New County Ordinance to Require All Small Businesses Have a Goat Mascot by 2026

You read that right.

Starting in 2026, all small businesses operating in Montgomery County, Virginia will be required to select, name, and register an official goat mascot to represent their brand.

The initiative, dubbed “Get Your Goat: Building Brands That Bleat,” was announced in a very serious-sounding press release that definitely wasn’t printed on recycled hay.

The regulation aims to boost brand visibility and strengthen community engagement by encouraging businesses in Blacksburg, Christiansburg, and beyond to stand out from the herd.

Key Details of the Goat Mandate:

• Goat must be real, well-behaved, and capable of participating in ribbon cuttings

• Preferred breeds include Nigerian Dwarf, Alpine, and “whichever one looks the most photogenic”

• Goat mascots must wear a vest, branded hat, or logoed bandana when representing the business

• Annual Goat of the Year awards will be presented at the Montgomery County Chamber’s Annual Meeting, judged on “horn charisma” and “hoof professionalism”

Local business owners were surprised but intrigued. One downtown Blacksburg café owner said, “Honestly, I’ve seen stranger marketing strategies work.”

The ordinance is rumored to be backed by a coalition of farm supply stores, petting zoo advocates, and a startup that specializes in goat-sized business attire (not yet Chamber members, but we’re working on it).

Now, Let’s Get Back to Reality (Sort Of)

If you’re still reading: Happy April Fools’ Day from the Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce!

No, you don’t need a goat.

But you do need a brand that connects—and that’s something we help with every day.

Whether it’s:

• Helping Montgomery County businesses increase visibility through our online directory

• Offering networking events in Christiansburg and Blacksburg

• Supporting entrepreneurs and nonprofits across the New River Valley

• Hosting business education sessions that make marketing less confusing (and way more effective)

…we’re here for your growth.

Even if your mascot is just a coffee mug or a well-placed pun.

Want to Actually Stand Out?

We may not offer livestock consultations, but we can help you build a business that people remember—for all the right reasons.

• Explore real business support: https://www.montgomerycc.org

• See upcoming Chamber events: https://business.montgomerycc.org/events/calendar

• Talk with our team: marketing@montgomerycc.org

(And if you do get a goat… please send pictures.)