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of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

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    Apply for a Meat Establishment (Slaughterhouse) License

    If you operate a slaughterhouse, you must apply for a license. 

    Download Application

    Overview

    The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture makes rules about how animals are handled. Places that prepare meat have to get a special license from the department. This includes places that make things like hamburger meat or smoked sausage. Slaughterhouses may be inspected by the Department of Agriculture. The federal government decides how animals are killed.

    The license to prepare meat lasts for two years. You have to pay $25 to get it. Please make the check out to the PA Department of Agriculture.

    Additional resources:

    Contact Us

    If you have any questions or worries, you can contact Camryn McClure by email at cammcclure@pa.gov or call 717-787-4172.