Animals for Sale: 7 Tips for a Smooth Buying Experience

Buying livestock is a major investment. If you’re expanding a breeding program, adding to your stock, or entering into a new type of animal husbandry, your decisions can have a huge impact.

Online animal marketplaces have changed the buying process in the last few years with the convenience they offer. But whether you buy from a local breeder or through an online marketplace, there are several pitfalls along the way.

In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know to make the right decisions, from animal selection to verifying the seller’s credibility.

Table of Contents

• Identify the Right Animal for Your Operation
• Verify the Seller’s Credibility
• Evaluate the Health of Livestock
• Legal and Ethical Considerations
• Negotiate the Right Price
• Follow Transportation Guidelines
• After Purchase Care
• Stay Safe When Buying Animals for Sale

There are a lot of factors you need to consider before you buy animals online or in person. The tips we’ve listed below will help you identify trustworthy sellers, select a healthy animal, negotiate the right price, and make sure the paperwork checks all the right boxes.

Identify the Right Animal for Your Operation

Before you even start browsing animal listings, it’s important to have a clear idea of what you want. Are you focused on companionship, meat production, dairy, or breeding? Here are a few other factors that will help you make the right choice.

Select the Right Breed

It is important to select the right breed, and this decision should be based on factors like disease resistance, production goals, and climate.

For example, Holstein or Jersey cattle are ideal for dairy operations due to their high milk yield. If you’re buying for breeding purposes, genetic considerations are important. Ask the seller if their animals are registered, have multi-generation pedigrees available, and any genetic testing. 

Consider Your Environment

You’ll also need to make sure the animal breed is physically suited for your farm’s environment. 

Similarly, consider the animal’s dietary needs based on the available land. Some thrive on pasture grass, while others need high-protein forage. The animal you select must also be able to acclimate to your local climate conditions, such as cold winters or extreme heat.

For example, breeds like Brahman cattle have a high heat tolerance, so they may be better if you live in a humid, high-temperature region.

Verify the Seller’s Credibility

One of the most important things to do when you purchase livestock is to work with a trustworthy seller. Here are a few tips on how to verify a seller’s credibility.

For In-Person Purchases

If you’re buying locally from an animal breeder or a farm, you should ask if you can visit in person first. Observe the condition of the farm and animals. Ask questions to see if the seller is transparent and knowledgeable.

Ask for references from past buyers. If they’re defensive or hesitant about providing references, it can be a red flag. Some of the best breeders have long-term relationships with their customers and will be glad to provide references.

For Online Marketplaces

An advantage of buying from an online marketplace like Creatures is that sellers are pre-verified. There’s also a rating system and buyer protection practices in place. Here’s what to look for to make sure an online seller is reputable:

• Seller Reviews and Reputation: Look beyond the star rating. Are there detailed reviews from other buyers? Have previous customers provided any feedback about animal health, seller communication, and post-purchase support?
• Verified Seller Status: Some platforms verify sellers after reviewing their business practices, breeding history, and commitment to animal welfare. Prioritize verified sellers.
• Ask Questions: Don’t hesitate to reach out to the seller for more information. Ask about the animal’s lineage, health records, and current care practices. A reliable seller will be transparent and offer additional documentation if needed.

Evaluate the Health of Livestock

If you buy an animal that’s not healthy, you may face production losses and costly veterinary bills. But how do you determine if an animal is healthy, especially when you buy from an online marketplace? Always ask for health records or a veterinary health certificate, also known as a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI). Reputable sellers should be able to provide the following:

• Vaccination records: Are the animals up-to-date on vaccinations like rabies, hoof care, and common diseases specific to their breed or species?
• Parasite control: Ensure the animals have been treated for common parasites, including worms, ticks, and mites.
• Veterinary check-ups: Does the seller provide recent health records or certifications from a licensed vet? If they don’t, ask for or set up your own independent health inspection.

If buying locally, these are some health indicators you should look for:

• Coat and Skin: A shiny coat and clear skin are strong indicators of health. Dull fur, skin lesions, or visible parasites are signs that the animal is either sick or not cared for properly.
• Eyes and Ears: Check the eyes for clarity. Cloudy eyes or excessive discharge may be a sign of an infection or other issues. Similarly, healthy animals should have clean ears without signs of infection or buildup.
• Movement and Mobility: Watch the animal’s gait. A healthy animal should move without limping or stiffness. For horses, cows, and other livestock, limping or a reluctance to move can point to injury or infection.

Legal and Ethical Considerations

When you buy livestock, you’re responsible for adhering to the national and local laws governing the care, transport, and purchase of animals.

Before finalizing your purchase, check whether any special permits or licenses are required for the species or breed you’re buying. Some regions regulate the movement of livestock to prevent the spread of diseases like mad cow disease or foot-and-mouth disease. Make sure you understand the regulations in your area and have the necessary paperwork for any interstate transport.

Avoid purchasing from sellers that engage in practices like poor living conditions and overbreeding. Buy from those that focus on humane breeding programs.

Negotiate the Right Price

Livestock prices vary based on factors like location, health, age, breed, and pedigree. But how do you know if you’re paying the right price?

Before negotiating, it’s important to understand the market value of the animal you’re buying. Do some comparative research online. Prices for similar animals should fall within a specific range. If a price seems too low or too high, there’s likely a reason behind it. Either the animal’s health isn’t great, or you’re being overcharged.

Once you know the price range for the breed you’re buying, here are a few tips to negotiate with the seller:

• Be polite but firm: If you feel the price is inflated, politely ask the seller to justify it. If there’s a justifiable reason for the higher cost, like unique characteristics or exceptional genetics, you can make a more informed decision.
• Consider the total cost: Don’t just focus on the upfront price. Consider future care costs, like feed, health care, and transport that may affect the overall value of your purchase.

Follow Transportation Guidelines

Transporting livestock can be stressful for both the animals and the buyer. But getting your animals home safely is as important as the purchase itself.

Whether you’re picking up your animal or having it delivered, make sure that the transport vehicle is appropriately sized and equipped for the animal. The animal should have adequate ventilation, food, water, and space to move. This is important to minimize stress during transport. Animals that are stressed are more likely to become ill.

If you’re purchasing from an online platform, ask the seller about their transport methods and make sure they’re up to standard. Creatures, for example, will have built-in transportation options to make the process easier for buyers and sellers. 

After Purchase Care

Once your livestock arrives, you’ll need to help them settle into their new home. Immediate care and attention will significantly improve their long-term health and productivity.

Ensure that your new animal has proper food, water, and shelter as soon as it arrives. Introduce them slowly to their new environment and monitor their behavior.

Regardless of where you purchased your animal, it’s important to do routine health checks. Make sure you schedule a vet visit within the first week of arrival to ensure everything looks good.

Stay Safe When Buying Animals for Sale

Buying livestock is a big decision, but it can be rewarding if you follow these best practices and complete your due diligence. Vet the seller and request proof of animal health and genetics. Follow transportation and legal regulations. Buying livestock online from Creatures.com makes the process easier with verified sellers, detailed listings, and transparent reviews.