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Michigan · Petting zoos and animal encounters

Petting zoos and animal encounters in Michigan: farm-market guidance

Scope: farm-market guidance under the cited source. This is not a complete guide to opening or operating this activity. Local requirements have not been researched.

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What the cited source says

The document does not establish a statewide agritourism-liability rule for petting zoos or animal encounters.

Human content review

There is no attorney or subject-matter expert review recorded for this guide. The person responsible for this guide, its completed human content-review date, and its next review due date are not recorded.

Source retrieval dates identify the saved copies; they are not human content-review dates or publication approval. Check the current official text and the guide’s scope before relying on it. How to assess a guide.

Official sources

2026 Generally Accepted Agricultural and Management Practices for Farm Markets

2026 Farm Markets GAAMPs

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Retrieved August 13, 2026

Michigan agency guidance · Local rules not included

Important conditions

  • Case-by-case GAAMP conformance, animal-health and exhibition rules, handwashing, licensing, dangerous conditions, and local requirements.

Relevant provisions

Express uncertaintyThe 2026 document states that agritourism currently has no legal definition or recognition in Michigan law and that associated activities may or may not comply with GAAMPs. Appendix A, Agritourism
Case-by-case assessmentThe document says these activities must be assessed case by case and may be subject to additional local, state, or federal regulations. Appendix A, Agritourism
Farm-market definitionA farm market is a location where farm-market operators and customers transact and market; the document describes ownership/control and a 50-percent farm-product measure. Definitions, Farm Market
Marketing examplesMarketing includes promotional and educational activity incidental to farm products, including farm tours, demonstrations, cooking or other classes using farm products, and farm-to-table dinners. Definitions, Marketing
Other activitiesThe informational appendix says Right to Farm protection may not extend to non-farm-product sales, on-site processing, or activities such as wedding/event barns, lodging, restaurants, and glamping. Appendix A, Non-Farm Product Sales, Processing and Miscellaneous Activities

What this source does not answer

  • This source is an official agency practice document, not a general agritourism-immunity statute.
  • The source itself requires case-by-case assessment and warns that other rules may apply.
  • No local ordinance, court decision, or fact-specific Right to Farm determination was reviewed.

Build a research checklist for this activity

What to check next

  • Animal-health and exhibition rules
  • Handwashing and sanitation
  • Insurance and warning requirements
  • Local permits

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