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As with most businesses, after sales service can vary. But you should expect the following at the time of sale:

ARI registration papers, list of awards and notification of any major health issues. Some of these could include lost crias - this doesn't mean that the animal is bad, but you should check - if an animal has had 3 crias and lost all 3 you should know why.

Check on the worming medicine used, you should probably continue with the same medicine BUT you should check with your local vet. Some medicines work in some parts of the country and not others!

Make sure you know what vaccinations may be due.

If the animal is pregnant - what was used to verify pregnancy - you can ask for something more substantial than a spit test! Make sure you know when the animal was bred and the due date.

Determine what the cost is and who is responsible for gelding and paying for the procedure when you buy pet or fiber males.

An AOBA contract or sales contract of similar standard. It should include fertility guarantees if appropriate.

If the animal is not yet registered the ranch should help you out with that.

Bill of sale - you will need this for tax purposes and to prove that you own the animal.

An indication of the insurance and who currently carries it, It can be straightforward to transfer the policy or obtain a new policy - again the ranch should help you.

Pictures of the animal are always helpful, and if you can get pictures of the dam or sire also that is always useful to have. Check with the ranch if you can reproduce them though.

An agisting or boarding contract with all the charges clearly communicated including any 'breaks' you might get through helping out at the ranch.

This may seem petty, but you should expect to get a halter that fits the animal.... and a lead rope!

If you are buying an animal long distance, be clear on when and how much it will cost to have the animal delivered - and who is paying!

The ranch owner should be willing to let you call if you have any questions. If they don't look terribly enthusiastic ... well you can figure that one out!

When you take the animal away, ask about taking some feed with you so that you can reduce the stress on the animal during the trip and use it to mix with your feed when you get the animal home.

If you are moving animals they may need tests for things such as TB or Brucellosis to enter some states - the ranch should know about their state. You should check with your vet.

This is just a short list, if you can think of other things that a ranch should provide, let us know..