Allegheny Township woman brings animals on the road with mobile barnyard petting zoo

A fifth-generation Allegheny Township farmer is bringing the barnyard to the people with a new business: Quack A Doodle Doo, a mobile barnyard petting zoo.

Heather Waltz, born and raised on the family farm founded in 1874, is a self-professed animal lover. The new business takes her farm animals to parties and events within an hour’s drive of the 27-acre farm, transporting them in a red barn-themed trailer.

Waltz, 50, decided to start her business during the pandemic, first offering field trips.

“I’ve been looking for a new business idea, one that would allow me to work from home and do what I love most: spend time with my animals and on the farm,” Waltz said.

The mobile zoo space requirements at customer sites are 10 feet by 10 feet.

“Most of our animals are a miniature breed and take up less space,” Waltz said.

Her daily animal duties on the farm include tending to two cows, a donkey, ponies, 10 goats, rabbits, chickens, a piglet, a peacock and a peahen.

“I want to provide a unique experience for kids’ birthday parties and offer educational opportunities, touching on animal care and management and the effects of abuse on our rescue animals,” Waltz said.

Waltz recently rescued a 1-year-old pony named Sprinkles from West Virginia.

She bought Sprinkles at an animal auction. She said many horses and donkeys are purchased at auctions and then shipped to Canada where they are killed for their meat.

“A lot of times the backstory is not known other than their behavior. I think she was neglected and timid. She is underweight,” Waltz said. “It makes me think there’s more to the story.”

Waltz said Sprinkles is popular with children and is garnering a lot of attention.

“A birthday client having a doughnut-themed party for her daughter said, ‘We’ve gotta have Sprinkles, because sprinkles goes with doughnuts,’ ” Waltz said.

Customers select from three animal packages, and two-hour party prices range from $175 to $225.

A release of liability is mandatory for participation, and the business is insured and licensed.

Carly Linder, a home-schooling mother from Springdale, said a group of 15 children recently spent about an hour with Waltz’s animals — petting goats and visiting with chickens and a donkey.

“Heather is very knowledgeable about animals. She inspired us to get chickens and ducks. She’s just welcoming and makes the children feel comfortable around the animals,” Linder said.

Waltz said her biggest supporter is Ron, her husband of 30 years.

“He helps make my dreams possible,” Waltz said.

Ron Waltz said his wife contemplated opening her own animal-themed business for a year.

“I’m very proud. This is something we’re both hoping we’ll be able to do into retirement,” Ron Waltz said.

Quack A Doodle Doo is accepting reservations beginning April 1 through Nov. 30.

For bookings, call 724-681-6617 or visit quackadoodledoo.net.