Custom Slaughter/Meat License

Facilities that process uninspected meat food animals, mobile slaughter units that slaughter meat food animals and fixed slaughter facilities that slaughter meat food animals for consumption.

You apply by completing an application form located here.

$25 per license endorsement (Custom Farm Slaughterer, Custom Slaughtering Establishment, and/or Custom Meat Facility).

• Location of the facility to be used
• Day or days of planned operation
• Distance to the closest official slaughtering establishment (USDA/WSDA)
• Whether the facility already exists or is to be constructed
• Floor plan and elevation drawing of existing or proposed facility
• Statement as to "WHAT IS THE NEED"

Before issuing any license to operate as a custom meat facility, the department must inspect the applicant's premises and slaughtering equipment to determine that the facility is properly constructed, has the proper sanitary and mechanical equipment, and is capable of being maintained in a sanitary manner as required. All zoning, sanitation, water, building permits and physical plant requirements must be met before granting a license. A Custom Meat Establishment must obtain WSDA approved Beef Tags for carcass identification.

Approximately 4 - 6 weeks from receipt of complete application.

You can fill out this order form and mail it to us with payment or you can call our office at (360) 902-1876 to order over the phone.

The license expires June 30th every year

Chapter 16.49 RCW [external link] and Chapter 16-19 WAC [external link]

Upon notice by the Department to deny, revoke, or suspend a license, a person may request a hearing under chapter 34.05 RCW.

WSDA Food Safety Program
1111 Washington Street SE
Olympia, WA 98504
Phone: 360-902-1876
Email: foodsafety@agr.wa.gov
Website