# New arrivals need a plan before the gate opens

> Keep new and returning animals separate under a veterinarian-agreed plan rather than introducing them immediately.

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## What to know

Penn State's introductory guide recommends quarantine for new and returning animals and changing contaminated shoes or clothing after contact with other herds. Ask your veterinarian how to implement separation and monitoring for your property.

Prepare the area, equipment and caretaker before arrival. Keep the source history and arrival observations in one record. A friendly animal or a normal-looking coat does not prove absence of disease. End the plan according to professional advice, not because the separation area is inconvenient.

Keep this plan with your animal’s notes in PawLine. [Get it for iOS](https://backyardherd.com/go/app/?to=ios&utm_source=goat-companion&utm_medium=website&utm_campaign=auxiliary-guides&utm_content=contextual) · [Get it for Android](https://backyardherd.com/go/app/?to=android&utm_source=goat-companion&utm_medium=website&utm_campaign=auxiliary-guides&utm_content=contextual) ·

## Give the separation a length and an order

- Penn State advises quarantining new and returning animals for three to four weeks; USDA APHIS and University of Wisconsin Extension advise at least 30 days of separation for new sheep and goats. Mark the full period on a calendar at arrival, and let your veterinarian, not the calendar alone, decide when it ends.
- During separation, allow no nose-to-nose contact and no shared feeders or waterers with the home herd (Wisconsin Extension).
- Feed and care for the new animals last, after the home herd, and clean boots and equipment between groups (Wisconsin Extension, APHIS).
- Ask the seller for the animal's health paperwork and vaccination history before arrival and keep both with the arrival record. Wisconsin Extension treats a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection as part of a sound biosecurity plan; whether one is legally required depends on your state and movement (Wisconsin Extension).

The right length and any testing for your property come from your veterinarian.

## Make the next step clear

1. Prepare a separate area.
2. Label equipment.
3. Record source history.
4. Confirm review criteria.

## Printable planning sheet

Print this page or copy these labels into your own notebook. These are blank prompts, not data-entry fields. Nothing is saved or sent.

Animal / source

Arrival date

Separation area

Equipment / caretaker

Observation / vet call

Professional review

## Keep the limit in view

This guide organizes observations and questions. It cannot diagnose an animal, choose medication or replace a licensed veterinarian. Contact your veterinarian about concerns rather than delaying for more notes.

## Related guides

[Before the first animal comes home](https://backyardherd.com/before-buying.html)

[Check the water system, not just the bucket](https://backyardherd.com/water.html)

[Keep feed out of the dirty traffic](https://backyardherd.com/feeders.html)

[A pasture note with a useful memory](https://backyardherd.com/pasture.html)

[Walk the boundary with a repair list](https://backyardherd.com/fences.html)

[Keep individual history inside the herd picture](https://backyardherd.com/herd-timeline.html)

[A smallholding review before the season changes](https://backyardherd.com/season-review.html)

## Sources and method


[USDA APHIS: sheep and goat biosecurity](https://www.aphis.usda.gov/livestock-poultry-disease/sheep-goat/biosecurity)

[University of Wisconsin Extension: bringing home new sheep and goats](https://livestock.extension.wisc.edu/articles/biosecurity-for-bringing-home-new-sheep-and-goats/)

[Penn State Extension: raising sheep or goats](https://extension.psu.edu/so-you-want-to-raise-sheep-or-goats)

[Penn State Extension: livestock planning](https://extension.psu.edu/business-and-operations/starting-a-farm/introduction-to-livestock/)

Original planning worksheets informed by the sources above. No clinical review has been completed. Penn State sheep-and-goat page checked October 23, 2026; Penn State livestock-planning, USDA sheep-and-goat biosecurity, and Wisconsin new-arrival pages checked October 24, 2026. General guidance may not fit your animal or local rules.

## Questions before you use this guide

### What should I prepare first?

Keep new and returning animals separate under a veterinarian-agreed plan rather than introducing them immediately.

### Does this guide replace veterinary advice?

No. It is an educational planning aid, not diagnosis, dosing or treatment. It has not yet been individually reviewed by a licensed veterinarian. Talk to your veterinarian about your animal and do not wait for an app response in an emergency.

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[Open the printable checklist card](https://backyardherd.com/share-cards/new-arrivals-pinterest.jpg)

Editorial team · Published October 20, 2026

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