What goat yoga farms offer and how they work

Goat yoga is a yoga class held in a barn or pasture where goats roam freely around and sometimes climb on participants during poses. The goats are part of the experience — they interact with people, create a relaxed atmosphere, and often become the main reason people show up. Most sessions last 60 to 90 minutes and combine basic yoga instruction with time to pet and play with the animals.

Local farms that run goat yoga classes typically charge per person per session, with prices ranging widely depending on your region and the farm's setup. Some farms include goat interaction time before or after the yoga portion. Others blend the two throughout. A few farms also offer add-ons like a farm tour, refreshments, or a small petting area for children who don't participate in yoga.

The farms themselves vary in size and structure. Some are working dairy or fiber farms that added yoga as a secondary business. Others are smaller hobby farms or agritourism operations built mainly around visitor experiences. The yoga instruction ranges from certified instructors to farm owners who have basic yoga knowledge. Check what you're getting before you book — a class with a certified yoga teacher will differ from one led by someone who knows poses but isn't formally trained.

Key Takeaways

  • Goat yoga classes happen at local farms and mix basic yoga poses with time around live goats that roam the space.
  • Most sessions run 60 to 90 minutes and cost between $25 and $75 per person, though prices vary by location and what the farm includes.
  • You can find local goat yoga farms by searching online for "goat yoga near me," checking Eventbrite or Groupon, or calling farms in your area directly.
  • Wear clothes you can move in, bring a mat if the farm doesn't provide one, and arrive early to understand the setup and meet the goats before class starts.
  • Goat yoga is not a substitute for medical treatment, and you should tell the instructor about any injuries or physical limitations before the session begins.

How to search for goat yoga farms near you

Start with a direct search: type "goat yoga near me" or "goat yoga [your city]" into Google Maps or a search engine. This usually surfaces farms that advertise the service and their websites or booking pages. Google Maps will show you the farm's location, hours, phone number, and sometimes customer reviews that mention what the experience was actually like.

Check event platforms like Eventbrite, Groupon, or Facebook Events. Many farms post their goat yoga sessions on these sites because they reach people looking for activities. Eventbrite often shows dates, times, and exact pricing. Groupon sometimes offers discounts on first-time visits, though the discount may limit class size or require booking within a certain window.

Call local farms directly, even if they don't advertise goat yoga online. Smaller operations may not have a strong web presence but still run classes. A quick phone call tells you whether they offer it, when the next session is, what to bring, and what to expect. Farms are usually happy to answer questions — they want you to show up prepared and have a good time.

What to expect when you arrive at a goat yoga class

Most farms ask you to arrive 10 to 15 minutes early. This gives you time to check in, pay if you haven't already, use the bathroom, and get oriented to the space. You'll usually meet the instructor and the goats before the formal class begins. Some farms have you remove your shoes; others let you keep them on depending on the surface.

The yoga portion typically starts with a brief introduction from the instructor about the goats, any rules (like not picking up kids unless invited), and basic safety. Then you'll move through gentle to moderate poses — usually a mix of stretches, balance work, and relaxation poses. The goats do what they want: some will ignore you entirely, others will walk across your mat, and a few may try to climb on your back during downward dog.

Class usually ends with a cool-down period and time to sit with the goats without doing poses. This is when most people take photos and pet the animals. Some farms offer water or light snacks after class. The whole experience, from arrival to leaving, typically takes two to two and a half hours.

What to bring and wear to goat yoga

Wear clothes that let you move freely — yoga pants, leggings, shorts, or loose-fitting athletic wear work well. Avoid anything with loose buttons or dangly jewelry that a curious goat might grab. Goats are attracted to shiny objects and dangling things, so keep accessories minimal. Wear socks or go barefoot depending on what the farm allows; check when you book.

Bring a yoga mat if the farm doesn't provide one. Many farms do supply mats, but calling ahead to confirm saves you from carrying one unnecessarily. If you have a mat you prefer, bring it — you'll be more comfortable on a familiar surface. Bring a water bottle; you'll want water during and after class. Some farms have water available, but having your own is safer.

Bring a small towel if you sweat easily or if the ground is wet from rain or farm watering. Sunscreen is useful if the class is outdoors and you're sensitive to sun. A camera or phone for photos is common — most farms expect people to take pictures with the goats. Leave valuables in your car or at home; farm environments are not find storage areas.

Pricing and booking a session

Goat yoga class prices typically range from $25 to $75 per person per session, depending on your region, the farm's reputation, and what's included. Urban areas and farms with certified instructors tend toward the higher end. Rural areas and smaller operations often charge less. Some farms charge more if you want a private group session instead of a public class.

Most farms require you to book in advance, either online through their website or by phone. Popular farms, especially on weekends, fill up quickly. Booking ahead also helps the farm know how many people to expect and how many goats to have available. Some farms have a cancellation policy — check whether you can get a refund or credit if you need to cancel.

Look for what's included in the price. Some farms include the yoga mat, water, and a farm tour. Others charge extra for add-ons like photos, refreshments, or extended time with the goats. A few farms offer package deals if you book multiple sessions. Groupon and other discount sites sometimes offer first-time discounts, but read the terms carefully — discounts may come with restrictions on class size or booking dates.

Physical limitations and what to tell the instructor

Before class starts, tell the instructor about any injuries, chronic pain, or physical limitations. This includes bad knees, a sore shoulder, pregnancy, or recent surgery. A good instructor will suggest modifications to poses or let you skip poses that aggravate your condition. Goat yoga is typically gentle, but poses still involve balance, stretching, and weight-bearing, so honesty about your body matters.

Goat yoga is not a replacement for medical treatment or physical therapy. If you're recovering from an injury, check with your doctor before attending. If you have a condition that makes you unstable or prone to falling, let the instructor know — goats moving around can be distracting, and you want to stay safe. The instructor's job is to help you have a good experience, and they can only do that if they know what you need.

If you have allergies to animals or hay, goat yoga may not be the right activity for you. Farms are dusty, hay is everywhere, and you'll be close to the goats. Mild allergies might be manageable with an antihistamine beforehand, but severe allergies make the experience uncomfortable or unsafe.

Goat yoga for groups and special occasions

Many farms offer group bookings for birthday parties, team-building events, or friend gatherings. Group rates are usually lower per person than individual sessions, and farms often let you book a private class time so your group isn't mixed with strangers. Group sizes typically range from 8 to 20 people, though some farms accommodate larger groups if you ask.

For special occasions, ask the farm what they can customize. Some farms will decorate the space, provide refreshments, or arrange a longer session. A few offer photo packages or printed photos as part of the group booking. Pricing for groups varies widely — call the farm directly to discuss what you want and get a quote.

Book group sessions well in advance, especially if you want a specific date or time. Farms need to know how many goats to have available and whether they need extra staff. Most farms require a deposit to hold a group booking and have a cancellation important date, usually two to four weeks before the session.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need yoga experience to do goat yoga?

No. Goat yoga classes are designed for all levels, including people who have never done yoga before. The instructor will show you how to do each pose and offer easier versions if you need them. The focus is on having fun with the goats, not on advanced yoga technique.

What if I'm allergic to goats or hay?

Goat yoga happens in barns or pastures with hay, dust, and close contact with animals. If you have animal allergies, this activity will likely trigger symptoms. Talk to your doctor before booking. Mild allergies might improve with an antihistamine, but severe allergies make goat yoga unsafe or very uncomfortable.

Can children do goat yoga?

Many farms offer goat yoga for kids, though some have age minimums or separate children's classes. Call the farm to ask what age range they recommend and whether kids need an adult in the class. Younger children may have shorter attention spans for the yoga portion but often love the goat interaction.

What happens if a goat bites or kicks me?

Goat bites and kicks are rare during yoga classes because the animals are used to people and the environment is calm. If a goat does bite or kick, it's usually a gentle nip or bump, not an aggressive attack. Tell the instructor when ready if anything hurts. The farm is responsible for the goats' behavior and should have liability insurance.

Can I bring my own goat or pet to goat yoga?

No. Farms keep goat yoga classes to their own animals so they can control the environment and keep everyone safe. Bringing an outside animal would stress the farm's goats and complicate the class. Leave your pets at home.