FAQs
Service Animals and Animal Safety
Are dogs and other animals allowed on the trail, in the parking area, or in the event space?
Hoof It Goat Treks offers an interactive livestock experience that brings you into close proximity to free-moving goats and resident farm animals, including cats and dogs.
For the health, safety, welfare, and biosecurity of our animals, outside animals are not permitted in the Hoof It guest area. This includes pets, service dogs, emotional-support animals, and other outside animals.
This restriction applies to:
the parking area, which directly borders the goat pen;
the check-in and gift shop area;
the goat pen and surrounding livestock areas;
the trekking trail; and
all other areas used for guest access to the Hoof It experience.
Because the parking area is immediately adjacent to the goat enclosure, an outside animal can affect the herd even without entering the pen. The sight, scent, sound, or close presence of an unfamiliar dog or other animal may cause livestock stress, flight behavior, defensive behavior, crowding, or other unpredictable reactions.
Guests also enter areas regularly used by our resident farm cats and dogs. Introducing unfamiliar animals into this environment may create risks of chasing, confrontation, injury, stress, or animal-to-animal disease transmission.
The "Fundamental Alteration" & Safety Exception: Under the ADA, a business can restrict a service animal if its presence "fundamentally alters" the nature of the service or poses a direct threat to safety. Because this activity consists of a 1.25-mile hike through the woods where a herd of prey animals (goats) walks completely loose and un-yarded alongside humans, an unfamiliar dog can trigger a dangerous panic or flight response in the livestock.
This policy is based on the specific livestock, resident-animal, safety, welfare, and biosecurity conditions of our operation. It is not based on a guest's disability or on the purpose for which an outside animal is used.
Guests who use a service animal are encouraged to contact us before booking so that we can discuss whether a reasonable alternative accommodation can be provided without introducing an outside animal into the Hoof It animal environment.
Please contact us about service dog information prior to arrival.
Is the trail stroller friendly?
We have strollers join us on the trail frequently. We recommend the larger-wheeled version if possible, but all styles have maneuvered the trail.
Can we bring alcohol on the trek?
Alcohol is not allowed on our PUBLIC treks. You may BYOB if you have a bonfire after your hike. PRIVATE treks may bring libations on the hike. We ask that everyone drink responsibly.
How long is the trail?
The trail is approximately a 1.25-mile loop. The terrain is rolling and accessible for most ability levels. It is a natural trail with uneven areas, sloping declines, and inclines. If you have concerns, please contact us.
Is the hike strenuous?
Since strenuous is a relative term, please see the above trail description.
Is the trail wheelchair or electric scooter friendly?
We have been able to accommodate both wheelchairs and electric scooters, but it is not easy. It is ultimately your decision and responsibility to make sure your loved ones remain safe and secure along the trail.
How far from Galena are you located?
Hoof It Goat Treks is located 7 miles east of Galena, with a drive time of approximately 15 minutes. Please be sure to allow plenty of time for on-time arrival.
Waiver Form
The waiver is linked in your confirmation email and is directly tied to YOUR reservation. Please forward the confirmation email to others in your party. This is a digital waiver. Please do not print it out.
What if the weather is bad?
If the weather is not working in our favor, we will alter the trek to an indoor interactive experience with the herd. We reserve the right to alter the experience due to weather.
What is the refund/cancellation policy?
Standard Goat Trek: Customers will receive a full refund or credit with a 48-hour notice of cancellation. Customers will also receive a full refund or credit in case of operator cancellation. No refunds are issued for holidays, event weekends in Galena, or Hoof It events (wine treks, root beer tastings, foraging, etc.). NO-SHOWS and LATE ARRIVALS will be charged the full price. Late arrivals will be unable to catch up. No refunds will be given for reservations made within the 48-hour cancellation window.
All refund policies are visible before reserving. If you disagree with the policy, please do not make a reservation
Thank you!
Call or text 563.663.6944 with further questions.
hoof.it.galena@gmail.com