Livestock Brand Inspection

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Mandatory Inspection Points

For more information, contact program staff.

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Mandatory inspection points in Washington

Cattle

  1. Change of Ownership - Exception: 15 head or less of unbranded female dairy cattle

  2. Prior to leaving the state
    (Note: Yearly and Lifetime Inspections available)

  3. Upon consignment to a public livestock market or special sale

  4. When slaughtered at a USDA facility

  5. Entering a certified feedlot

Horses

  1. Prior to leaving the state*
    (Note: Yearly and Lifetime Inspections available)

  2. Upon consignment to a public livestock market or special sale

Optional but advised if you are purchasing an unregistered, branded horse. 

*At this time WSDA inspectors are assigned to three out-of-state public livestock markets to perform inspections of animals consigned to these facilities:

  • Auction Sales, Co., The Dalles, Oregon

  • Lewiston Livestock Market, Inc., Lewiston, Idaho

  • Northwestern Livestock Commission, Co., Hermiston, Oregon (Cattle Only)

    Note: As of July 1, 2007, Northwestern Livestock Commission (Hermiston Horse Sale)  is no longer a designated inspection point for horses originating in Washington State.  Brand inspection certificates must be obtained from your local inspector or certified vet prior to movement out of Washington State.  Failing to obtain a brand inspection is a violation of RCW 16.57.260.

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Transportation Documents (In-State)

Cattle

Cattle transported within the state must be accompanied by a Certificate of Permit (haul slip) or satisfactory proof of ownership if the animals bear brands not recorded to the person in possession.

Horses

Horses transported within the state of Washington are not required to obtain an official inspection certificate but should be accompanied by proof of ownership documentation at all times.

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Animal Health Requirements

For further information on Animal Health Requirements contact: Kerrie Pfalzgraf, State Veterinarian's Office, Washington State Department of Agriculture at (360) 902-1878. After hours permit call 1-800-942-1035.

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