If you’ve spent any time on social media recently, you’ve probably seen videos of people showing off their adorable pet goats. These charming, intelligent, and useful creatures are becoming more and more popular — not just for farms and homesteads, but as household pets.
These videos beg the question: Can you really keep a goat as a pet? If you’re considering bringing home a new hooved friend, keep reading to learn the basics of goat care, with a special emphasis on the role of access to clean drinking water.
Are Goats Good Pets?
Goats are known for being curious, intelligent, and social — not to mention adorable. Certain breeds have long been kept as livestock on farms and ranches, helping to control weeds, clear land, and even produce milk. Their entertaining personalities and sweet temperaments have made them a favorite in petting zoos. In fact, they’re one of the oldest domesticated species in the world!
While goats can make good pets for some people, there are also some challenges to be aware of. Goats are known to be mischievous escape artists and can be loud or destructive. They require lots of outdoor space to roam and play, so they’re not ideal for small yards or apartments. Plus, they’re herd animals, which means you need to have at least two goats at once.
Despite the challenges, many people have found success in raising pet goats. As long as you’re prepared for everything that having a pet goat entails, the experience can be very rewarding.
The Role of Water Access in Pet Goat Care
One of the most important aspects of keeping your pet goat healthy is ensuring it has uninterrupted access to clean, fresh water. Without proper hydration, goats may struggle to digest their food, produce milk, or live the active lives they deserve.
Traditional water bowls, buckets, and troughs can cause problems with spillage, contamination, and freezing, making it hard to keep your goats hydrated. That’s where automatic livestock waterers come in.
These innovative devices are designed with hygiene and ease of use in mind, providing unlimited safe, clean water for your livestock with little to no maintenance. When you opt for an automatic livestock waterer, you get the valuable peace of mind that comes when you know your pet goats have all the water they need.
Things You Should Know
Of course, there’s a lot more that goes into raising pet goats than just ensuring their access to water. Here’s some more things to know:
Legal and Zoning Considerations
Pet goats aren’t allowed in all jurisdictions. Check your local laws and HOA rules to learn whether there are limits on livestock in residential areas, and if so, what the minimum space requirements are for goats.
Housing and Fencing Requirements
Goats need sturdy shelters to protect them from the elements. They also require high, secure fencing to prevent them from climbing out and escaping. Make sure they have enough space to be comfortable — a good rule of thumb is at least 200–250 square feet per goat.
Healthcare, Grooming, and Behavior
Like any domestic animal, pet goats require access to veterinary care, including vaccinations and parasite control. You’ll also need to trim their hooves regularly, brush their fur, and give them plenty of social interaction — both with humans and other goats. They enjoy enrichment like climbing structures and toys and can be very affectionate.
Time and Cost Commitment
There’s also the time and cost commitments of owning a pet goat. You need to be prepared for ongoing costs related to healthcare, feed, and maintenance, along with the time required to set up fencing, shelter, feeders, and water systems. Plus, you’ll need to spend time each day caring for your goat and providing companionship.
Ensure Fresh Water for Your Pet Goat with Bar Bar A
Goats can be wonderful, engaging pets for the right people. With proper planning, space, and commitment — plus the right tools, like automatic waterers — caring for your pet goat becomes easier and more enjoyable.
At Bar Bar A, we specialize in providing automatic waterers for all kinds of livestock, from goats to horses to cattle. If you’re looking for a way to keep your pet goat hydrated, explore our line of reliable automatic livestock waterers or contact us today for more information.