A beer burro is a miniature donkey fitted with saddlebags that carry drinks — beer at cocktail hour, seltzers, or champagne for photos. A handler leads the burro through your event while guests grab a drink and take pictures. Most services run 60 to 120 minutes and bring one or two animals.
What's usually included
- One or two mini donkeys with a handler per animal
- Decorated saddlebags — many operators offer florals matched to your colors
- Ice packs or coolers in the bags; you usually supply the drinks
- Cleanup during and after the appearance
What drives the price
Distance is the big one — these operators travel with a trailer, and most charge past a set radius. Duration, a second animal, and holiday or peak-season dates move the number too. Get the travel fee in the quote, not as a surprise on the invoice.
Questions to ask
- Can you send a certificate of insurance to my venue? Many venues require one before allowing animals on site.
- Where does the burro wait before the appearance? Shade and water should be part of the answer.
- What surfaces work? Grass and pavers are fine; polished ballroom floors are usually out.
- Is there a photo window before guests arrive? Ten quiet minutes with the couple beats fighting the crowd.
Browse beer burro services in the directory — PAWS members agree to our animal-welfare and event-safety standards.