A beer burro is more than a cute photo opportunity. The right service should create a memorable guest experience while keeping the animal’s comfort, safety, and welfare at the center of the event.
A quality beer burro service should be able to explain how their animals are trained, handled, transported, and cared for before, during, and after an event.
Choose Experience Over NoveltyA quality beer burro service should be able to explain how their animals are trained, handled, transported, and cared for before, during, and after an event.
-Calm, confident handling
-appropriately fitting tack and gear (do not hesitate to ask!)
-Animals that look appropriately cared for - look for hoof condition, body condition, are their eye bright? Do they seem happy and well looked after?
-Limits on length of services
-Weather policy
-Operational equipment such as truck or trailer - both should be safe, not only for the animal but for others on the road.
Choose Experience Over NoveltyBurros are living animals, not props. An experienced handler understands donkey behavior, event flow, guest interaction, and when an animal needs space.
Ask how long the company has been working events and whether the burros have experience with crowds, music, cameras, dresses, children, and busy reception environments.
Confirm Insurance and ProfessionalismYour venue may require proof of insurance, so ask early. A professional beer burro service should carry commercial liability insurance and be able to provide a Certificate of Insurance when needed.
You should also look for clear communication, a written agreement, arrival and setup details, cancellation policies, and realistic expectations.
Other documents that a burro company should be able to provide are: Brand inspection and Coggins. (Brand inspection is required in Montana to cross county lines)
4. Understand What Is IncludedEvery beer burro service is different. Before booking, ask what is included in the package.
Helpful questions include:
Ask About Weather PoliciesWeather matters. Burros can often handle a light sprinkle, but prolonged rain, severe heat, icy conditions, high winds, or unsafe footing can create welfare and safety concerns.
A responsible company should have clear weather guidelines and be willing to make decisions based on the animal’s wellbeing.
Look for a Calm, Guest-Friendly ExperienceThe best beer burro experience feels relaxed, natural, and joyful. Guests should be able to meet the burro, take photos, and enjoy the moment without crowding or overwhelming the animal.
A skilled handler helps guide interactions, answer questions, and protect the burro’s space.
Choose a Service That Reflects Your ValuesIf you are including an animal in your wedding or event, choose a company that respects that responsibility. The experience should be beautiful, fun, and ethical.
Big Sky Burro is proud to work with formerly wild BLM burros and place animal welfare at the heart of every event. Our goal is to create an unforgettable Montana experience while honoring the animals who make it possible.
Ready to Learn More?If you are planning a wedding, private party, or corporate event in Montana, we would love to talk with you about whether a beer burro is the right fit for your celebration.
A quality beer burro service should be able to explain how their animals are trained, handled, transported, and cared for before, during, and after an event.
Choose Experience Over NoveltyA quality beer burro service should be able to explain how their animals are trained, handled, transported, and cared for before, during, and after an event.
-Calm, confident handling
-appropriately fitting tack and gear (do not hesitate to ask!)
-Animals that look appropriately cared for - look for hoof condition, body condition, are their eye bright? Do they seem happy and well looked after?
-Limits on length of services
-Weather policy
-Operational equipment such as truck or trailer - both should be safe, not only for the animal but for others on the road.
Choose Experience Over NoveltyBurros are living animals, not props. An experienced handler understands donkey behavior, event flow, guest interaction, and when an animal needs space.
Ask how long the company has been working events and whether the burros have experience with crowds, music, cameras, dresses, children, and busy reception environments.
Confirm Insurance and ProfessionalismYour venue may require proof of insurance, so ask early. A professional beer burro service should carry commercial liability insurance and be able to provide a Certificate of Insurance when needed.
You should also look for clear communication, a written agreement, arrival and setup details, cancellation policies, and realistic expectations.
Other documents that a burro company should be able to provide are: Brand inspection and Coggins. (Brand inspection is required in Montana to cross county lines)
4. Understand What Is IncludedEvery beer burro service is different. Before booking, ask what is included in the package.
Helpful questions include:
- How long will the burro be present?
- Is travel included?
- Are handlers included?
- Are panniers, florals, or décor provided?
- Can the look be customized to the event?
- Who provides the beverages?
- Are there limits on what the burro can carry?
Ask About Weather PoliciesWeather matters. Burros can often handle a light sprinkle, but prolonged rain, severe heat, icy conditions, high winds, or unsafe footing can create welfare and safety concerns.
A responsible company should have clear weather guidelines and be willing to make decisions based on the animal’s wellbeing.
Look for a Calm, Guest-Friendly ExperienceThe best beer burro experience feels relaxed, natural, and joyful. Guests should be able to meet the burro, take photos, and enjoy the moment without crowding or overwhelming the animal.
A skilled handler helps guide interactions, answer questions, and protect the burro’s space.
Choose a Service That Reflects Your ValuesIf you are including an animal in your wedding or event, choose a company that respects that responsibility. The experience should be beautiful, fun, and ethical.
Big Sky Burro is proud to work with formerly wild BLM burros and place animal welfare at the heart of every event. Our goal is to create an unforgettable Montana experience while honoring the animals who make it possible.
Ready to Learn More?If you are planning a wedding, private party, or corporate event in Montana, we would love to talk with you about whether a beer burro is the right fit for your celebration.