Buttercups Sanctuary for goats

Fostering Goats

Buttercups are prepared to offer goats on a fostering basis to those able to provide the necessary facilities. Our standards are high and only the best homes are selected.

How do I apply?

Please read the information on this page first. If you still wish to proceed, telephone us on 01622 746410 to discuss matters further. We will make arrangements to visit to ensure your facilities are suitable for our goats. You must attend a short training course in goat care before we release animals into your care.

Goats as pets

If you decide to become a goat owner, we're certain you won't be disappointed. Goats can make very affectionate pets and, given the right care and attention, make excellent companions. If you decide to offer a home to a Buttercups goat, not only will you be providing love and care for an animal that may never have experienced this before, but you will help the Sanctuary make room to accept more rescue goats requiring our specialist care.

Foster goats remain under the ownership of Buttercups Sanctuary, and we visit homes at least twice a year to ensure the welfare of our goats.

Can I keep a single goat?

Goats like company - they are 'herd' animals. At least two animals are needed to give the necessary companionship.

How much land do I need?

Two goats need at least quarter of an acre in which to feel free to roam. The land should be free of poisonous plants such as ragwort, laurel, bracken and yew.

Goats are browsers and like long grass. They do not make good lawn mowers in that they don't like the grass too short. Trees and other shrubs should be protected as goats quickly strip foliage and bark - nothing is spared.

What about stabling?

Goats need a good, sound shelter or stable that is warm and draft proof.

Costs involved

This is a difficult question to answer as costs change. The main expenses are hay and food and veterinary bills - obviously these will vary depending on the health of the animal and what the weather brings. However, an average guide may be about two to three hundred pounds per year for each animal.

How much time do goats take to look after?

The daily routine should include 'hands on' contact - perhaps grooming, checking feet for trimming, or a 'tit bit' and a chat. Water buckets must be checked - goats dislike dusty or stale water. The stable should be checked daily, and regular mucking out is needed so the bed is always clean and dry.

A salt mineral lick must be provided to promote good heath, and a proper worming routine should be followed based on the pasture and grazing conditions. Regular checks must be carried out for lice and other parasites. Hooves usually need trimming every 4 to 6 weeks. All this routine care becomes second nature after a while.

Other facts

We don't charge to deliver the animals and, if things don't work out, there is no charge to collect the goats.

Once the goats are in your care, you are expected to cover the costs of feed, veterinary advice, and all bills associated with worming, illness and other conditions that may arise. The goats undergo a full medical check before leaving the Sanctuary. You should appreciate that goats are accepted into the Sanctuary from all backgrounds - some from good homes and, more often than not, some from poor homes where conditions may be distressing. If we are aware of any ongoing medical conditions with an individual goat, this will be discussed in full with the prospective fosterer. We never offer goats that are unsuitable for fostering.

Where can I learn more about the care of goats?

Buttercups run training courses on basic goat care and heath care. If you decide to offer a home to any of our goats, you must attend a basic course, for which no charge is made (see events page for details of forthcoming courses). As part of the re-homing agreement, our Welfare Officer will visit two times a year to check on the goats well-being and to offer advice. We strongly advise you to contact your veterinary surgeon before making a final decision to foster goats - this will give you a more accurate idea of the costs involved in caring for them.

The RSPCA also publish an excellent free booklet on the welfare and ownership of goats. Download or order a printed copy from the RSPCA - click on the link for goats.