Adopt a Steer/Ex Dairy Cow Application

Thank you!

Adoption allows people like you to change the fate of a steer or an ex-dairy cow.

Steers are often seen as commodities, but in reality, they are gentle, social, and capable of forming deep bonds with humans. By adopting a steer, you’re giving them a chance to live out their life in safety, comfort, and companionship — a life they would otherwise never have. They thrive in calm, routine environments and enjoy being part of a herd or forming a connection with their human carers.

The ex-cows have spent their lives in milk production, giving everything they had. Now they’re looking for something entirely different: a peaceful, loving forever home. Calm, affectionate, and deeply social, they thrive on kindness, companionship, and routine. Many have been regularly handled and are trusting, sweet-natured, and ready to bond with people who will give them the retirement they deserve.

Whether it’s a steer or an ex-dairy cow, adopting means giving a life of care, comfort, and companionship — and in return, they’ll leave hoof prints on your heart.

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Adopters Details

First Name *

Last Name *

Property Address *

Postcode *

Is this property owner occupied or a rental property? *

Phone Number *

Email Address *

Please provide a link to your Facebook profile *E.g. https://www.facebook.com/companioncows

Have you checked with your local council before applying that you are permitted to keep cows on your property? *Each council has different rules and regulations around farm animals. We strongly recommend getting in contact with your local council to ensure you are compliant.

Adoption

Who would you like to adopt? *

SteersEx-Dairy Cows

How many would you like to adopt? *

Biosecurity & Compliance

Biosecurity is designed to protect your property from the entry and spread of pests and diseases. Additionally it is a safeguard for our adopters incase your animals ever get out. The local council will be able to check their ear tags and reunite them with their family!

We require all adopters to have an active Property Identification Code (PIC). In Australia, anyone who owns animals considered 'livestock', including but not limited to cows, horses, alpacas, goats & sheep, must have a registered PIC and NLIS ear tags. All animals adopted through Companion Cows will come with NLIS ear tags and be registered to your property. If you do not yet have a PIC, please note that this is required before releasing any animals into your care, so an application must be made and a copy provided to support your application. We will happily walk you through the process if you have any questions.

Please click on the relevant state to find out more and apply for a PIC.

NSW

TAS

QLD

NT

ACT

VIC

WA

Please highlight what is applicable: *

If you already know your PIC please enter it here:

Tell us more about you!

Please tell us why you would like to adopt a steer or ex-dairy cow? *

Please tick what best describes your reason for adopting. *

I live on acreage with lots of pasture, and cows are great lawn moo-wers!I am a commercial farmer with lots of experience.I am a hobby farmer with enough land to give them a home.I am an animal lover. I have lots of rescue animals and hope to give more a home.

Do you have any other animals (horses, cows, goats etc) ? *

Do you currently have any cows that you breed/milk or sell for profit? *

Do you plan to breed/milk your cows? *

What will happen in the event you can no longer continue to care for your animals or must move from your current property? *

How many acres of fenced pasture will the cows have access to? *

Do you have adequate water supply for adopted animals? *

Do you have a Cattle crush/ holding yards? *It is imperative that adopters have access to a cattle crush and holding yards to ensure their cows can receive vet care.

Do you have a ramp for unloading? *

Please upload a photo of your ramp

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I understand that like all pets, Cows require ongoing costs to keep. These may include but are not limited to:

- Yearly Vaccinations
- Hoof Maintenance
- Deworming Treatments
- Supplementary feed
*

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Please note to be an approved adopter; you will be required to have the following:

Shelter- While a stable or shelter large enough for adult cows is ideal, it is not necessary for the ongoing well-being of the animals you adopt. Lots of large shady trees or a one-sided shelter is enough to ensure your beloved bovines have protection from sun, wind and rain.

Fencing - Cattle-proof or standard fencing with an electric fence system/hotwire.

Note: While strong and bovine-proof fencing is essential, we highly recommend adopters introduce an electric fence or hot wire straight away. The earlier you can teach your new companion cows to respect the fence, the less trouble you will have with them damaging structural fencing or escaping as they become adults. An electric fence system or hot wire is relatively cost-effective and much cheaper than replacing or fixing structural fencing.

Please upload a picture of the paddock you intend to use for your adopted animals. *

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Please upload a photo of your fencing *

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Any additional videos/photos of your fencing or property *

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Please upload a photo of your own cows (if applicable) *

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Toxic Weeds

Toxic weeds can be fatal to cows, posing serious health risks if ingested. These plants can cause a range of severe symptoms, including poisoning, organ damage, and even death. It's crucial to keep pastures free from these dangerous weeds to ensure the safety and well-being of your cows.

Please carefully read the following:

Toxic Weed Guide

Do you have any of the listed toxic weeds on your property? *

Please explain how you manage these weeds *

I will ensure that I check my paddock regularly for any toxic weeds listed & deal with them immediatley. *

Transport Fee

Since there is no adoption fee, we kindly ask adopters to cover the cost of transporting their cows to their new home. If approved, a transport quote will be provided by a qualified livestock transporter.

I understand and am happy to pay the transport costs for the cows I am adopting *

Adoption Contract

Adoption Contract - CC and Adopter

Please carefully read the above Adoption Contract to understand your obligations if approved as an adopter.

I agree that I have carefully read and understood the Adoption Agreement and will abide by the terms set, if approved I understand I will be required to sign a hard copy. *

Signature & Acknowledgement

By signing below you agree to abide by the adoption contract and that all details provided in the application form is true and not misleading *

Signature here: *

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Date *