Adopting a Wild Horse
or Burro in Arizona

          According to the Federal Government, a wild horse or donkey is one that is unbranded, unclaimed, free-roaming, and found on public lands within the United States. They are the descendants of those animals who were used by the early Spanish explorers, miners, ranchers, U.S. Cavalry, and American Indians, and whom were released or escaped into the wilds.

Wild Free Roaming
Horses & Burros

          The Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act of 1971 gave the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the Forest Service, the authority to manage the wild horse and burro population. The premise for this act is to promote healthy herds and rangelands.
          Each year the BLM gathers excess wild horses and burros, from areas where they believe the vegetation and water can not support the entire herd. Those animals who are rounded up are then adopted out though their Adopt-a-Wild Horse or Burro Program.

Who can adopt one
of these animals?

● You must be at least 18 years old.

● You must not have any prior conviction for inhumane treatment of animals, or for violating the Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act.

● You must have adequate feed, water and facilities to provide humane care for the number of animals requested (A minimum of 400 square feet for each animal. Un-gentled horses younger than 18 months may be kept in corrals with fences 5-feet high. Corrals must be at least 4 1/2 feet high for un-gentled burros and 6 feet high for un-gentled horses older than 18 months old.)

● You must provide a home for the adopted animal in the United States until you receive a Certificate of Title from the BLM.