Can You Own Goats in Upstate New York? What to Know About Local Rules

As you may or may not know, we are recent owners of two pygmy goats, and we live in Saratoga County. These adorable animals do not live in our home; they are housed at a local farm.

But it raised the question about whether or not you can own goats in your home in Upstate New York. Here's what we know.

Read More:  Check Out Our New Pygmy Goats & Our Journey Across The State

Thinking about owning a goat in Upstate New York? The rules depend on where you live, especially if you're in the Capital Region or Central New York.

In most rural towns, goats are allowed as long as you follow local zoning laws. These often require a certain amount of land, proper fencing, and that the animals be kept on your property at all times. If you live in a more suburban or residential area, though, things get trickier.

For example, in the city of Albany, goats and other farm animals are not allowed at all. In the town of Colonie, you can own goats, but they must be securely fenced and not allowed to roam. In Saratoga County, goats are allowed only if you have at least five acres of land and meet other livestock requirements.

In Central New York, including counties like Oneida and Madison, many towns do allow goats, especially if the property is zoned for agriculture. Acreage minimums and fencing rules still apply, so it is important to check with your local zoning board before bringing any animals home.

New York State also has agricultural guidelines that protect farming practices, but those do not override local zoning laws in areas that are not classified as farmland.

If you are seriously considering goat ownership, start by finding out how your property is zoned. Then call your town or village office to get the full list of rules. It is a lot easier to enjoy your goats when you know you're doing it legally.