Frequently Asked Questions
Most of the questions we get calls and emails about can be found right here on the website. Before contacting us, be sure to read the info on our top 3 topics, Membership, Registration, and Shows. Thanks!
-the MGR office staff
1. What is the first step I need to register my goat?
2. How do I transfer a goat to my name?
3. What do I send in for a registration?
4. What is the correct letter this year for tattooing?
6. Why did my paperwork get sent back?
7. How may I speed up my paperwork?
8. Why haven’t I received my paperwork?
9. What is considered a correction?
10. Why can’t I put my herd name on a goat that is already registered?
11. What happens if I purchase a goat and the paperwork gets lost?
12. Why is my information not listed on the breeder directory?
13. My goat faints, why is it not considered purebred?
14. Do I lose my breeder number if I renew my membership late?
15. Why are electronic registrations more costly than mail in?
1. What is the first step I need to register my goat?
The first step is fill out the New Member Application, which includes getting a herd suffix.
Then, go to the Registration page for ALL your registration questions, including instructions and applications.
2. How do I transfer a goat to my name?
You need to send in a Goat Transfer Application with the ORGINAL certificate (not a copy). We cannot process any paperwork that does not include the original certificate. ALL transfers must be mailed in to the office (not emailed).
3. What do I send in for a registration?
All applications must be properly filled out and contain TWO wallet size photos per goat. If you are using the online submissions, simply attach 1 photo of the side of your goat and we’ll print 2 copies on our end. We cannot process incomplete applications. See the Registration page for ALL registration instructions and applications.
4. What is the correct letter this year for tattooing?
MGR does not use a specific letter when recording tattoos to distinguish year. If you choose to tattoo, MGR requires that you use your herd suffix in the LEFT ear and any sequenced number in the RIGHT ear. (Example: Goat 1 Left Ear: OTG Right Ear: 422 Goat 2 Left Ear: OTG Right Ear: 423 Goat 3 Left Ear: OTG Right Ear: 424)
5. What is a scrapie tag?
USDA Scrapie Tag = To request these official sheep and goat tags, a flock ID, premise ID, or both: call 1-866-USDA-Tag (866-873-2824).
Here are the USDA’s Animal ID & Recordkeeping guidelines. More info on Scrapie Disease from the USDA, including symptoms and prevention.
You do NOT need a premise ID number to register your goats.
6. Why was my paperwork get sent back?
The main reasons for returned paperwork are: Lack of work order, incomplete forms, incorrect size or missing pictures, no original certificate on transfers, and/or no payment. See the Registration page for ALL your registration questions, including detailed instructions.
7. How may I speed up my paperwork?
Pay the rush fee & express/priority mail fees. See the Work Order Form for more info.
8. Why haven’t I received my paperwork?
Did you complete the checklist to ensure the package was complete? Did you provide payment? Did you track the package to ensure it arrived?
If you answered yes to all of the above, please know that unless RUSH or sent electronically, processing is typically 10 to 12 weeks out.
9. What is considered a correction?
Any change made to already processed paperwork is considered a correction. If the information is incorrect due to the form being illegible, incorrect, or to add permanent ID after the fact. You will need to make a correction request and pay any fees. See the Work Order Form for more current correction fee. Errors made due to the fault of the MGR office staff are corrected immediately and at no charge.
10. Why can’t I put my herd name on a goat that is already registered?
You did not breed the goat. Instead, you need a Goat Transfer Application to transfer the goat in to your name as OWNER.
11. What happens if I purchase a goat and the paperwork gets lost?
Replacement registrations are available for a fee see the MGR Work Order for current pricing. You must provide a letter from the owner allowing replacement and transfer. You are responsible for obtaining said letter. MGR does not get involved in these matters as we didn’t buy or sell the goat.
12. Why is my information not listed on the breeder directory?
The Breeder Directory is typically updated once a month. If your information was previously listed and is no longer there, then you have not paid your annual membership fee. Visit this page to easily Renew your Membership. Youth members are not listed. According to most state regulations it is illegal to have a minor’s information on a public platform.
13. My goat faints, why is it not considered purebred?
There are six characteristics of a Myotonic Goat, which can be found on the Breed Description page. Crosses can faint (show myotonia). Just because it faints, does not make it a Myotonic Goat. Percentage animals can be registered, visit the Registration page for more info.
14. Do I lose my breeder number if I renew my membership late?
No, but if you become inactive for 6 months or more you risk losing your herd name and suffix.
15. Why are electronic registrations more costly than mail in?
They are more costly to process (ink, paper, and time). Turn around is generally 45 days, but not guaranteed.
16. Did my paperwork arrive?
It is highly suggested you obtain a tracking number when mailing in paperwork so you may keep up with its whereabouts. We do not have the time to verify your paperwork has arrived.