Choosing a Goat Identification Method

When choosing a goat identification method it is important to make it permanent. Here at Packgoats.com, we strive to be responsible goat owners. Especially with our pack goats, when traveling and using public land we want to follow the USDA guidelines. When it comes to goat identification there are several options for identifying your goats: Ear tags, Tattoos, Microchips, and Collars with ID tags for those animals without ears. Decide which method works for your lifestyle.

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Why Do You Need Goat Identification

Just like you and me, we have an identity. But goats can’t talk or share their location of who they are. Goats look the same so having a way to identify them will help get them back home if ever lost. The main purpose goats need to have identification is to improve our nation’s ability to quickly trace exposed and diseased animals in the event of an outbreak. For the pack goat community to monitor where goats have been on hikes in the case for some reason your goat has Movi or Scrapies and infects a Big Horn Sheep.

Temporary Identification Methods

Ear Tags There are several styles available for purchase that will include a flock and/or serial number. The ear tags can be seen, get caught on the fence, and be torn off. However, they are the easiest to use with minimal discomfort.Collars For goats that have injured ears or no ears. It must be worn at all times by the same goat and cannot be shared.

Permanent Identification Methods

Tattoos are the most common option of identification when goats are young. The USDA requires the Flock ID # (Premise ID/Scrapie ID) in the Right Ear and an individual animal number in the Left Ear. You can obtain your State issued Flock ID/Premise ID # by contacting your state USDA office if you breed your own animals. If you purchase a goat from another breeder, the breeders Flock ID may be tattooed in the Right EarMicrochips are an easy, effective way of identifying your goat. Insert into the tail web or placed in the ear near the base between the skin and the cartilage of the backside of the ear. If you microchip your goat, you are still required to place a small tattoo in the ear and you must have a microchip scanner.Tattoo

• “ET” in the Left Ear if the microchip is located in the Tail Web. If your goat is a Lamancha or has short or injured ears, you will tattoo the “ET” in the Tail Web.
• “E” if the chip is located in the Ear.
• Purchase them at MicrochipID Systems click on the link below.

Taking Your Goats Out of State

Registration Certificates must accompany your goat. The certificate must contain the name and address of the current owner along with the goat’s microchip number.A Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) must accompany your unregistered goat. The certificate will contain the flock of origin, Flock ID, and microchip number. The link below will guide you to the USDA Sheep and Goat Identification page.

Choosing a Registry

Joining a registry is not a requirement. North American PackGoat Association Registry https://www.napga.org/ For all the pack goat owners join NAPgA. You can connect with pack goat travelers!Breed Registration Prefix You will find a list of approved Breed Registries at the link below.

In Conclusion 

In conclusion, it is important for your goats to have the proper identification and certificates for travel. Choose a method above that fits your operation and lifestyle. Following the USDA guidelines will assist in keeping public land areas open for our pack goat adventures. Maintaining current health records, birth & identification records along with your Veterinary Certificate (CVI) makes it possible to ensure that livestock disease does not spread to wildlife and a lost goat finds its way home.

Marc Warnke’s passion and desire for goats have inspired the goat community. He has brought joy and happiness with videos, education, and entertainment. His love and kindness towards goats are the many reasons so many have purchased baby goats, courses, and gear. Join the goat movement on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, YouTube, and our website Packgoats.com.