> ## Knowledge Base Index
> Fetch the complete knowledge base index at: https://help.creatures.com/sitemap.xml
> Use this file to discover available pages before exploring further.
> Pure-Markdown content can be obtained by appending a '.md' suffix to the content URLs listed in the sitemap (without the trailing slash).

# Finding animals: search, filters, and distance

Use marketplace filters to find available animals that fit your plans, then open a listing to check the details with its seller.

## Build a useful search

1. Enter a breed, trait, name, registry, or phrase in the search box when you know what you want.
2. Choose one or more **Species**. With exactly one species selected, you can choose a breed and color, where available. Choose the breed before selecting a color.
3. Choose a distance from **Any Distance** when that option is shown. This filter uses the location Creatures can identify for your connection; always check the listing's location yourself too.
4. Refine by sex, sale format, registration, boarding availability, or other choices that matter for this purchase.
5. Select **Show Results** and remove any filter that made the result set too narrow.

![Marketplace filters with cattle and Highland selected](https://cdn-test.creatures.com/db9/500/a45/1c55a.png)

Use **Fixed Price** when you want a stated price and **Auctions** when you are prepared to bid. The available and recently sold views answer different questions: available listings show what you can pursue now, while recent sales help you understand comparable prices.

## Read each result before acting

Open the listing to review the seller, location, photos, description, terms, sale status, and available pickup or delivery choices. A note that the seller has not recently confirmed availability is a reason to ask before paying, not proof that the animal is unavailable.

The main **Recently sold** marketplace excludes private animals. Within a sale event, an anonymous **Private sale** card may remain as a limited price comparison.

## Keep a good search

When the same filters produce useful matches, save them instead of rebuilding them. A saved search can alert you to new matches, while the watchlist keeps individual listings together. See [Saving searches and using your watchlist](https://help.creatures.com/en/article/saving-searches-and-using-your-watchlist-1yqepwk/).

### Related information

- [Saving searches and using your watchlist](https://help.creatures.com/en/article/saving-searches-and-using-your-watchlist-1yqepwk/)
- [Buying at a fixed price](https://help.creatures.com/en/article/buying-at-a-fixed-price-1xechcl/)
- [How auctions and bidding work](https://help.creatures.com/en/article/how-auctions-and-bidding-work-zu7y78/)