It might sound unusual to some, but goats actually make wonderful companions. They’ve come a long way from farms and petting zoos. If you’ve ever done goat yoga, you know exactly how hard it is to not fall completely in love with these curious, quirky little animals. It’s no wonder that goats are becoming an increasingly popular pet choice.

Here’s what you should know if you’re considering one.

They’re Easier to Care for Than You’d Expect

Goats are surprisingly low-maintenance. Give them proper feed, adequate shelter, and plenty of attention, and they’re content. You don’t need hundreds of acres, either — though you do need a yard. There’s no such thing as an apartment goat, and for good reason. Goats haven’t been reliably potty trained, and trust us when we say their bathroom habits are not something you want indoors.

Pygmy goats are the most common breed kept as pets. Adults typically top out around 60 pounds, compared to some breeds that can reach nearly 300. Even at their smaller size, they need a good amount of room to roam and explore.

They’re Remarkably Intelligent

One of the things that draws people to goats is their natural curiosity. They always seem to be investigating something, and their intelligence is closer to a dog’s than most people realize.

A 2016 study from Queen Mary University of London found that goats could solve a puzzle to find a treat hidden under a cup. Even more interesting, when researchers presented them with a task they couldn’t complete, the goats looked to their human companions for help — a behavior that mirrors what dogs do in similar experiments. That kind of social intelligence makes goats more interactive and engaging than many typical pets.

They’re Genuinely Affectionate

Most people don’t think of goats as loving animals because they’re traditionally associated with agriculture. Unlike dogs, goats weren’t bred specifically for human companionship. But spend time with one and you’ll quickly discover they form real bonds with their owners.

Goats will follow you around, nuzzle up to you, and seek out your company. They can recognize human facial expressions and tend to prefer people who are smiling. They’re social herd animals by nature, which means they thrive on interaction and connection.

They Get Along with Other Animals

If you already have other pets or livestock, goats tend to integrate well. They’re especially good companions for horses (there’s a long tradition of keeping a goat in the barn to keep a horse calm). They can also coexist peacefully with dogs, chickens, and other farm animals.

One thing to keep in mind: goats are herd animals, so they don’t do well alone. If you’re getting a goat, plan on getting at least two. A lonely goat is a noisy, stressed, destructive goat.

A Few Things to Plan For

Goats are escape artists. If your fence has a weakness, they’ll find it. Secure fencing is non-negotiable. They’re also browsers, not grazers, which means they’ll eat shrubs, weeds, tree bark, and your garden before they touch grass. Anything you don’t want chewed needs to be out of reach.

Veterinary care for goats is less expensive than for dogs or cats, but you’ll still need to schedule regular hoof trims, deworming, and vaccinations. Not every vet treats goats, so make sure there’s a large-animal or farm-animal vet in your area before you commit.

Goats bring a kind of joy that’s hard to describe until you’ve experienced it. They’re funny, affectionate, and endlessly entertaining. If you have the outdoor space and you’re open to something a little different, a goat might just be the best pet you never expected.