Before they arrive at Kindness Ranch, many of our goats and sheep have spent their early lives as “teaching animals” in veterinary schools or university herds. In these settings, they help train future veterinarians by participating in supervised lessons on low-stress handling, basic physical exams, hoof trimming, body condition scoring, and routine procedures like vaccinations or blood draws.

Be their "Kindness Caretaker" here

Some may also be involved in more advanced training, such as reproductive exams or ultrasound, or they may live in teaching/research herds where students learn herd health management, nutrition, and flock care over time. Their use is governed by institutional animal care and use committees and national guidelines that emphasize minimizing stress, using models and simulations whenever possible, and limiting how often an individual animal can be used.

By the time goats and sheep come to Kindness Ranch, they are often very accustomed to being handled and examined by people—but they may also be wary, confused, or simply ready for a quieter life. Our role is to give them that next chapter: a stable home where their “teaching days” are behind them and their needs as individuals come first.