4-H Animal Lease Program

In order to increase opportunities for youth to work with, care for and show an animal, the 4-H Program of Maryland Cooperative Extension permits 4-H members to use animals (horses, ponies, dogs, alpacas, llamas, dairy cattle, beef cattle, dairy and meat goats, sheep and swine) owned by others for 4-H projects in accordance with Guidelines for the Maryland 4-H Animal Lease Program and other applicable 4-H rules and regulations.

The objectives of this program are:

To develop character, knowledge, a sense of responsibility and life skills in 4-H Youth.
To expand the opportunitires for youth to participate in a 4-H animal project who may not have access to Facilities and/or breeding or performance animals.
To maintain or increase the number of yourth carrying breeding or performance animal 4-H projects.
To increase the number of breeding or performance animals carried as 4-H animal projects.

If a breeding or performance animal is being leased to a 4-H youth, both the owner of the animal and the 4-H member, as well as the 4-H members parent or legal guardian, must read and sign the Maryland 4-H Animal Lease Program Statement of Understanding and Release. It can be downloaded here.

Additionally, a Breeding Animal Lease Agreement OR a Performance Animal Lease Agreement must be filled out and signed by all parties. These agreements can be downloaded below.

Breeding Animal Lease Agreement (Dairy and Beef Cattle, Dairy and meat goats, sheep, swine)
Performance Animal Lease Agreement (Horses, ponies, dogs, alpacas, llamas)

All forms must be completed and filed with your county 4-H Office no later than June 1, 2009.

For more information, contact David Gordon

Last updated: 05/14/2009