We hired Josh, The Goat Lady, to take care of our back yard in June 2025. The blackberry and ivy had taken over our fence line and up our border trees. It was overwhelming. The cost to have humans do it was WAY out of our price range. After reviewing the goat rentals in our area, it looks like most won't even come out for less than half an acre, and we had less than that. Josh didn't have a minimum. He also came out much sooner than any of the humans could. We only waited two weeks from the first phone call to goats on our property. Josh has been caring for animals for many years and seemed to know his goats pretty well. He was friendly and personable. On set up, he cut the higher branches down so the goats could get to them. He set up an electric fence around the area we needed cleared, then he let the goats in. They got to work right away. You need to know that goats are ruminants. They will eat eat eat, then sit down and chew their cud. There was a lot of sitting, but then they'd get up and go back to work. They ate fast, and rested lots. We got 22 goats and 4 sheep. They all had individual personalities and interpersonal relationships. It was SO fun to watch them. You also need to know that goats poop. There was poop EVERYWHERE. I had planned to use it for fertilizer, but I didn't get to it before it all disintegrated. It just fell apart into dirt and I only see a couple little pebbles here and there where they pooped on the gravel or something solid. The most important thing to know is that you are dealing with living beings and you have to be flexible. Sometimes the goats finish a job early and are ready to go to the next job sooner than expected. Sometimes they need to go home and rest first. Sometimes they are excited to get in the truck and sometimes they want to hang out in your yard a little longer, so they drag their feet. When hiring goats, you have to be flexible with your time frame. Josh was very courteous and was not on the phone when he was talking with us, but that meant he didn't call the next job earlier to give them a better idea on his ETA. He also pulls a BIG trailer full of goats, so if he gets stuck in traffic he is really stuck. So, be flexible and be patient. Pros: They were really quiet and friendly. They were efficient and we really loved having them. Our yard was picked clean! They were inexpensive; a fraction of the price we got quoted from everyone else. Cons: It required flexibility. Thankfully, I work from home and could totally manage it. But if you don't, it will be tricky. We had an incident where a couple goats got out. A neighbor dog, who hadn't heard them the first day, sniffed them or heard rustling the second day and freaked out. He barked and barked. It scared the goats and they stampeded. Four made it over the electric fence before the neighbor got her dog quiet. Luckily, they were herd animals and did not go far. They stayed right on the other side, eating our grass. We were able to unplug the fence and coax them back inside. It was super easy. We enjoyed the extra interaction, but to some it would be an inconvenience. Overall, I would do it again in a heartbeat. 9/10 Highly recommend. read more

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Sorry to say, but I had higher expectations based on my initial meeting with the owner but was disappointed with the outcome and the process. There was not a lot of clarity about timing and I'd have to check in constantly about what time he'd be there, what time his helper would be there to help prep the land, how much the goats could do etc. Plus every time we would show up, the goats and sheep (yes, 4-5 sheep) would be lazing around. They only started working when he arrived. When asked about it, he'd say sheep eat more but when doing research, I read they would eat grass which we didn't have. We ended up paying for 2 more days than we should have due to miscommunication about timing on the weekend. Be careful. He doesn't put anything in writing and he's really expensive for the result. read more

Josh is amazing! Just bought 2 goats from him. He's been here twice to show us the ropes and he's coming over tomorrow for coffee and to give us more pointers. My husband managed the Hawaiian Islands for Verizon before retiring and I retired from working in a hospital. We know people and Josh is the salt of the earth hard working and busy. If he doesn't get right back to you it's because he's a one man show with over a hundred goats. You're calling him while he's birthing goats feeding, tending to health needs and working these goats. He gets up at 4am so if he doesn't get to you right away it's only because he can't. Once he knows you he will do anything to help you. Josh has one of the hardest jobs I've ever seen. A lot of these bad reviews are from impatient people who should just realize this is a busy guy who will do his best for you. read more

DO NOT HIRE! They set up an electric fence and did not put any signs up warning people the fence is electric. My dogs nose touched the fence and was electrocuted. The owner of the business is non responsive when there is a problem and will not respond to you. Do not hire. You've been warned. This person clearly has no regards for people's safety and should not be operating a business. read more

Our neighbor did the legwork of contacting the business and getting them set up first. We had also considered goats so caught the guy while he was in the neighborhood about herding the goats to our backyard after our neighbors were done. They set up an electric fence and brought about 38 goats. They stayed for about 24 hours and cleared out our blackberry bushes and steep backyard pretty well. The goats left great natural fertilizer behind also! We scooped up the goat poop and it helped with our tomato garden. Our toddlers and neighbors had a wonderful kick out of watching the goats as well. There was a small opening at the edge of our gate and a baby goat got loose so our neighbor and my husband did end up chasing it about an hour to get back in but made for an interesting afternoon/story. Overall, I felt it was a great value for the cost because our yard is pretty steep and it would probably have cost more to hire non-goat maintenance workers. read more

The Goat Lady - a herd of goats and a crow - Landscaping Near Me

The worst company EVER! Josh doesnt care about the goats at all. He sends them all to slaughter at the end of the season! And given the amount of goat escapes and public complaints about animal welfare I would NEVER recommend this company. Last year he wasnt around for his goats and two new born babies nearly died, as well as the goats had no water on site anywhere, not even a small bowl. read more

Josh is a complete idiot. He's rude, has no sense of time, doesn't reply back unless you big him to do so. He wanted to buy a herd of goats from us, we had potential customers lined up and ready to take smaller groups of the herd. Josh said he wanted all of them so we were trying to cut him a deal on them. He was rude to my wife, rude to me via text, and his communication skills are horrendous. Please do not do buisness with them, if they are this foul to customers and producers, imagine how they must treat their livestock..... read more

I was unable to use Josh due to my home being out of his coverage area, however when I called he was extremely polite and gave me a few other ideas on how I would be able to obtain what I want for my very tiny backyard. He said I could call him and he would walk me through the stake and tethering process if I needed any assistance. He was extremely helpful and informative on what goats need and how they act and bond with the heard. If someone is in the area needing some goats, I will send them Josh's contact info! THANK YOU JOSH! read more

We had twenty five goats for removal of over grown blackberry bushes. We absolutely loved our experience. Professional, timely, and definitely affordable. Will definitely be using their services again!! read more

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This guy Josh is a Fraud at best. He has been leading us along for almost 2 months. He showed up twice with the goats but said he couldn't do it for various BS reasons. He walked the property and gave us a quote. We agreed but he just won't do the work. If I could give him negative stars I would, he does not deserve 1 star. Really is there a REAL goat rental place out there? read more

I'd give The Goat Lady even a half star more for a GREAT SCORE of 4.5...and that is only because I didn't get a response back to my inquiry as soon as I thought I should...BUT once the goats were here, communications were great and quick...voice mail was full but I got an immediate text message or phone call within 15 seconds. I had 43 goats for a slumber party in our back yard...and great results...I'll post before/after and video. Josh and his 'work crew' were great! And you'll be amazed at the amount of set-up work before you even see the goats!! read more

The Goat Lady - Before and after - Landscaping Near Me

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Josh will not respond to phone calls but he will respond to text we set up an appointment for sunday between 10 and 12 he never showed up I called I texted no answer! What a waste of time I should have read the reviews before. read more

I have emailed this company 4 times over the last month with zero response. The website says to use email because the don't answer the phone regularly because they are usually out in the field working. I've tried calling as well because they don't seem to respond to there recommended form of contact, still nothing. Oh well, I can't say anything about the service itself but they are the top recommended provider when you search online, so I guess goat companies are just either in high demand or flaky. I've got a whole lot of brush to clear and have been chomping at the bit to try out a goat clearing service. I'll keep trying, and hopefully I will be able to adjust my review in the future, but as of now I'm not impressed. read more

Here we go. Josh would not provide insurance or business license. What a fraud. Called him on the phone "I don't do email...

Sent an email 3/31/19, got an email asking for address the next, I replied immediately and here it is June and I still haven't heard anything. Neighbors have posted about having the experience. It's a shame that I wasted my time waiting for them. read more

What Casey B. said-- and worse. We were organizing a community work party at a proposed pocket park and scheduled with Josh two months in advance. I should have followed my instinct that he was not dependable when he asked me to call three days ahead of time to remind him. There ensued very bad and/or complete lack of communication, but assurance he would do the work as agreed. By the time our event approached, he said he'd be at the site "at noon or so," when I had twice let him know it was 9-5 (and we got a price quote based on that). The upshot was, despite a promise to arrive no later than 10 a.m., he eventually showed up at 3:00, by which time all the kids had given up on seeing goats--a big draw--and the humans working on site had done a huge amount of work (we enjoyed it). When he did arrive, he declined to do the work that was left to do (who knows why he even came?). Three times that I spoke with him, Josh remarked that "the goats are professionals." I think he should turn over the work of scheduling, communicating, and following through to them, as well. read more

HORRIBLE COMMUNICATIONS...For about a month now, we have called & emailed "THE GOAT LADY" several times. All with no response. We even asked if they could recommend someone else, if they were too busy. If they are this unresponsive before a job, I can't imagine the frustration during a job :( We've all heard horror stories about hiring someone & can't get them to communicate with the homeowner. It's too bad, the idea seems so good. We truely wish that it could have worked out. read more

Very mean , josh (I believe to be the owner) went from very nice to threatening me with no service . He also told me to "grow up" because I said that was rude to say to a potential customer. I'm going to try and add the screenshots of what he had said . I feel bad for his goats lol . Treating customers with no respect is why his business is obviously not going well. read more

The Goat Lady - Apparently I was in the wrong for wanting more info on the goats. - Landscaping Near Me

Ditto casey b: HORRIBLE COMMUNICATIONS. My initial call was answered and we had a great conversation about what we are looking for and set up a time/date to do a site visit. NO SHOW for the appointment - left a message our answering machine about an out-of-state emergency, and said he would call when he returned on "Monday" (didn't say WHICH Monday, but I presumed it would be the following Monday) ... tried to call his cell and can't leave a message because the "mailbox is full" (NO DOUBT!) E-mailed him numerous times without any acknowledgment of his receiving them They may be great goat herders, but they aren't such great business people. Will not do business with them IF they ever decide to contact me because this is a horrible way to treat someone who might be able to put a substantial amount of money in your pocket! read more

Called owner Josh on 5/4/17, did not answer but texted back right away. I told him via text what I was looking for and where. He said his partner from the North end would contact me in 10 mins. I received that call & text from Jon that works the Everett area said he could come out same day for a quote and check scope of job. Great! I said if I am not home just go in back yard and email/text me quote. He said he would be up later same day to look. I get a text from Jon 7 hours alter saying traffic was too bad and didn't make it. I said feel free to come by Friday or Saturday. That Saturday at noon, I texted Jon asking if he made it out, he replied "On my way now, are you home?" I said yes. He showed about 45 mins later, nice guy, he said no problem, we'll bring about 20-25 goats, 1 days job $350. I said great , Let me confirm with my wife and will get in touch tomorrow to schedule. On Sunday I texted Jon and said 'Good to Go, just need to coordinate the date.' He replied that his boss told him a week to week & a half out. I said ok. Then on Tuesday I texted Jon again, "Do you have a day for goats...?" He replied " Howdy, I don't. Boss said we are booked a week and a half out." I'm like ok, let me know. Now fast forward to Sunday 5/15/17 ( 15 days since quote ) I text Jon again " Hey Jon, it's been 2 weeks since you came out. Can we schedule a day for the goats?" - Silence, No Response. Now on Wednesday 5/17/17 I call owner Josh and ask him if I can schedule a day, he seemed really confused, "What did I quote you, where do you live? etc..." Then he texted me "I need that address again please." Now Im like Oh Snap, MAYBE its going to happen now. I send him my address. No response. I wait, and wait and wait. Then on Tuesday 5/23/17 I text owner Josh again "Good morning Josh, do we have a date to bring out the goats?" No response still! What a HORRIBLE company. I will never do business with them and will make sure that anyone I talk to will NEVER hire them. How hard is it to put a job in your calendar and stick to it?! A bunch a dumb dudes with no sense of business, I am surprised they even know how to have a business. read more

Requested goats to clear the blackberry bushes from the Goat Lady. She told me she'd have her son call me to schedule a on-site bid. Her son never called back nor did she. Finally, received a return call after waiting 2 weeks. Would have liked to hire her goats to get the job done --can't recommend. read more

Found the critical reviews, while looking to hire them again. We had hired a herd of goats about two years ago in spring (low season, 2010) and service and quality were excellent. From email in the afternoon, reply contact in the same afternoon, to appraisal the next morning and goats in the backyard in the afternoon, it was super easy. The owner personally delivered and checked on the goats and they not only did a terrific job (everything was gone.... they start with blackberries, then evy.. and then everything else) but the kids (and grown-ups) of the neigborhood stoped by and watched the goats do their thing. service was great, and the result was much better than weeks of hard labor and all in 4 days. read more

What the other reviewers have said. I emailed them and got a terse response back to send them my address and "then we'll talk". Really? Whenever I tried to email them back their mailbox was full. Whenever I tried to call, it went unanswered. Their communication skills are severely lacking. It's a wonder they have any clients at all. I know they lost one in me. read more

we could not be more pleased! not sure what to say about the negative reviews but we have nothing but great things to say. The goats did a great job and were super cute. read more

We are VERY happy with this service we used in February 2013. We just had Josh and his goats on our property. Our neighbor's children rode them, they are super kid friendly. Communication was not a problem at all. I called, them, they arrived when they said they would. We didn't use email, being in the country, its a personal approach i prefer. Goats went into 2 areas of my property. I am all round very happy. The only thing to consider would be hauling. Goats eat green foliage and Josh cuts down and piles the left over "sticks" the goats didn't eat. Depending on how much you have, you deal with it or have someone haul. Overall a great experience and we discovered a fence under the foliage we never knew we had! read more

Watch out for this business! Scheduled twice to have Josh arrive with the goats and he never arrived. The second time he gave his time of arrival and still did not show-up without a word of cancellation. After that Jill raised the price of their services. Get everything in writing from this business and have a penalty for "No-Shows." read more

Absolutely wonderful experience. Josh was great when he dropped off the sheep explaining everything to us. We had a backyard that had overgrown with blackberries and tall grass. He dropped off 13 sheep and they were done in a week. So sad to see them go as we've gotten used to feeding them and listening to them talk. the yard is striped clean and ready for us to landscape. the cost was 1/3 of the quote from a landscaper. (granted they would have done more "landscaping" but the sheep were much cuter). I recommend everyone try the experience if you're an animal lover and hate yard work. also wanted to mention that we live in a nice housing community cul d sac and were a little concerned about neighbors being irritated, come to find out, they all loved it too! read more