diff --git a/src/animaltrack/web/routes/actions.py b/src/animaltrack/web/routes/actions.py
index ea6c72e..b40f929 100644
--- a/src/animaltrack/web/routes/actions.py
+++ b/src/animaltrack/web/routes/actions.py
@@ -145,14 +145,15 @@ async def animal_cohort(request: Request):
     except ValueError:
         return _render_cohort_error(locations, species_list, "Count must be a valid number", form)
 
-    # Validate required fields
-    if not species:
+    # Validate required fields - check for empty or placeholder values
+    # Note: disabled placeholder options may send their text instead of empty value
+    if not species or species not in ("duck", "goose"):
         return _render_cohort_error(locations, species_list, "Please select a species", form)
-    if not location_id:
+    if not location_id or len(location_id) != 26:
         return _render_cohort_error(locations, species_list, "Please select a location", form)
-    if not life_stage:
+    if not life_stage or life_stage not in ("hatchling", "juvenile", "subadult", "adult"):
         return _render_cohort_error(locations, species_list, "Please select a life stage", form)
-    if not origin:
+    if not origin or origin not in ("hatched", "purchased", "rescued", "unknown"):
         return _render_cohort_error(locations, species_list, "Please select an origin", form)
 
     # Create payload