Choosing a healthy animal

Start with the right expectations

No checklist on a web page can tell you whether an animal is healthy. Looking carefully helps you avoid obvious problems, but the CDC notes that animals can carry germs even when they look clean and healthy^[1]. The most reliable step is to ask a veterinarian to examine the animal, and the CDC recommends regular veterinary care and vaccinations for farm animals^[1].

This guide also does not decide whether a particular animal meets the religious requirements for qurbani, such as age or defects. Please ask a qualified scholar you trust about eligibility.

What you can observe on a visit

These are common-sense observations that may prompt you to ask questions or to ask a vet for an examination. They are not a diagnosis.

• Is the animal alert, standing and moving without obvious difficulty?
• Is it eating and drinking, and is it kept with shade and clean water?
• Are there visible wounds, discharge from the eyes or nose, or signs of distress?
• Can the seller answer clearly about its age, feeding and any treatment it has had?
• Will the seller agree to a veterinary examination before you pay?

Hygiene around animals

Because healthy-looking animals can still spread germs, the CDC advises washing hands with soap and water after touching animals or anything in the area where they live^[1].

• Wash hands after visiting the market, handling the animal, or cleaning its area.
• Keep food and drink away from where the animal is kept.
• Supervise children closely around animals and make sure they wash their hands afterwards^[1].

Kindness while the animal is with you

A narration in Sahih Muslim states that Allah has prescribed proficiency in all things, and asks that when slaughtering one should do it well, sharpen the blade and spare the animal suffering^[2]. In practical terms for a family, that means shade, water, fodder and calm handling while the animal is at home, and keeping it away from the sight of other slaughter.

The slaughter itself should be done by a qualified, trained person. This site does not give slaughter instructions.

Buying safely through the board

Listings on the community board are moderated but sellers are not verified. Inspect in person, bring a vet if you can, and never send an advance payment.