Anchorage, AK
In Anchorage, Alaska, goats and sheep are considered farm animals, the keeping of which is regulated by the city's Zoning Code. Per the Zoning Code, you may keep 1-3 goats or sheep outdoors on a lot of 20,000 square feet or greater. Goats or sheep kept outdoors must be contained by a structure, fenced enclosure, or pen at all times. Such structures are required to be situated at least 20 feet from any residence, excluding the residence of the animals' owner. On lots of 40,000 square feet or greater, no more than one sheep or goat per 1,000 square feet of lot area may be kept outdoors. You may be required to obtain a facility license before keeping any sheep or goats in Anchorage.
Fairbanks North Star Borough, AK
Goats and sheep are considered livestock in Fairbanks North Star Borough, Alaska. The Borough Code requires miniature goats, standard-sized goats, and sheep to be kept in a structure or fenced area that will prevent escape. The keeping of miniature goats is permitted in the SF, TF, MF, MFO, LC, GC, and LI zones. In those zones, a lot 10,000 square feet in size or larger is required to own a maximum of two miniature goats. You may keep male miniature goats, provided they're castrated. The keeping of standard-sized goats and sheep isn't permitted in those zones. You may own standard-sized goats or sheep only if you reside in a rural residential zone.
Juneau, AK
You may have goats or sheep in the City and Borough of Juneau, provided you adhere to certain rules. For starters, you must not allow your goats or sheep to be at large. According to the City Code, all livestock found running at large may be taken up by an animal control officer. Impounded livestock will be confined humanely for 5 days, and may thereafter be disposed of. However, within 24 hours after impounding any sheep or goat, the animal control officer must make a reasonable effort to notify the animal's owner. Impounded animals not claimed by their owner after the expiration of the five-day impoundment period may be disposed of by adoption, sale, or euthanasia.
The City Code also prohibits goat or sheep owners from physically fastening their animals to any object on a sidewalk, street or public thoroughfare, public building, or public parking lot. The only exception to this rule is if the animal is participating in an officially organized activity that requires it to be fastened in that manner.
Wasilla, AK
In Wasilla, AK, the keeping of goats and sheep is permitted in the Rural Residential Zoning District, according to the city code. If you reside in this district, you're permitted to keep a maximum of 10 goats or sheep on a lot with a minimum of 40,000 square feet total lot area. Additional juvenile goats or sheep may be approved as a temporary use for up to six months by the city planner if he or she determines that the additional animal(s) will not disturb nearby property owners.
Keeping goats in Alaska
Goats, according to the University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF), can be successful in many areas of Alaska, with proper management. Per the University, many goat breeds are not readily available in Alaska. As a result, additional research may be needed on livestock sources. Per the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation, all goats imported into the state must be accompanied by an Alaskan importation permit and health certificate. For multiple goats, a single permit may be obtained. You may obtain the health certificates from any licensed and accredited vet in your state of origin.
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