FAQs
About Original Goat Yoga
Original Goat Yoga is the first goat yoga business, founded by Lainey Morse in Oregon in 2016. Classes combine yoga with time among friendly goats, who may hop on your mat or nuzzle for attention. Its mission is to improve mental health and spread happiness worldwide, with locations across the USA.
Lainey Morse founded Original Goat Yoga in 2016. She is originally from Michigan and has lived in Oregon since 2006. She has more than 20 years of experience in business development and marketing, and she is an award-winning photographer, author, mental health advocate and keynote speaker.
Goat yoga started with a birthday party on a summer day in Oregon. During a hard stretch in her life, Lainey Morse found comfort in the "happy distractions" of her six goats, including Annie, a Pygmy goat born on her farm. That experience led her to launch Original Goat Yoga in 2016, and classes soon spread worldwide.
The original farm is Lainey Morse's No Regrets Farm & Sanctuary at 26641 Bellfountain Road in Monroe, Oregon. It offers public goat yoga classes.
Goat Happy Hour is an Original Goat Yoga experience focused on spending time outdoors with the animals. At a private Goat Happy Hour, your group gets the farm and all the animals to yourselves.
Classes and booking
In a goat yoga class you stretch, laugh and share space with friendly goats who may hop on your mat or nuzzle you for attention. Classes take place in scenic barns, fields or peaceful outdoor spaces. The focus is on joy, laughter and connection.
Classes run from one hour to 90 minutes, depending on the location.
No. Goat yoga is open to first-timers and seasoned yogis. A lot of attendees are not into yoga at all, and people of all sizes and fitness levels leave smiling.
Kids who are 8 years old or older can take a goat yoga class. Goat Happy Hour has no age requirement, so younger kids are welcome there.
All class registrations happen online at goatyoga.net. Go to Locations & Tickets, choose the location you want and sign up for an available class. Classes are scheduled one to three months out, and all available classes are listed publicly on the website.
Prices vary by location and range from $25 to $45 per class. Find the price for a specific class on the Locations & Tickets page.
Yes. Gift cards are sent by email or text, and you can use them at any Original Goat Yoga location. Buy a gift card
Original Goat Yoga has locations in:
- Callahan, Florida: 33207 Barn Owl Drive
- Cedar Point, Illinois: 249 IL-71
- New Castle, Kentucky: 2482 Flat Rock Road
- Williamston, Michigan: 161 East Frost Road
- Oregon City, Oregon: 17531 S Henrici Road
- Monroe, Oregon: 26641 Bellfountain Road
- San Francisco Bay Area, California: private events by booking
- Prior Lake, Minnesota: 16375 Creekwood Road (coming soon)
Yes. Original Goat Yoga offers private events in the SF Bay Area and beyond through its partner, Friendly Pony Parties and Barnyard Pals, based in Half Moon Bay, California. Book through the Locations & Tickets page.
Wear closed-toe tennis shoes that you don't mind getting dirty. Skip dangling jewelry, and avoid clothes with zippers, Velcro or drawstrings, since goats like to nibble on them. Hand sanitizer is a good idea for after you handle the animals.
It depends on the location. Some locations provide mats and others rent them, so check the details for your location before class.
Arrive 15 to 20 minutes before class to check in. Coming much earlier or arriving late disrupts the class.
Yes. Attendees sign a liability release when buying a ticket and again in person before the class begins.
If a class is canceled because of weather or low attendance, your reservation moves to a class on another date.
No. Tickets are nonrefundable. If the location cancels a class, your reservation transfers to a class on another date.
You may be photographed or filmed by media, photographers or other guests. To opt out, tell staff when you check in and they will work to keep your name and likeness from being captured.
The Original Goat Yoga terms describe goats as hypoallergenic, meaning they are unlikely to cause allergies.
Use the form on the Contact Us page for customer support or general questions. Since there are locations across the USA, include the location you are interested in.
Goat therapy and benefits
Original Goat Yoga describes goat yoga as part yoga and part animal-assisted therapy. The site notes that time with animals can help people relax, lower anxiety, ease loneliness and provide comfort and a happy distraction. Attendees often say they leave feeling recharged and happy.
Goats were likely among the first domesticated animals, and they recognize human emotions and facial expressions. Socialized goats are gentle, small enough that they can't hurt you the way a horse might, and have a personality somewhere between a cat and a dog, plus a great sense of humor.
Original Goat Yoga describes its classes and events as part yoga and part animal-assisted therapy. Its goat therapy page explains how time with animals can support mental and physical wellbeing.
Private and corporate events
Yes. Original Goat Yoga and Goat Happy Hour host private events. You can come to the farm, or the farm can come to you, and the team will help customize the event.
Each private event is custom priced. Reach out through the Private Events page and the team will put together a quote for your group.
Private events include:
- Private parties
- Birthday parties
- Bachelorette and bachelor parties
- Team building and corporate health and wellness events
- Business retreats
- Remote worker reunions
- Nonprofit events
- Homeschool events
Yes. Since 2019, Original Goat Yoga has hosted health and wellness events for large companies, including Cisco. No yoga experience is needed, and the events double as a team bonding experience people talk about at work the next day.
Through Friendly Pony Parties in the SF Bay Area, Original Goat Yoga offers experiences that include:
- Goat Yoga and Goat Happy Hour
- Puppy Yoga
- Llama Yoga
- Baby Mini-Donkey Yoga
- Bunny Hoppy Hour
- Cow Cuddling
- Unicorn and Pretty Pony Parties
- Beverage Burros
- Alpaca weddings or yoga
- Animal Grams, delivered to the door or virtually
Starting a goat yoga business
Yes. Original Goat Yoga licenses its brand and know-how to people across the USA through its Satellite Location program. Licensing covers Original Goat Yoga, Goat Happy Hour and The Goatel, and it connects you to years of positive press and a respected brand. Email info@goatyoga.net to learn more.
Yes. Lainey Morse invites goat owners to license the Original Goat Yoga brand or partner with it while keeping their own brand. Reach out through the intake form linked on the site or at info@goatyoga.net.
The licensing model is built for people who don't have time to do it all, or who would rather not handle business, marketing or social media and want to focus on hosting great events.
Media and speaking
Yes. Lainey Morse speaks about persevering through adversity, reconnecting with rural roots and helping others realize their dreams. To book her for an event or online conference, email info@goatyoga.net.
Original Goat Yoga and Lainey Morse have appeared in hundreds of outlets, including CNN, The New York Times, Time Magazine, The Wall Street Journal, NPR and the BBC.
For press and media inquiries, email info@goatyoga.net.