Animal identification

About applying for registration as a marking operator

If you want to mark animals for financial gain, you must apply with the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (Registrar: Animal Identification) to be registered as a marking operator.
To qualify for registration you must complete the following instruction courses:

• Theory and technique of:
• hot iron branding
• freeze branding
• tattooing
• restraining and marking animals
• legislation regarding the identification and welfare of animals.
  

As a marking operator, you will be required to keep a register of animals you have marked.

What you should do

• Phone the Registrar of Livestock Identification in Pretoria at telephone number (012) 319 6000 for a list of institutions where you can complete the course of instruction.
• After you have completed the course successfully, the institution of instruction will give you an application form to complete.
• The institution notifies the Registrar that you have completed the course successfully and that you may be registered as a marking operator.
  

The Registrar places you on the National Register of Marking Operators.

How long does it take

You will be registered as a marking operator once you have completed the course.

How much does it cost

• Registration as a marking operator: R120
• The cost of the course is not included: Consult the institutions.

Forms to complete

The institution of instruction provides the forms when you complete the course.

Who to contact

Tel: 012 319 6000
Fax: 012 319 7551
Email: makokom@daff.gov.za
City/town: Pretoria
Province: Gauteng
Physical address: Delpen Building, Cnr Annie Botha Avenue and Union Street, Riviera Pretoria Postal address: Registrar: Animal Identification, Private Bag X138, Pretoria 0001