Sadly, most cows are raised on crowded farms where they are denied the chance to engage in most natural behaviors that show who they truly are.

The lucky few of us who get to spend time with rescued cows in the peace of sanctuary know that cows are playful, social, and affectionate—when they’re given the chance to be themselves.

Even Farm Sanctuary visitors who meet some of our rescued residents on a tour often comment on how these gentle giants are basically “grass puppies.”

Here are a few reasons why!

Just like pups, young cows love to run and jump when they’re free to do so! However, most cows in animal agriculture are confined to crowded factory farms or feedlots. At Farm Sanctuary, we love seeing our residents zooming around their pastures with joy.

At sanctuaries, we see the friendships and love that can form between caregivers and cows—and the bonds shared between cows, especially mothers and their calves, also run deep. Like puppies, calves are nursed and cared for by their moms when given the chance. Some cows, like Liz—seen below with Jerome, will even adopt orphaned calves.

Liz cow nursing her adopted calf Jerome

Valentine cow

Play is essential for cows and dogs because it helps them learn social skills. It’s also a lot of fun, especially when they can play with friends! Both cows and dogs enjoy playing with toys, like chasing after balls. Like the big scratchy brush below, toys can be part of important enrichment.

Plus, the better we treat cows, the more likely they are to play! Research shows that calves living with other calves and in better animal welfare conditions are likelier to play than others.

Like dogs, cows experience a wide range of emotions, from joy to fear, and lean on each other for emotional support. Cows also show excitement when they learn something new, get a toy or a snack, or run out to pasture!

Leo calf

As herd animals, cows are social by nature. They use grooming to care for and show affection for one another. Many like gentle scratches and pets from their human friends, too. Above, Greg steer looks very happy to get face rubs from caregiver Ayla.

Sometimes, cows like Diane, seen below, will take matters into their own hooves and use trees or other objects to scratch an itch they can’t reach—much like dogs!

Diane cow

Cows are unique individuals, and that’s how they see each other, too! They can recognize different cows (and people), an ability that helps them form friendships, bonds, and social hierarchies within their herds.

Farm Sanctuary President and Co-founder Gene Baur rescued Safran, a calf just one day old. Now grown up, our sweet Saffy is still always happy to see Gene and stop for some snuggles.

There are so many other ways that clever, playful, and social cows remind us of the dogs we know and love.

When you take the time to see cows not as products but as the sentient and unique individuals they are, it’s remarkable how many similarities they share with the animals many of us call “companions” and not “food!”

Learn more about our cow friends:

• Follow us on social media!
• Visit our sanctuaries in NY or CA to meet rescued cows
• Read Thinking Cows from Farm Sanctuary-sponsored research initiative The Someone Project