Bruce the mini highland cow is ready to take your worries away at Rescue Pets of Florida’s farm in Plant City. Credit: RescuePetsofFlorida/Instagram

The world’s on fire, but some critters will always be fuzzy and ready for a hug.

That’s what’s going down when nonprofit, volunteer-run Plant City organization Rescue Pets of Florida Farm brings together many of its rescues—yes, cats, dogs, but also farm animals like ponies and pigs—to visitors for an afternoon of snuggling and selfie-taking (fingers crossed for Bucee, a mini highland cow).

“We believe that all animals deserve a chance to embrace who they are, to define their future, and to live a life free from suffering,” Rescue Pets of Florida wrote about its work to find homes for animals in conjunction with local shelters and PetSmart.

We believe you need this more than you know. A bounce house, splash station and refreshments will be available.

Tickets start at $5 for the Summer Barnyard Bash Farmiversary happening Sunday, June 1 in Plant City.

Readers are invited to submit their own events to Creative Loafing Tampa Bay’s things to do calendar.

This article appears in May 22-28, 2025.