The BLM uses its Adoption Program as the primary tool to place wild mustangs and burros into private care. The horses and burros available for adoption come from overpopulated Herd Management Areas where vegetation and water could become scarce if too many animals, including wildlife and livestock, use the area.
Mustangs in natural habitat
After properly caring for a mustang or burro for one year, an adopter is eligible to receive title, or ownership, from the Federal government.
© 2012 by Carien Schippers
Many people have found it personally challenging and rewarding to adopt a wild horse or burro. Additionally, it is a chance to care for, and then own, a part of America’s heritage. The BLM has placed more than 225,000 wild horses and burros into private care since 1971. Many of those animals have become excellent pleasure, show, or work horses.
After properly caring for an animal for one year, an adopter is eligible to receive title, or ownership, from the Federal government.
Adoptions take place several times a year. Following is a list of the dates and adoption sites for July 2012.
| Date | Adoption Site | Contact Office |
|---|---|---|
| 7/10 | Pauls Valley Facility, OK | Oklahoma Field Office |
| 7/11-25 | Internet Adoption | Eastern States Office |
| 7/12-14 | Lubbock, TX | Oklahoma Field Office |
| 7/13 | Canon City, CO Correctional Facility | Royal Gorge Field Office |
| 7/13-14 | Annville, PA | Milwaukee Field Office |
| 7/14 | Relands, CA | California State Office |
| 7/14 | Sacramento, CA | California State Office |
| 7/14 | Rock Springs, WY Mustang Verstility | Rockspring Field Office |
| 7/14 | Delta WHB Facility | Utah Field Office |
| 7/14-19 | Salt Lake Facility, UT | Utah State Office |
| 7/20-29 | Cheyenne, WY Cheyenne Frontier Days | Rock Springs Field Office |
| 7/27-29 | Florence, SC | Jackson Field Office |
| 7/27 | Canon City CO Correctional Facility | Royal Gorge Field Office |
While every attempt is made to make sure that this information is accurate, please contact the BLM's national toll free number 866-468-7826 to ensure the adoption date and location site is accurate.
Contact the BLM's Eastern States Office, 800-370-3936 for details on internet adoptions or visit the Internet Adoption Page