Frequently Asked Questions
Goat Information
Spokane: Little Avalon Farm in Addy, Washington is the breeder of the adorable Nigerian Dwarf Goats loaned to us for Send a Friend a Goat™. Many of the goats are available for purchase, and the farm welcomes visitors! For more information, please visit https://littleavalonfarm.com/
Tri-Cities: Thank you to Rebel Acres for loaning us their kids for Goat Week! You can learn more about Rebel Acres at https://rebelacres.webs.com/
Our volunteers are trained on how to care for the goats and we ensure the animals are well taken care of. The goats are picked up from their farms each morning and returned home to their farms each night. The goats are transported in dog crates and handled on leashes, following instructions from each breeder about specific care and rules for handling the goats. Our breeders are happy to have the kids handled, as most go on to become pets.
How much time will my friend get to spend with the goat?
Typically we spend about 10-15 minutes at each "goating". We want to make sure your friend has enough time with the goat to take pictures and get in some goat cuddles! Our volunteers try their best to make it to as many stops throughout the day- the more stops, the more wishes we can grant!
I don't see my friends picture on Facebook. Have you goated them yet?
Our volunteers are asked to get as many pictures as possible throughout the day. Usually they have an opportunity to send the photo to our office and we can post them immediately. Sometimes our volunteers are too busy to send the images right away, a picture did not turn out, or the recipient has asked us not to post it. Don't be worried if you don't see your friends' picture on Facebook- we have most likely goated them anyway.
I'm having trouble placing my order, what should I do?
We apologize for any issues placing your order. Please make sure the "Sender" address and zip code information matches your credit card billing information. If you are still having issues, please give us a call at the office and we will assist you. 509-744-3411
What happens at a "goating"?
We have teams of 2 or 3 volunteers who deliver baby goats to unsuspecting recipients throughout the day. Our volunteers hand the goat over to the recipient and read a poem explaining why they are there (see below). Our volunteers then share who sent them a goat unless the sender has remained anonymous. Our volunteers playfully threaten to leave the goat with the recipient unless they make a donation to Wishing Star to pay for its removal. Any donation will take the goat away however if the person donates at least $50 or becomes a monthly donor for as little as $10/month, they can pass the goat along to someone else!
Is my payment for the goat a tax-deductible donation?
Yes! Any goat order, goat insurance, or donation to "take the goat away" is considered a 100% tax-deductible contribution.
What happens with the money raised for Send a Friend a Goat™?
Send a Friend a Goat™ is a flagship fundraiser for the Wishing Star Foundation and donations foster hope, community, and lasting memories by granting wishes for children with life-threatening conditions and supporting their families beyond the wish. To learn more about the children who will benefit from your donation, please click here.
Can I have a goat delivered to my child at school?
Sorry, but no. We have recently changed our policy on school deliveries. Goats may be delivered to front office administration and staff only. No classroom visits, no student visits. We apologize for any inconvenience.
What areas do you deliver to?
Spokane: We deliver goats in the greater Spokane/CDA area. This includes Cheney, Airway Heights, Liberty Lake, Hayden, Deer Park, etc.
Tri-Cities: We deliver goats in the greater Tri-Cities area. This includes West Richland, Benton City, Finley, etc.
If you are unsure about an area- please call us at the office at 509-744-3411 before placing your order. Please note additional rules apply for outlying area deliveries. See the Goat order page for more information.