• Make it your business to know who you are dealing with. Ask around and listen to what you are told.
  
  
• Realize that while many breeders won't tell you that another breeder is practicing questionable ethics, but will try to steer you to those breeders who they know to be ethical.
  
  
• Stop, Look, and Listen. What does the way the breeder keep his barn and pastures tell you? Do his animals look healthy and happy? Does the breeder make you feel stupid for asking questions? Does the breeder freely share names of other breeders where you might go to look? The answer to these questions will tell you all you need to know to make a wise and informed choice!
  
  
• Never be afraid to ask questions! Many people find themselves where they would rather not be because they were afraid of seeming stupid by asking too many questions. If the person won't answer your questions, perhaps you would be better off buying from someone else.

Use Comparison Shopping

• Be prepared to get what you pay for! Know that when someone offers you a cut-rate animal, that's exactly what you will get!
  
  
• Unless you just want a lawn ornament, don't consider any animal that isn't exactly what you want! A mis-match will make both of you miserable.
  
  
• If price is an object, be prepared ahead of time, by knowing which compromises you are prepared to make. Once that animal locks those Big Brown Eyes on you, objectivity has a habit of going out the window unless you've really planned ahead.
  
  
• Take you time. You are considering making a major purchase and the time to avoid shopping mistakes is now! It is not and never has been the sellers responsibility to be sure that you get just what you want. State your needs loud and clear!

What Now?

• Take your time and read the contracts carefully! If something doesn't suit you, now is the time to see if it can't be changed. Do not sign a contract you are not comfortable with, no matter how badly you think you want the animal.
  
  
• Always speak privately with the vet who performs your prepurchase exam, remember he probably works for this farm, and he has loyalty to respect!
  
  
• Do not rely on the seller to take care of transportation, without verifying that you are comfortable with the manner in which your animal will be transported! Remember, unless the contract specifies otherwise, you have the right to arrange for the transportation that suits you, since you will be paying for it!
  
  
• Prepare your facilities and line up your vet ahead of time. It's terribly unfair to move your new animals into facilities that aren't suitable, or to have no one on call if they should become ill, or have an accident!