Goats make wonderful pets, but the full-sized breeds belong more on a farm than a backyard or place with limited space. Remember, you can search for a goat to adopt using the tools at the top of the page. Fresh, deep bedding can also help keep a goat warm while it is lying down. We went right to the top. If you plan on moving anytime during the typical lifespan of the goats you intend to keep, you will need to either take them with you (i.e. They may then direct you to a separate state or city agency to answer questions on what sorts of animals you can keep and for what purposes. Make sure you enter your email address in the "Search Saver" field so you can be notified whenever a new adoptable goat in your area is added to Adopt-a-Pet.com. Google+ Whether it's the notorious ferret ban or the occasional terrifying local tabloid story about an alligator lurking in an apartment, we hear all the time about pets you aren't allowed to have in New York apartments. Here's how you can keep a goat of your own. You must be prepared for a long-term commitment to having goats. New York State Government ... can you actually keep a horse at home? Caring for your goat or sheep. Can I (Legally) Keep Chickens or Goats in My Back Yard? Rose Bartiss has been raising goats near Vermontville, New York, for 10 years. Owning goats is a big commitment and can be very time-consuming and expensive. Goats can live up to 18 years (sheep, up to 12 years). Goats can have a bit of a learning curve, so get your basic goat care down first before you bring your new goats home, or dive into more advanced care such as breeding and pregnancy. With this system it is possible to keep goats in a small area. Lying directly on a dirt or concrete floor can pull heat from the goat’s body in winter. We have cattle and they take care of the grass and some weeds. the next community will need to allow goats too) or find another home for the goats. However, as the goats cannot go out and graze, you will have to bring the greens to them, in the form of greengrocers’ waste, branches, and cut grass (not grass cuttings from a lawnmower). However, as the goats cannot go out and graze, you will have to bring the greens to them, in the form of greengrocers’ waste, branches, and cut grass (not grass cuttings from a lawnmower). The best miniature goat is … I have considered getting some goats but fencing is an issue. Or you can take your goats for walks where they can browse the hedgerows. Whatever the cause, I would like share with you a few of our experiences and lessons learned. She has raised dairy goats, meat goats, and fiber goats. We wish you all the best in your quest to adopt a goat. You would need to give them the run or a large portion of your yard, and they would probably eat any vegetation that is in that area. We also have a thistle problem in our pastures. You can check out the full list of species that are prohibited in New York City—including elephants, squirrels, and "non-human primates"—here. I don't know much about goats, but I did a quick search, and goats need to be kept in herds, so you would need at least two goats. Move over chickens! If this will be your first goat or sheep, here are a few things you should consider before bringing one home to join your family. Your local regional director can tell you from there if you have enough land to have a goat!