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Livestock Identification and Inspection

Cattle inspection

Ownership inspection (also called brand inspection) is required for cattle, whether or not they are branded, to verify ownership in the following instances

  • When a change of ownership occurs (with few exceptions)
  • Before shipment out of state
  • Before sale at auction
  • Before slaughter

Annual cattle inspection

  • Valid for multiple trips out of state for the calendar year only
  • Void if ownership changes
  • $10.00, plus $35.00 service fee if applicable

Base cattle inspection fees

  • Brand inspection: $1.35 per head. Required for change of ownership, interstate shipment, and before slaughter.
  • Beef Council: $1.50 per head. Required for change of ownership, except as noted below.
  • Service fee: $35.00. Required for inspector travel.

Fee structure for change of ownership

Cattle sold will remain in Oregon: Both brand inspection and Beef Council fees are charged.
  • $2.85 per head x number inspected, plus service fee if applicable
  • There may be exceptions based on the age of the animal
Cattle sold will be shipped out of state: Both brand inspection and Beef Council fees are charged.
  • $2.85 per head x number inspected, plus service fee if applicable

Fee structure if there is no change of ownership

Cattle to be shipped out of state: Beef Council fee will not be charged.
  • $1.35 per head x number inspected, plus service fee if applicable
  • There may be exceptions based on the age of the animal

Horse inspection

Ownership inspection is not required for horses. Annual and lifetime horse inspections are available if requested.

Horse inspection fees

Annual horse inspection

  • Valid for multiple trips out of state for the calendar year only
  • Void if ownership changes
  • $10.00, plus $35.00 service fee if applicable

Lifetime horse inspection

  • Valid until ownership changes
  • $30.00, plus $35.00 service fee if applicable

To arrange for livestock inspections, contact your local brand inspector or the Salem office.

More info from ODA

Brand Registration webpage