Sheep and Goat Traceability Records in Canada

Sheep and goat traceability records need animal identity, dates, and source and destination details. Existing requirements and proposed amendments are different; a proposal is not a current obligation.

Existing federal requirements

The CFIA producer guide describes approved tagging for sheep before leaving the farm of origin. It also describes records for certain older sheep leaving a farm and sheep received for breeding, with exceptions and retention periods. Check the exact event in that guide and the applicable regulations. Provincial and territorial requirements may also apply.

This page is a working checklist, not a complete compliance form. Confirm tagging, reporting, transport documents and retention with the responsible administrator for your species and province.

Proposed changes

Checked September 6, 2026: the CFIA's June 2 statement proposes sheep slaughter/export reporting and goat/cervid identification and event reporting. It says a new timeline will follow engagement and final publication. It does not make these proposals current law. New cattle and bison movement-reporting requirements are not moving forward at this time.

Follow CFIA's regulatory updates for changes to that status. Do not treat the proposed shorter reporting window as a universal farm deadline.

A working record list

EventFields to retain
BirthDam and offspring IDs, date, observed outcome
Tag application or replacementAnimal, old and new identifiers, date, source
Arrival or departureIDs, count, date, source, destination, reason and document reference
Death or disposalAnimal ID, date, observations, disposal details and source documents
Slaughter or exportIDs, date, location or destination and supporting documents
Required submissionAdministrator, submission date, receipt and correction history

Record unknown details as unknown, and professional findings with their source. Keeping a field in this checklist does not mean every event requires the same submission.

Ranch.Bot keeps generic animal and movement notes you review before saving. It does not register premises, verify tags, or submit traceability reports. The movement guide explains the separate membership and count checks.