After narrowing down options for a new pet, researching proper animal care and husbandry, and gathering all of the necessary supplies for the animal, it's finally time to make a purchase! Almost nothing is as exciting as finally getting to take your new family member home. Choosing the right vendor to purchase from is crucial. Vendors can provide important information about an animal's health before taking the leap.
Finding a Vendor
We provide updated vendor lists online as well as through our newsletter for all of our shows. Signing up for the newsletter is easy, just scroll to the bottom of our website. It is below our sponsors. This is a great way to see who is going to be at our next event. Most vendors have some sort of online presence, whether that is through social media or their own website. If a vendor only has social media, don’t be alarmed. It is a great way to share information about their business.
Questions Before Purchasing
It’s important to ask the vendor questions about the animal before making a purchase. They can provide insight on how to care for the animal. Keep these questions in mind before you make your next purchase:
Was this bred in captivity or imported?
When was the animal born?
How long has this animal been in your care?
Does it come with a health guarantee?
What resources do you have about animal care, any pamphlets or websites?
Have they seen a vet, been dewormed, or had a health check?
What are they eating and how often?
Have they defecated recently?
How to Visually Inspect the Animal
It is a great idea to ask the vendor to possibly hold the animal before purchasing. Inspecting the animal visually is also beneficial. We recommend checking the following:
How do the eyes look, are they alert and vibrant?
Is the animal lethargic?
Inspect the animals vent, or cloaca.
Are there any mites?
Making Your Purchase
After inspecting the animal and chatting with the vendor, you should feel confident making a purchase. This is also a great time to get their contact information in case you find yourself having more questions down the road. Congratulations, at this point you should have a happy and healthy new pet!
Don't forget to check out our video for more guidance on the purchasing process.
