Frequently Asked Questions

Is your website broken? I scrolled forever and couldn't find anything to book.

Our website is not broken! Our scheduling calendar will automatically open to a month with an open appointment slot. If you check the calendar and don’t immediately see a slot, then that means we are currently full and don’t have any open slots to schedule. Keep checking the calendar for openings,

When do you open more appointment slots?

We are a learning and growing small business that has full-time jobs on top of this. Because of how busy we have become, we open a few slots at a time when we have the time. We do not have a set date that we release them. The only place we give advance notice regarding openings is patreon.com/WestmeisterFarm 

If we get a cancellation for an appointment that is within 72 hours, we notify Facebook and then delete the post once the slot is filled.

What is your policy on bad weather?

If the farm is open, then we will not cancel, refund, or reschedule tours. Our property is easy to get to and is on well-maintained roads, so we only close for extreme circumstances. If the farm has to close for bad weather, then we will coordinate rescheduling by notifying tours on that day. They will be rescheduled based on the next available slots, which could be up to a year out. Otherwise, we will be open and running tours! 

How many people can I bring?

You can bring as many people for your private slot as you would like. We ask that every member of the party arrive on time, as we need to start on time. If you are bringing a group of more than 12 people, please give us a heads-up so we can prepare accordingly! 

For the Swimming with Otters encounter, only 6 people can be in the pool at a time. You can bring more than 6 and take turns in the pool if you’d like. 

Do you do field trips?

Due to the popularity of our encounters, we schedule out 6 months to 1 year in advance, so it is difficult to coordinate with large visiting groups. There is no group discount. If you are bringing more than 12 visitors, please let us know so we can prepare accordingly! 

Is your facility handicap accessible?

We are not technically able to label our facility as handicap accessible, but we work hard to accommodate any tour that has mobility challenges! The outdoor portion is gravel, and the doorways have lips/steps. This was never intended for the public, it is quite literally our backyard. However, we have had many people with various mobility devices navigate the farm! Our tour guides are very good at paying attention to pacing and making sure everyone gets to interact with the animals to the best of their abilities.

Please email lynnwestmeister@gmail.com if you have specific concerns that you would like to discuss. 

Do you offer group discounts?

We do not offer group discounts. Private Farm Tours are $45 per person and Swimming with Otters is $150 per person. 

Is my baby the same admission price?

Yes, everyone who visits the farm is the same admission price. The price per person applies to adults, kids, and babies.

Is it still $150 per person for Swimming with Otters if I don’t get in the water?

Yes. Even people not in the water will still get to interact and play with the otters.

Can my child swim with otters if I am in the pool with them?

Children must be 10 and up to get in the pool. Kids under 10 can still attend but they will not be allowed to swim and are still $150 per person. 

Are your animals rescued?

We respect their privacy due to HIPPA laws and do not disclose their history… Just kidding. Our animals come from all walks of life, it depends on the animal. You can learn their whole story during a tour!

Are you a zoo?

We do not consider ourselves to be a zoo.

Do you have any openings today?

Please check Facebook for any last-minute pop-up appointment openings. 

Do you accept donations?

Thank you for wanting to support Westmeister Farm! There are a few ways that you can support us.

We have an Amazon Wishlist that you can browse HERE. 

We sell digital items on our online shop, such as Adopt-An-Animal and Eat Your Heart Out feeding videos.

We have stickers for sale on RedBubble.

We are also on Patreon, which has different tiers of subscriptions. Subscribers receive different benefits at each level. 

Are you open to collaborations?

Please email lynnwestmeister@gmail.com and we will look into your request! 

We’re celebrating a birthday/anniversary/engagement/etc, do you do anything special?

Please let your tour guide know what we’re celebrating! We have personalized stickers to signify your special day. If you are coordinating a surprise such as a proposal, please email lynnwestmeister@gmail.com! We have helped orchestrate several surprise proposals and would be honored to be included in the next chapter of your life. 

Do you do birthday parties?

You are welcome to schedule a tour as an activity for your birthday party. You can bring your group, but please know that we don't have a party space, so there's no hanging out and having cake after the tour. Seltzer Park in Shelby is a good outdoor space for gathering!

What hotels are nearby?

We recommend staying in Ontario, as it is only 10-15 minutes away from the farm and has plenty of shopping and food options!

What local restaurants do you recommend?

• The Vault in Shelby is a great sit-down place

• The Buckeye Express in Bellville is a casual spot inside an old train

• Marigold Bakery in Shelby has delicious pastries

• Paul's Drive In in Shelby has meals and ice cream