William and Avery may be only a week and a half old, but they are already busy running around the yard and treating their mother, Mavis, like a jungle gym. In short, they behave a lot like human children, but as the long, floppy ears and dexterous hooves reveal, they are a very different kind of kid.
Along with such neighbors as Maverick, Maleficent, Noah, and Dash, these lively creatures reside at Puget Sound Goat Rescue, a ten-acre farm just outside of Enumclaw. Over the past 24 years, the organization has taken in more than 3,000 goats. While each animal’s case is different, they all share a common need for a fresh start and benefit from the devoted herd of humans who help keep the operation afloat.
Puget Sound Goat Rescue’s Origins
Barbara Jamison, the founder of the organization, got interested in rescue work after adopting two goats that she found abandoned at a feed store. Soon, she threw herself into a rescue effort that spanned farms, auction lots, and slaughterhouses, while also building a broad base of community support and an equally robust volunteer network.
Sarah Klapstein, the rescue’s current Executive Director, began as one of these dedicated volunteers. As she put it, “I was the volunteer [Jamison] couldn’t get rid of.” After Jamison passed away in 2022, Klapstein took over the rescue and soon began searching for a new home for her many charges.
In October 2023, the entire operation relocated to Enumclaw, where there was sufficient land to accommodate the entire herd and where the shelter’s veterinary team was based.
After many months of construction and renovation, the farm had all of the facilities needed to support the next generation of animals in need.
Delicate Balance At Puget Sound Goat Rescue
These resources are currently being enjoyed by about 140 goats, which is near the upper limit of what the shelter can host. Klapstein explained that there is a constant cycle that keeps the system running; as goats are adopted out, new ones can be brought in. Collaboration remains at the heart of that process, with partnerships coming from every sector.
Many of the goats still come from branches of the food production industry, ranging from young male kids donated by dairies to meat auctions offering particularly sweet-tempered goats that they believe would make good pet material.
There are also many cases that come through the state’s animal control agencies, as well as voluntary surrenders by former owners.
There are even collaborative efforts with refuges for other species. Klapstein mentioned Noah’s story as a perfect example: he had been found by concerned citizens, taken in by a local cat rescue, and transported to PSGR by an alpaca rescue in the area.
While some animals will remain at the rescue indefinitely, particularly those that are elderly, disabled, or have intensive medical needs, the goal is to place as many as possible in new homes.
Adding a New Family Member
This process is not taken lightly. Interested applicants must undergo a thorough home and yard check to ensure they have the proper habitat for a goat to thrive.
Then comes the visit to the farm itself for the all-important chemistry test with their potential pets. While some people come with a specific animal in mind, they are always encouraged to see which individual goats they bond with.
Even after a match is made, the rescue still stays connected, providing everything from general advice to assistance with medical issues. When it comes to the goats, Klapstein said, “We’re committed to a lifetime.”
No Tin Cans On The Menu
Another significant part of the rescue’s work involves education. Between in-person interactions and a lively social media presence, there are plenty of opportunities to see these dynamic animals in a new light.
Many people still think of goats as curmudgeons that will eat everything in sight. Yet they are actually highly social, playful, and intelligent, often in search of the next back pat or neck scratch. And while they do love to snack on all sorts of plants, they are not walking garbage disposals.
Even a medical visit can be constructive. Each case provides new information and context for the veterinary staff, and some of the shelter’s residents have served as blood donors for other herds in the area.
As Klapstein explained, “We’re helping to expand the knowledge of pet goats.”
Get Involved With Puget Sound Goat Rescue
While the rescue is not generally open to the public, it does host numerous events throughout the year, typically from spring to early fall. They also host an online fundraising auction every November and accept donations and sponsorships for individual animals throughout the year.
In between these happenings, people can always stay up-to-date with the happy hoofstock by following their adventures on Instagram or checking out the rescue’s website for blog posts, educational content, and general information.
For Klapstein, the goal is simple, and applies to animals and humans alike: “We’re here to save lives and change lives, and that’s what we do.”
