Is a Goat a Good Pet?

Seems like baby or small goats as pets are slowly becoming the next trend. Smaller goat breeds can be great pets. They are smart, friendly, easily tamed and can be transported with a dog kennel if necessary. But there are also downsides to having a goat as a companion.

Goats are taking over backyards everywhere for a variety of reasons: milk, entertainment, companionship and more. No matter what your reason, there are many factors about goats and care requirements you should consider before making a decision.

The Good

They are great companions whether it's for a person or an animal like a dog.

They are fun. Goats are very entertaining and charming. Some people even use goats as paid entertainment in shows. If anything, you'll get a good laugh.

They can be service animals. Goats are becoming more well-known as service animals helping in their communities. As long as there are deemed controllable and well-mannered, they can visit nursing homes, schools and other community events.

The Bad

They are smart. While that's a good trait, it also means goats are pretty savvy when it comes to escape plans. You'll need a good, tall fence to make sure they can't get out. If you have a wood fence, expect to replace it every couple of years since goats love to chew on wood.

They chew on everything. If you want your bushes to remain intact or want to keep your personal items in good condition, a goat might not be for you. They love to chew and pretty much anything is fair game.

Overall, goats are great pets as long as you know what you're getting into. Make sure you get a smaller breed as the larger breeds can get up to 200 pounds and need a lot more space to roam. Also, check your local laws to make sure you are following guidelines regarding if you can own a goat in your town/city and if there are certain restrictions on size or weight.

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