Do goats make good pets?
In general, goats make fantastic pets. If they are handled regularly and respectfully, they are personable and affectionate. They are often talkative and enjoy both play time and quiet time. We raise our goats so they are friendly but not pushy. We like them to romp at will, but never jump up, knock us over, or hurt us. We want them to respect our space, but be willing to sit on our lap and chew their cud, when invited to do so. So far we have been successful with every goat we’ve purchased or raised from birth, but we acknowledge that every goat has their own unique personality and not all will be as accepting of humans as those we have come to know. Of note, we are often asked if goats can be housetrained. We have known goats that have been housetrained but we do not encourage this practice. Our goats only come in the house if they are ill enough to require hospital care.
Keeping goats as pets can be rewarding, or uniquely infuriating. Although some goats do make excellent pets, they require commitment and tolerance on the part of their owners to do well, and anyone considering the acquisition of a pet goat should think carefully before taking the plunge. Goats have unique needs which are unfamiliar to people who have not interacted with them before. In addition, you may be restricted by municipal laws if you live within the limits of an incorporated area, or have trouble getting access to a veterinarian to care for your goats. The traits which make goats great pets also cause them to be very difficult to handle. Almost all goats are intelligent and deeply curious, and will constantly investigate their surroundings. As part of their adventuring, goats routinely fight their way through fences and gates, and the animals, while endearing, can wreak havoc on gardens and landscaping. Goats also tend to eat indiscriminately, which can lead to gastrointestinal
Goats are herd animals, so should not be kept as solitary animals. A pair (or more) of goats will make a good addition to the right family. A decent amount of space (yard/pasture) will be necessary, depending on the breed and number of goats, so they are best suited for rural areas on farms or acreages. If you live in a city, bylaws may prevent you from keeping goats as they will likely be classed as an agricultural species. You must also be prepared for the commitment to having goats. They do need attention like any other pet, and you need to consider who can look after the goats if you must go away, of if something should happen that means you cannot keep the goats. You should also find a veterinarian who will treat your goats. They are susceptible to a number of infectious and chronic diseases. Vaccinations and routine preventative treatment for worms and other parasites are necessary and you should consult a vet for what is required in your area. It is a good idea to review some of
