SARA ID PHOTO INFORMATION AND TIPS

Help us prevent processing delay by selecting the best available photo.

We require one high quality color photo or a high-resolution digital photo print of the animal. Please feel free to send more than one photo to allow us to select the best quality. Professional or candid photos are equally acceptable.

Do not send a CD or disk with images. No not send a Xerox (copy machine) printout.

The photo can be wallet size or larger, so long as the actual image size of the animal in the photo is no less than one inch.

On the reverse side of the photo clearly (and gently) print the name of the applicant and the name of the animal. If sending a single photo with images of more than one animal, clarify which animal is which.

The animal may be standing, sitting, or laying down in the photo. Front or side view; full body with face, or a head and shoulders will work. No rear views. Overhead views are often unflattering.

No not cut or crop the photo, as we will crop as needed. We need to be able to get a square crop from the photo; photos that are too closely cropped often present a problem that may cause delay.

We do not include humans in the photo on the ID – humans are cropped out as much as possible.

The photo you provide will be on each of your SARA documents.

Select a current photo that best corresponds to how your animal looks today; a puppy photo of a 6-year-old dog would not be acceptable. Provide a photo that best represents your animal as a trained working animal. NO CAGES AND NO CHAINS! Your photo should not be detrimental to the public’s image of a working animal. Photos of an animal in its working attire (harness, vest, etc.) are acceptable, but working attire is not required.

Do not staple or tape the photo; you may staple or tape an envelope with the photo in it to the application.

Photo taking tips:

The animal should be well groomed, clean and dry; photos taken outdoors in natural sunlight tend to best represent the true color of the animal; select a background that contrasts with the color of the animal and is not too cluttered or distracting – less is more; try to take the photo at the animals eye level; some animals are camera shy, try to photograph this type of animal when it is preoccupied or not focusing on you.

Photos are retained for our files and are not returned.