When we think of pets, our mind almost always goes to cats and dogs, but there are plenty of other animals that can be a pet like goats! Have you ever wondered if goats are good pets? Let’s talk about it!
Do Goats Make Good Pets?
When answering the question “are goats good pets?”, there is a short answer and a long answer. The short answer is yes, goats can be good pets. However, though goats can make good pets for some people, the true answer really depends on your lifestyle, what you are looking for in a pet, and a few logistics.
5 Things to Consider Before Getting a Pet Goat
To help you decide whether goats would be a good pet for you in particular, take a look at these five things to consider before getting a pet goat.
Space
Goats need a lot of space to roam and play. They are social animals and need plenty of room to interact with other goats and explore their environment. You will need a large yard or pasture for them to live in. This can be a big barrier for many people looking to have a goat for a pet. While you can simply live in an apartment and take a dog for a walk, that is not possible with goats. Not only will you need a large yard or pasture, but they will also need their own home. Those looking to get a goat as a pet should ensure they have the space necessary. The number of goats changes the amount of space you’ll need to have, too.
Care
Goats require regular care and attention, including feeding, watering, and grooming. They also need to have their hooves trimmed and be checked for parasites regularly. You will need to be prepared to take care of them every day. It can be more difficult to find someone to watch your goats on vacation, but if you commit to having goats as pets, it is definitely one of the things you’ll have to consider. Additionally, their care often costs a lot more than traditional pets so even if you have the time to give them proper care and attention, ensure you budget it into your finances as well.
Temperament
Goats can be affectionate and friendly, but they can also be stubborn and mischievous. They are known to jump on things and can be escape artists, so you will need to have a secure fence to keep them contained. Keep in mind that they also like to get into things they are not supposed to which means that their fenced-in area shouldn’t contain anything that will harm them. Fruit trees and gardens are always two things new goat owners do not consider harmful. If fruit trees and gardens are in the goat's pasture, they will eat them until there is nothing left leaving you without your fruit trees and vegetables and leaving them with an upset stomach at the very least.
Noise
Goats can be noisy animals, especially when they are calling out to each other. If you have close neighbors or live in a suburban area, you may want to consider if your neighbors would be bothered by the noise. You should also consider if the noise will bother you because goats definitely aren’t the quietest pet option.
Local Laws & Regulations
Check your local zoning laws to see if goats are allowed as pets in your area. Some locations have laws and regulations for owning goats and others do not allow goats as pets at all.
Goats Are Man’s New Best Friend
Move over dogs because goats can be man’s best friend, too. Before you get goats as pets, ensure you do your research. Goats are fun, silly, and can provide companionship, but they can also be a lot more complicated than your average pet.