Brand Inspection Requirements for Horses and Cattle:
- It is recommended but not required that horse owners record a brand with the state and have their horses branded. A freeze brand may be more visually appealing or eye catching and less painful than a hot iron brand, but either is acceptable. All cattle that forage on open range must be branded with an Utah recorded brand. You should always carry your wallet-size brand card with you. It is recommended that all cattle not grazing on open range also be branded with a recorded brand to assist in the return of stray cattle and to prevent theft.
- Brand inspections are required by law. Brand inspections are required, even if cattle or horses are not branded, as follows:
- For Horses:
- Changing ownership
- Leaving the state. This requirement may be met by obtaining:
- 72-hour travel inspection; cost $20.00 (one-way) up to 10-head; then $2.00 per head after the first 10
- Yearly travel inspection; cost $25.00 per head
- Lifetime travel permit (honored in all states and Canada; good for lifetime of horse); Cost: $40.00
- For Cattle:
- Changing ownership
- Going to slaughter
- Leaving the state (yearly show cattle inspections are provided at a cost of $25.00 per head)
- For Horses:
- When traveling within the state, always carry proof of ownership. The following items will be accepted as proof:
- Wallet-size brand card matching brand on cattle/horse
- Brand inspection certificate or the auction invoice showing where you purchased the animal. A bill of sale will not be accepted as proof of ownership.
- Lifetime or yearly travel permit.
- When you are transporting cattle/horses that belong to someone else, carry written permission from owner. All cattle should be rebranded with new owner’s brand within 30 days of purchase.
Please call your local brand inspector at least 24 hours in advance to schedule an inspection. Brand inspections are conducted only during daylight hours.
Cattle Brand Inspection:
Brand inspection for cattle is required in the state of Utah under the following circumstances:
| Required | Exceptions |
|---|---|
| Before moving cattle out of state, whether or not a change of ownership is involved | Cattle foraging on an open range that transgresses the Utah state line and that of an adjoining state |
| Before selling cattle at auction | No Exceptions |
| Before slaughter | Persons may slaughter cattle for their own use on their own property without an inspection |
| When selling cattle by private treaty | Baby dairy calves less than 60 days of age sold from the farm of origin. Must have a bill of sale |
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Please call your local Brand Inspector at least 24 hours in advance to schedule an inspection. Brand inspections are conducted only during daylight hours.
Transportation Rule – Owner/Transporter must have an official Brand Inspection Certificate or other acceptable proof of ownership in his/her possession.
Brand Inspection Fees:
| Type of Fee | Fee Per Head |
|---|---|
| Brand Inspection | $1.00 |
| Beef Promotion (cattle only) | $1.50 |
| Predator (cattle only) | $0.25 |
| Annual Permit Valid for multiple trips out of state, for calendar year only. |
$25 |
| Minimum Charge per Certificate | $20 |
.
Horse Brand Inspection (Horses & All Other Equidae):
Transportation Rule – Owner/Transporter must have an official Brand Inspection Certificate or other acceptable proof of ownership in his/her possession.
A Yearly Travel Permit or Lifetime Travel Permit may be issued instead of a Brand Inspection Certificate.
| Type of Inspection | Fee Per Horse |
|---|---|
| One-Way Trip (up to ten head) Valid for 1 week from inspection, for one trip out of state. Not valid for return. |
$20.00 |
| One-Way Trip (each additional head after first ten) Valid for 1 week from inspection, for one trip out of state. Not valid for return. |
$2.00 |
| Annual Permit Valid for multiple trips out of state, for calendar year only. |
$25.00 |
| Lifetime Permit Valid until horse changes ownership. |
$40.00 |
| Duplicate Lifetime Permit | $10.00 |
| Lifetime Permit Transfer | $10.00 |
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Brand Inspection Requirements for Sheep:
- Transportation of sheep must be accompanied by proof of ownership such as:
- Brand card
- Sheep-hauling permit
- Bill of sale
Brand Inspection Requirements for Hogs:
- No brand or transportation requirements
Summary:
The present brand and health programs have been developed in partnership with livestock producers. The Utah Department of Agriculture and Food is committed to helping you carry out these programs, thereby protecting your industry. Your support of these programs will ensure their success.
NOTE: All vehicles transporting livestock are required by law to stop at all Utah Port of Entry stations.
For questions concerning these requirements, please contact UDAF Animal Industry – Brands Division at (801) 982-2240.
