I frequently hear "I just want a Miniature Donkey as a pet. I don't want to show or breed it. I want something really cheap." I can certainly understand that people want an animal they can enjoy as a pet without a huge investment. As a result many people just purchase the first Miniature Donkey they see from a back yard breeder or donkey mill with a low price. After all it is only a "pet."

But all too often, I receive an e-mail or a phone call from an unhappy buyer who has purchased a "pet" Miniature Donkey and has had a bad experience. Some complain that the donkey they purchased was in poor weight, had parasites, a skin condition, or a specific health issue. Others were not given information to properly care for and manage their new pet. On occasion, a single donkey will be sold to someone without a companion animal. Some buyers are also told Miniature Donkeys make wonderful livestock guardians when, in fact, they are not suitable for this use.

The average customer may not realize what goes into producing just one foal. A responsible breeder will select a jenny for breeding based on conformation and pedigree and wait the three years until she is mature enough to breed. A jack will then be chosen with the conformation, pedigree, color and size that compliment the jenny's qualities. A year later, if all goes well, the anticipation of that "perfect foal" will be a reality. From start to finish four years have elapsed and often a sizable investment to produce that one foal. Careful breeders will save only the most exceptional males as stud prospects and the others will be sold as pets (geldings). The pet purchaser will get a healthy, beautiful donkey with all the expertise and careful management of an experienced breeder for only slightly more money than the backyard breeder. Given the amount of years a donkey can potentially live it's a great investment.

When a person buys an animal from an unknown seller where the animals may not have been given optimum care the buyer is taking a risk on an animal that may not be healthy or may have potential problems later.

Anyone interested in purchasing a Miniature Donkey even if it is just a" pet" will benefit from doing their home work and finding a reputable breeder. They should ask questions and visit the farm to see the animals and management practice. For those considering a purchase, it is as important to select a "pet' that comes from good quality stock and has been started right. A responsible breeder will be available for support long after the sale.

The prospective buyer should ask him/herself the following: Is the farm clean and well managed? Are the animals well cared for and in good weight? Are the feet trimmed and in good condition? Is there fresh, clean water available? Are the animals protected from the elements if necessary? Are the donkeys well handled and friendly? Is the Miniature Donkey a good representation of the breed? Is the seller knowledgeable and willing to give you all the information necessary to get you started with your new purchase? Can the breeder/seller give references of other customers who have purchased donkeys from them? Does the breeder/seller guarantee the animals sold? Are complete health records available (with documented vaccines, worming and farrier care)? Are registration papers provided? Is there a sales agreement that will protect you?

Remember that for every reputable and knowledgeable breeder there are many who are not. So take your time and find the ideal "pet" for you. After you have asked all the questions and visited the farms you can feel good about selecting a healthy, well bred "pet" that you will enjoy for many years to come.