Cathy Roache
County Agricultural Commissioner / Sealer
Agriculture / Weights & Measures

Alameda County Livestock Pass FAQs


  1. What is a Livestock Pass?
    A Livestock Pass is a document that can identify commercial livestock producers, owners, and managers to firefighting personnel, California Highway Patrol Officers, Sheriff Deputies and other law enforcement and emergency personnel. Possession of a Livestock Pass during a wildfire or a similar disaster may allow the qualifying livestock producer or manager limited emergency access to restricted areas for the purposes of:

    1. Sheltering, moving transporting, feeding, watering, or administering veterinary care to livestock; or
    2. Evacuating livestock; or
    3. Providing local expertise, when requested, to peace officers and responding emergency personnel.
  2. Who is required to have a Livestock Pass?
    Each person attempting passage through a road closure must have a Livestock Pass in their possession.
  3. When does the Livestock Pass Expire?
    All Livestock Passes are valid for 2 years. Passes will expire on December 31st, the following year of issuance. Safety training or a refresher training must be taken annually.
  4. What are the eligibility requirements for obtaining a Livestock Pass?
    In Alameda County, a qualifying livestock producer is a commercial livestock producer that owns at least 20 head of cattle, sheep, goats, honeybee hives or other livestock permissible by the Department of Agriculture. The livestock must be located in Alameda County for at least part of the year.
  5. How do I apply for a Livestock Pass?
    To apply, complete the Livestock Pass Application and attend the initial Cal Fire Training. You must also provide a required eligibility document and maps of all land owned or managed in Alameda County including parcels in neighboring Counties. Passes will only be issued to owners of a livestock operation and/or authorized employees (employees must provide an authorization form from their employer).
  6. I do not have a computer; how can I obtain a pass?
    If you qualify for a Livestock Pass, but do not have a computer, please call the Alameda County Agricultural Commissioners Office, (925) 551-5420, for assistance obtaining a pass.
  7. What verification document(s) do I need to provide to prove my commercial Livestock producer status? Eligibility will be confirmed by Alameda County Department of Agriculture staff who may require documentation that includes, but is not limited to, at least one of the following documents:
    1. Operator identification number or restricted material permit issued by the Alameda County Agricultural Commissioner.
    2. Assessor's Parcel Number confirming agricultural zoning for the property or properties upon which access is sought.
    3. Agricultural land lease documentation.
    4. Williamson Act enrollment documentation.
    5. Documentation from the USDA Farm Services Agency attesting that the applicant is a commercial livestock producer.
    6. Current registration of a livestock brand with the Bureau of Livestock Identification. The brand inspector may confirm eligibility based on number of cattle owned.
    7. Letter of Authorization from a ranch owner to a livestock producer or manager, authorizing the producer or manager to farm the ranch owner's land.
    8. Also required will be maps of your properties and proof of attending the required training.
  8. I have horses, can I apply for a Livestock Pass?
    In Alameda County, a qualifying livestock producer is a commercial livestock producer that owns at least 20 head of either cattle, sheep, goats, honeybee hives or other livestock permissible by the Department of Agriculture. Horse farms and small ranches that do not meet the requirements above are not eligible for this pass. Everyone, including horse farms and small ranch owners, should have an evacuation plan in place in case of emergency. Contact Ag or Alameda County Sheriff's Office for more information on any available resources.
  9. How many copies of my Livestock Pass can I make?
    You may make as many copies of your Livestock Pass as needed. It may be beneficial to keep copies in each of your vehicles.
  10. Who will be checking Livestock Passes?
    The Law enforcement personnel manning designated road closures.
  11. If I have a Livestock Pass, will I have access behind a road closure?
    A Livestock Pass does not grant automatic access beyond a road closure. A Livestock Pass will only verify that an individual is a commercial producer with legitimate need to preform essential activities at a site located inside the disaster zone. Permission to enter an area under evacuation is up to Incident management.
  12. Can I use the Livestock Pass to check on my house?
    No, the Livestock Pass only grants access to preform immediate essential activities. A breach of the established guidelines may result in your removal from the Livestock Pass Program.