4 people
Serve drinks and snacks
3 people
Refill drinks
2 people
Lead the handwashing session
2 people
Read the closing story
2 people
Wave goodbye to visitors
2 people

Aftercare

Return animals safely
3 people
Remove food scraps and waste
2 people
Wash dishes
2 people
Clear tables and chairs
4 people
Clean the room
3 people
Clean animal supplies
3 people
Collect lost and found items
Return materials
2 people

What to bring

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

Furniture

Tablesqty 6
Chairsqty 48
Blanketsqty 8
Cushionsqty 30
Waste binsqty 4

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 60
Platesqty 60
Cutlery setsqty 60
Serving plattersqty 8
Pitchersqty 6

Equipment

Coolersqty 3
Kettlesqty 2
Extension cordsqty 3
Power stripsqty 3
Microphone
Portable speaker

Animal supplies

Animal enclosuresqty 3
Carry cagesqty 3
Feed bowlsqty 6
Drinking bowlsqty 6
Animal barriersqty 6
Towelsqty 12
Brushesqty 3
Animal toysqty 6

Decorations

Animal booksqty 40
Animal postersqty 8
Buntingqty 4
Name badgesqty 50

Lighting

LED lampsqty 4

Kitchen

Coffee maker
Thermos flasksqty 3
Cutting boardsqty 2
Bread knivesqty 2
Pliersqty 4

Cleaning

Hand soap dispensersqty 3
Disinfectant sprayqty 2
Cleaning clothsqty 12
Bucketsqty 3

Catering

Groceries

Tips

Confirm the animals, handlers and welfare rules before sending invitations. Families need to know what contact is allowed, and handlers should agree in advance when animals rest or leave the activity area.
Set a registration deadline that gives you time to collect dietary requirements and children’s permissions. Use the final guest list to prepare name badges, seating and the welcome table rather than relying on last-minute updates.
Create separate reading corners with blankets and cushions, then keep animal enclosures and barriers away from pedestrian routes. Check that visitors can move between stories without crossing handling or feeding areas.
Print the read-aloud programme before the event and keep a copy at the registration table. Include the session order, approximate timings and any change caused by weather or animal welfare needs.
Complete shopping and chilling drinks no later than the day before where possible. On the event day, set up tables, catering, cups and waste bins before visitors arrive, then let the animals settle in calmly before contact begins.

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should I organise an animal storytelling afternoon?: Start at least 4 to 6 weeks ahead. That gives you time to confirm the location, animals and handlers, send invitations, process registrations and collect permissions and dietary requirements.
How many animal handlers do I need for the afternoon?: Plan at least 1 responsible handler for each active animal area, plus enough adult supervision for the children attending. Confirm the exact staffing with the handlers before invitations are sent, especially if several animals are present at once.
When should I check the weather forecast?: Check it 48 hours before the event and again on the morning itself. Use those checks to adjust outdoor reading corners, pedestrian routes, animal enclosures and any weather-sensitive decorations or equipment.
What should happen before children touch the animals?: Welcome visitors, give a short safety and welfare briefing, and explain where children may stand, wait and wash or clean their hands if needed. Let the animals settle in calmly first, then begin contact only when the handler confirms it is suitable.

Start this plan in Lizzt

Every task and item on this page, ready in your own event. Invite people, split the work, and see who has done what.