From goats and sheep, to rabbits, guinea pigs, and all manner of fowl, this hodgepodge menagerie is an enjoyment just to walk through and visit. If you’re looking to add a new critter to your family, visit the Animal Swap.
Animal Swap organizer, Victoria D’Ambra says that this July’s event was the biggest so far. The amount of swappers and shoppers was the largest turnout that she has seen. With close to 40 sellers, D’ambra wasn’t sure how many came to shop, but thought it was somewhere between 200 and 300.
D’Ambra said that there were lots of new faces and that people came from all over; the word is even reaching into Idaho.
This critter centric event not only helps those who raise these animals, but it also brings lots of business into locally owned and operated Inland Feed & Farm Supply where the swap takes place.
There was a brief moment of excitement and hilarity when a couple of roosters got loose. Several people ran to catch them and worked hard to keep them out of the road. With teamwork and ingenuity, the birds were safely recaptured. Other than that, the day went smoothly.
Participants can register for free, but are required to provide their own secure and shaded/sheltered enclosure, and supply their animals with enough drinking water. The health and safety of the critters as well as people is paramount.
D’Ambra says she hopes to host another swap in October; dates are forthcoming.
If you want to bring animals to the next swap, contact Victoria D’Ambra at the Deer Park Animal Swap Facebook Page: dpgazette.com/dpanimalswap. Visit and follow their page for more information and learn about upcoming swaps.