A survey of state veterinarians and leaders of state cattle producer associations was conducted in January 2004 to identify the determinants of support for animal ID programs in the US. The results indicate strong support for implementing some form of animal ID program, but that only about 40% of cattle association leaders supported a specific plan called the USAIP. The results suggest that familiarity with the USAIP, a perception that producers will share net benefits equally with other downstream firms, and whether or not a respondent was from a state requiring cattle to be branded were significantly related to the level of support a respondent indicated for the USAIP.