Identification For Goats

Goats are required to have physical identification per the USDA. https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/ourfocus/animalhealth/animal-disease-information/sheep-and-goat-health/scrapie-tags

You also need physical identification on a goat to register them. This may seem unnecessary, but if goats get lost or are passed on to subsequent owners, it can be impossible to identify them without a physical ID such as ear tattoo, ear tag or microchip.

The three choices for permanent ID per USDA are;
1. Ear tattoos plus copy of SCIGBA registration (not application).
2. Scrapies ear tag with premise ID #.
3. USDA compliant microchip. https://www.microchipidsystems.com/product/usda-840-official-microchip/

Ear tags or Microchips (USDA approved) are the best option for interstate transportation on goats who don't have copies of their registrations available. Per USDA regulations, tattoos are acceptable as permanent ID only when accompanied by a copy of the goat’s registration certificate. (SCIGBA is a recognized registry).

When transporting goats across state lines, one of the 3 forms of ID must be listed on the health certificate (called CVI - Certified Veterinarian Inspection) by your vet. If tattooed, a copy of registration is also given to the transporter. (Note: We have discovered that ear tattoos on SCI goats fade fairly quickly, however.)

One more note...for the CVI, when your vet calls the state the goats are going to, for the state-specific requirements, the person answering will usually say "scrapies tag" without offering the other options. If you have microchips, ask your vet to specifically inquire about microchips. They are recognized by the USDA and therefore recognized by the states that follow the USDA regulations.  

To obtain ear tags, you first need a Premise ID number from the USDA. For microchips, you also need a Flock ID number. Call 1-866-USDA-Tag (866-873-2824) to get your Premise ID and/or Flock ID.

Ear Tags: Order from your supplier of choice.

Microchips: SCIGBA has an account with MicroChip ID Systems for discounted mini microchips (smaller size, smaller needle to insert) and readers.

  1. Call 800-434-2843, press #2 for sales.

  2. Tell them you are with the SCIGBA, and ask to set up your account with your own login.

  3. You need to tell them your SCIGBA Member # and your Herd Name. Note: For the USDA approved 840 chips (they do have non-840 chips too) you need to tell them your Premise ID# and Flock ID# which you have obtained from the USDA.

  4. The special pricing is $5 per chip and $50 for the Pocket Hero reader (usually $79).

  5. Once your account is set up, go to https://hub.microchipidsystems.com/, log in to your account and order your chips.

USDA Approved Tattoos

The SCIGBA is an approved USDA association, meaning any SCIGBA registered goat can use their tattoos as official form of identification.

To be used as a form of official ID when transporting a goat, please adhere to the following guidelines (quoted directly from the USDA):

  • A copy of the registration certificate or temporary registration certificate before its expiration date, and, if not in the name of the current owner, a copy of the completed application for transfer of ownership in the name of the current owner where the sale occurred within 60 days (or an extension thereof approved by the registry) where each document lists the tattoo number on the goat, or

  • For animals under 60 days of age, a copy of a completed application for registration listing the tattoo number on the goat, or

  • An interstate certificate of veterinary inspection that lists the flocks of origin and birth, the registry, and the registry tattoo.

If you have questions, please contact the SCIGBA Registry Committee at registry@scigba.org

Identification

The primary purpose of registration is to be able to identify individual goats whether that is through an ear tag, microchip, or ear tattoos. Thus it is essential each goat presented for registration is properly identified with one of the approved USDA methods.

For goats acquired from another breeder: The goat should already have a form of identification. If not evident, please contact the breeder to inquire.

For goats born on your farm: It is your responsibility to assign proper identification. It is your choice as to the form used.

Please refer to the USDA website for information on approved identification methods. Additional information can be found in on our Rules of Registration page

Tattoos:  RE:  Means Right Ear (herd Prefix abbreviation). LE: Means Left Ear (individual animal’s letter for year of birth & number).  See Rules of Registration to see list of what letter = what year.

Please Note: As of May 1, 2023, the SCIGBA Registry has obtained USDA recognition meaning SCIGBA registered goats can use tattoos as an official form of identification.

To be used as a form of official ID when transporting a goat, please adhere to the following guidelines (quoted directly from the USDA):

  • A copy of the registration certificate or temporary registration certificate before its expiration date, and, if not in the name of the current owner, a copy of the completed application for transfer of ownership in the name of the current owner where the sale occurred within 60 days (or an extension thereof approved by the registry) where each document lists the tattoo number on the goat, or

  • For animals under 60 days of age, a copy of a completed application for registration listing the tattoo number on the goat, or

  • An interstate certificate of veterinary inspection that lists the flocks of origin and birth, the registry, and the registry tattoo.

If you have questions, please contact the SCIGBA Registry Coordinator at registry@scigba.org