Pygmy goats are among the therapy animals being taken to care homes, schools and youth clubs in Devon, to foster well-being and combat isolation.
Tim Sheppard set up the not-for-profit business Tavistock Therapy Goats in 2024, to bring a sense of the outdoors to people who can struggle to access to the countryside.
Mr Sheppard has other animals at his smallholding, and sometimes brings an Asian brown wood owl and a peregrine falcon on the visits too.
“These little critters make such a difference to people’s lives,” he said.
Mr Sheppard added: “Without a shadow of a doubt this is the most rewarding job that I have ever done.
“To see a child who was scared of a goat, come the end of term, be walking in their playground with a goat is absolutely remarkable.”
The goats are brought in on leads, they sit on people’s laps and can be stroked, with each visit lasting about 45 minutes.
Simone Kelly, Wolseley Trust Youth Club lead in Plymouth, said: “I’d seen the goats on Facebook so I thought that would be great for our Christmas party.
“Because we don’t get to go to a lot of places because we can’t get there, we thought we’d bring the goats to us and the owl.”
She said the children “were really surprised” and the visit was “lovely”.
Theo attends the youth club and held Percy the goat on his lap: “He feels quite fluffy. His hair is quite long and waxy.
“I feel quite happy because he’s chilled and I just like sitting with him.”
Sarah Sheppard, who helps with the visits, said: “The goats are different because they’re very interactive, they’re cheeky, but they’re also very dog like.
“They love to give as much love as they can. It’s just bringing a smile to someone’s face and a memory. It just makes our day when people enjoy it.
“We can bring a bit of something different.”
