How to Start a Goat Rental Business in 2024
Last Updated: 12/17/2023
Have you ever considered starting your own goat rental business? As someone who grew up around farms, let me tell you — renting out goats for events, landscaping jobs, or even as pets can be super enjoyable and lucrative if done right. I wanted to share some tips I’ve learned on how to get your own goat rental biz off the ground.
Pick Goat Breeds That Make Good Rentals
You’ll want to choose breeds known for being calm and easy to handle. Some great options to consider are:
- Nigerian Dwarfs — Small but sturdy goats that transport well and don’t spook easily. I’ve had great experiences with them at parties.
- Pygmy goats — So cute and compact. Their chill demeanor makes them ideal for stranger interactions at events.
- Mini Silky Fainters — These little fur balls are total softies and their size makes them very manageable.
I’d avoid picking high-strung breeds like Nubians that tend to be loud and excitable. And definitely make sure any male goats are neutered — took an aggressive billy to a child’s party once, never again!
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Start Small with Your First Goats
When starting out, I recommend getting just 2–4 goats. Buy from reputable breeders, not shady Craigslist ads! Visit the farm yourself to carefully inspect each animal before purchasing. Make sure they seem healthy, well-socialized, and comfy being handled.
Starting with a small herd will help keep costs under control in those early days. You can always get more goats later as your biz grows. And don’t rule out rescued goats — they need good homes and with training can become amazing rental goats!
Provide Proper Housing and Nutrition
Your goats will require adequate housing, fencing, and good nutrition. How much land and shelter you’ll need depends on your herd size. But ensure enclosures give them space to roam and graze. Protect them from the elements with shelters too.
Feed your goats a balanced diet of hay, grain, fresh veggies and fruit. I have a great goat feed recipe — maybe I’ll share it in another post! Consult a vet to figure out ideal feeding amounts and nutrients for each goat. Proper fuel keeps them healthy and energetic.
Invest Time Training Your Rental Goats
The best goat rentals are super well-behaved. Start training babies around 2–3 months old to socialize properly. Get them comfy walking on leashes, handling their coats being brushed, riding in trailers, and being around crowds. Use treats to positively reinforce good behavior during training sessions.
Training takes patience but it’s so worth it to end up with goats that clients adore. Never ever rent out untrained goats — that’s a recipe for disaster!
Offer Fun Rental Options
Think about the types of goat rentals you want to provide. Some ideas that have worked for me:
- Parties/events — Goats mingling with guests or featured in entertainment. My goats love weddings!
- Landscaping — Goats can clear brush, weeds, poison ivy quickly and chemical-free.
- Farm stays — Add goats to the rural farm vacation experience. Kids love feeding and petting them.
- Mobile petting zoos — Bring goats to schools, festivals, etc. for interaction and education.
Get creative in how you promote your friendly, hard-working goat crew!
Create Clear Rental Policies
Before you start taking bookings, get clear rental policies outlined. Be sure to cover:
- Pricing — Factor in event type, herd size, travel distance, etc. Don’t undercharge.
- Deposits/fees — Get nonrefundable deposits upfront and outline cancellation fee terms.
- Hours — Define your rental hours/days available. Be clear about overtime fees.
- Transportation — State if you’ll deliver goats or if client needs to pick them up.
- Supervision — Specify if you’ll stay on-site or leave them unattended.
- Restrictions — Note any rental rules, like no feeding goats junk food.
Solid policies will avoid confusion down the road. Have clients sign agreements.
Spread the Word to Grow Your Business
Create a fun website showing off your goats available for rentals. Plenty of cute goat pics are a must! Reach out to event planners, farms, schools, etc. and pitch your services.
Get listed on local directories and wedding planning sites. Have your goats make appearances around town to generate interest. Hand out flyers, promote on social media, offer referral rewards.
Starting a goat rental takes dedication but I find it incredibly rewarding. Begin small, learn as you go, and grow your herd and client base over time. Soon your hard work will pay off — in fun memories and goat kids!
Need a Goat Rental Business Plan?
Create a custom business plan with financial projections and market research in minutes with ProAI’s business plan generator.
Goat Rental Financial Forecasts
Startup Expenses
Monthly Operating Expenses
Revenue Forecast
Frequently Asked Questions
How much will it cost to start a goat rental business?
The startup costs for a goat rental business can range from $2,000-$5,000. Major expenses are buying your starter goats, housing and fencing for them, supplies, and marketing. Starting small and growing your herd over time can help keep initial costs down.
What permits and licenses do I need?
Check your local state and city regulations, as requirements vary. You may need permits for owning livestock, running a rental business, transporting goats, or operating on agricultural land. Look into business licenses, sales tax IDs, and insurance too.
How much space will I need for my goats?
Plan for at least 100 square feet per goat inside shelters. You’ll also need ample outdoor space for grazing and exercising. Even small breeds like Pygmy goats require room to roam. Ensure proper fencing as goats are adept escape artists!
Can I raise rental goats in an urban setting?
Some cities do allow small backyard goats with proper enclosures and permits. But raising goats typically works better in rural settings. There’s more space plus neighbors who won’t mind noise. Check your local laws before bringing goats home.
What’s the right number of goats to start my business?
We recommend starting with 2–4 goats your first year. This allows you to learn the ropes while keeping costs manageable. Goats are herd animals, so they should have at least one companion. But a large herd early on can quickly become unmanageable.
Should I insure my goat rental business?
Yes! Goat rental businesses need liability insurance at minimum in case a goat gets loose and causes damage. Many policies will also cover things like business interruptions or veterinary expenses. Work with an agent experienced in livestock enterprises to find the right coverage.
