How to adopt a farm animal

Thinking about adopting a farm animal? Learn how our rehoming process works, the experience and types of environment we look for and how we match goats, chickens and other farm animals with suitable homes. We'll then be there to guide you every step of the way as you settle into life together.

Farm animal adoption process

Find a rescue farm animal

Use our Find a Pet search to browse farm animals looking for homes. Whether you’re hoping to adopt a goat or rescue chickens near you, you can filter by location and species to find the right match.

Each profile explains the animal’s background, needs and the type of environment they’re looking for, helping you decide whether they could be a good fit for your land and setup.

Apply to adopt a farm animal

Once you’ve decided you want to adopt a farm animal, complete our online application form.

This helps our teams understand your experience, land, fencing and what kind of farm animal you’re able to care for. If the animal you apply for isn’t the right match, we’ll help you explore others who may be better suited to your land and shelter setup.

You don’t need an RSPCA account to apply, but having one makes it easier for you to add animals to your favourites and track your application.

Speak to the team about your setup

If it looks like a good match, our team will contact you to discuss your setup in more detail. We’ll answer your questions and chat to you about the animal’s needs and what you can offer, to see if you’ll work well together. We’ll also find out about your experience, such as if you’re a first-time owner, you've trained an animal before or have previously had an animal with medical or behavioural needs.

This helps us make sure the animal will have plenty of space, room for grazing and suitable shelter, so everything is in place for safe and successful rehoming.

Prepare your home

Before bringing your animal home, our team will guide you on shelter, fencing, feeding and daily care. Farm animals have specific needs depending on the species. For example, rescue chickens need secure housing and companionship, whereas if you want to adopt a goat, you’ll need suitable land and strong fencing.

Taking time to prepare properly will help them settle in safely and comfortably.

Complete the adoption

Once everything is agreed, we’ll guide you, if you’re the lead adopter, through the final paperwork and adoption fee.

You’ll collect your animal from the centre or an agreed location. Our team will provide information on their routine, care needs and how to help them settle into their new environment. We’ll make sure you have everything you need and help you to your vehicle. If you’re happy to, we may take a photo with you and your new animal. We can offer ongoing support and advice if you need it.

Find a pet

Meet our farm animals

Find farm animals

Before you apply

What we need from you

Farm animals need the right care, space and environment to thrive and are a significant long-term commitment, whether kept as companions or part of a smallholding.

Before applying to adopt, we ask that you:

Are aged 18 or over
Have permission from your landlord if you rent
Have suitable land, shelter and secure fencing
Can meet the animal’s dietary, health and behavioural needs
Understand the long-term commitment involved
Are prepared for ongoing costs, including veterinary care

If the animal you apply for isn’t the right match, we’ll help you explore other suitable options.

Two tan and white goats, one gently nuzzling the other's head.

Farm animal adoption fees

If you’re wondering how much it is to adopt a chicken or other farm animal from the RSPCA, fees vary depending on the species and individual animal.

Our team will explain what’s included for your chosen animal.

Your fee contributes towards:

Veterinary checks and treatment

Transport and care while in our centres

Neutering where appropriate

Frequently asked questions

No. Animals rehomed by the RSPCA must be kept as pets or companions, not used for commercial purposes.
No. Farm animals need appropriate outdoor environments that meet their welfare needs.
Yes, most species are social and should live with others of their kind.
We’ll share everything we know about your animal, including their history before they came to us (if we know) and any behaviour or medical assessments they’ve had. If your animal has been under the care of one of our behaviour specialists, you’ll receive a bespoke behaviour report. We pride ourselves on knowing the animals in our care and we’ll share that with you too.
Our team can guide you through necessities. We recommend all pet owners have pet insurance.
We provide a full medical history and it's good practice to arrange a routine vet check post-adoption. In some cases, you may wish to discuss veterinary details with your vet prior to adoption.
There is no set time frame for an animal to settle into their new home. Every animal is an individual, and some may feel comfortable quickly, while others may need more time and patience.
There is no single set of behaviours that is ‘normal’ during an animal’s first week in a new home. Every animal will respond differently, and it's important to give them time to settle and not expect too much from them initially.