Wild Horse & Burro

How to Adopt using this site

The next Internet adoption will begin Oct 30, 2008.  Click on any individual photo, or on the Category Heading above each group of photos, to view more pictures and information about each animal.  Please read the Adoption Requirements before submitting an electronic application.  You must create an account (user name and password) to submit an application.

APPLICATIONS will be accepted starting October 27 and will close at Noon Central Time on November 11.  BIDDING will open on October 30 and will close at Noon Central time on  November 13.  Corral sketches and maps MUST be faxed or mailed to the address below in order to complete the electronic form. Applications describing facilities that do not meet all the requirements cannot be approved.  Applications stating "See Previous Application," or those with incomplete information, cannot be approved.  Read more below regarding the electronic application form and the Internet adoption process.

Applications:

Bidders can submit the on-line application for the next adoption from October 27- November 11, 2008.  Click on Log In to create a new account (user name and password) or to access your existing account.  If you have already created an application, click on My Info to view your previous application.  You can update the information if necessary, and then resubmit it for the current on-line adoption.

Please read the Requirements Page before you submit an application to determine if your facility meets all BLM requirements.  Include exact information about the length, width, and height of your corral and shelter, and the type of materials used in the construction.  Applications cannot be approved until all construction or modifications are completed.  Corrals must be 4 and 1/2 feet high for burros; 5 feet high for yearlings and trained horses; and 6 feet high for untrained horses 2 years and older.

Log In or Create your Account

After you have submitted your electronic application, if you have any trouble with the corral sketch, please download and complete the Corral Sketch/Map PDF file below.  This page can be faxed to (703) 440-1656. Please write INTERNET across the top of your faxed sketch page or on the cover sheet, and include the name of the applicant on the form.  You may also scan it and send it as a jpg attachment to the email address on the home page - inet_adoption@blm.gov

Sketch pages may also be mailed to:

Bureau of Land Management
ATTN: Wild Horse and Burro Program
7450 Boston Blvd
Springfield, VA 22153

Download Corral Sketch PDF. Fax - (703) 440-1656
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Applications must be received no later than Noon Central Time on Nov 11 to be guaranteed consideration for a Bidder ID number. Applications cannot be approved until the sketch/map page is received.  Electronic applications received by November 11 can be approved until the close of bidding on November 13, if all supplemental information is received before the end of bidding.

After your application is received, you will be called and the information will be reviewed by a Wild Horse and Burro Specialist.  If you have submitted an application and have not received a phone call within 48 hours (week days), please call the Internet office at (800) 370-3936.  You may also email the staff at: Inet_Adoption@blm.gov

Deposits:

A $125 deposit will be required to receive a Bidder ID number.  Deposits can be checks (made out to DOI - BLM) mailed to the address above, or Credit Card numbers given over the telephone.  All Deposits will be held until the end of bidding.  If you are not a successful high bidder, the check will be returned and credit card information will be destroyed without being processed.  If you are a successful high bidder, the deposit will be processed after the close of bidding, and $125 will be deducted from your total bid when you pick up the animal.  The deposit is used to ship and hold the animal until it is picked up.  If an adopter does not pick up an animal, the deposit may not be refunded.

Bidding:

After your application has been approved, your bidding program will be activated.  To place a bid, click on any photo in the Gallery.  Bidding will open Oct 30 and close at Noon Central Time on November 13.  The individual page for that animal will appear with bidding options next to the description, and the current bid information.  You can increase the current bid from $5 to $250 with each new bid.  You may raise your own bid at any time.  After a new bid is placed, the current high bid amount will appear in real time, along with the high bidder's identification number.  Users with dial up connections will have a slower response time than users with high speed connections.  You may have to hit the Refresh button to see the latest bidding information, especially at the end of bidding.  Bidding information may not refresh automatically.

The minimum opening bid is $125 for each horse, $250 for mare-foal pairs.  High bid and bidder ID will be displayed in real time throughout the bidding.  You may bid on the number of animals you are approved to adopt, plus one.  For example, if you are approved to adopt two animals, you may be highest bidder on NO MORE than 3 animals at one time.  When bidding closes, the final (highest) bid and Bidder ID will appear on the Gallery page for each animal.  Hit the Refresh button on your computer once the bidding has ended, to be sure that you are viewing the final bids.  Bidding will be closed at Noon Central Time on the last day, and is monitored by a countdown clock on the site.

Once the Bidding has closed, successful bidders are encouraged to call or email the Internet office to confirm that they will accept or decline each of their highest bids.  All highest bidders will be contacted by BLM staff via phone or email within 48 hours of the close of bidding.  If you are highest bidder on more animals then you are approved for, you will be required to limit your choices.  Any animals that are declined will be offered to the next highest bidder.

Pick Up:

Animals must be picked up by the highest bidders at the holding facility where they are located, or may be shipped east to a designated Holding Facility, or in some cases, to a satellite adoption location.  You do NOT have to accept the animal if the animal does not meet your expectations.  There is no penalty for not taking the animal.  If you decline the animal in person you may request a credit towards a future adoption, or adopt a different horse at that event.

Pick up dates are by appointment at Holding Facilities, and at satellite adoptions before the auction begins.  If your animal is shipped to a satellite adoption, you must pick it up before the adoption begins.  Take your animal's neck tag number and bid amount information with you to the pick up location.  A printed copy of your electronic application will be sent to the facility before you arrive.  You will need to put an original signature on the application.  Adopters must sign for their animals in person unless other arrangements are made in advance.

a.  You will need to prove your identity - Any valid photo identification card, such as a driver's license.

b.  You will then view your animals and make your final decision.

c.  You will sign the Private Maintenance and Care Agreement.  The Private Maintenance and Care Agreement is the contract between you and the Government committing you to - take care of the animal, and not sell it, trade it, or give it away, until you have obtained Title to the animal.  Title Applications will automatically be sent to you one year after adoption.

d.  You will have to sign a paper copy of your application.

e.  You will have to remit the balance due of your total bid, using cash, check, or money order.

Animals will be loaded in your trailer by BLM employees or contract crews.  Trailers must be a stock type with a door that swings side to side - NOT one that has a drop down ramp.  If the equipment being used to transport the animal is not adequate, the BLM will not allow you to adopt the animal.  Two-horse trailers are NOT allowed unless they are STOCK TYPE.  Divided two-horse trailers with the partition removed WILL NOT be allowed.  Slant load trailer, with partitions that come out or can be folded flat against the interior wall, may be considered.  The top of the back door must be within 12 inches from the roof of the trailer.  Animals will ride loose inside the trailer, and must have adequate space to turn around. Contact the Internet adoption office with any questions about trailer requirements.

For more information, please refer to the Terms of Adoption and Prohibited Acts pages on this site.