Get Your Goat (In A Good Way): MSPCA Waives Farm Animal Adoption Fees

METHUEN, MA — Backyard farmers looking to add to their clan — or even those looking to start one up with the proper shelter and space — are invited to the MSPCA at Nevins Farm on Saturday for an adoption fee-free event with dozens of ducks, chickens, goats, sheep and pigs available.

MSPCA-Angell is looking to free up space at the farm for winter surrenders and needs to move the animals it has to those who can provide them loving homes, food and proper care.

"The farm is pretty crowded right now, and it couldn't be at a worse time," said Erika Tonnon, equine and farm animal placement coordinator at Nevins. "This time of year, we typically take in more farm animals through Law Enforcement investigations because it's cold, and people run into issues with providing adequate shelter during inclement weather.

"Those struggling with feed and care also face more challenges in the winter because water freezes and animals can't rely on grass for grazing."

Tonnon said the farm recently took in eight pigs from a home and is overcapacity. Nevins Farm also still has goats — which are often adopted quickly even with fees — from an Ayer surrender in April that were not ready for adoption at that time.

The organization hopes to rehome more than 50 animals during the one-day event.

According to Tonnon, goats can be great pets even for those who are not experienced caretakers.

"If people have appropriate shelter for them, and they're willing to learn how to care for them, then they can absolutely adopt," she said.

The one-day adoptathon begins at 10 a.m. and runs until 2:30 p.m. on Saturday. During that time, fees will be waived for chickens, ducks, pigs, goats, and sheep — fees that range from $15 to $400.

"Farm animal adoptions are different than those for traditional pets, like dogs and cats," Tonnon said. "Some require additional testing for interstate adoptions, so goats, sheep, and pigs can go to homes in Massachusetts on the same day, but we'll need to schedule pick-ups for out-of-state adopters."

Farm birds will be allowed to go home on the same day, regardless of where the adopters live.

Interested adopters are asked to bring photos of where the animals would be housed on their property. Registration is required.

More information, pictures of the available animals, and a registration link may be found here.

(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. X/Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)