Oregon law requires that all veterinary products sold, offered or exposed for sale, or delivered to a user in Oregon be registered with the Oregon Department of Agriculture. Veterinary products include animal remedies, pharmaceuticals, and veterinary biologics. Oregon’s definitions may differ from definitions in other states.
Qualifying Products
Registration is required for each product used to prevent, inhibit, cure, enhance, or protect the health or well-being of animals, but does not include food*, surgical instruments, or accessories.
*Food means “nutritionally adequate feed for animals other than humans; by specific formula is compounded to be fed as the sole ration and is capable of maintaining life and/or promoting production without any additional substance being consumed except water or forage” (OAR 603-012-0210). In other words, complete diets intended to be fed as such are exempt from registration. Products formulated to meet specific nutrient profiles but intended to be used as treats, supplements, etc, must be registered.
A product is determined to be used as a remedy if it contains label claims for such use. Websites, pamphlets, ads, and other accompanying materials are all part of a product’s labeling. Some examples of products requiring registration are:
- Prescription drugs
- Over the counter drugs
- Health and dietary supplements
- Functional Treats
- Topical treatments and preventatives
- Wound care products
Exemptions
The following types of products are exempt from registration as Veterinary Products:
- Veterinary Products compounded by or for Oregon-licensed veterinarians for use in the course of their practice under a Veterinary Client Patient Relationship.
- Pesticide products regulated under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). (Note: Pesticide 25b products exempt from FIFRA do not qualify for this exemption.)
Product Registration
Products are generally registered by the company listed on the label as the manufacturer or having had the product manufactured for them. In some cases, other parties may choose to register products on their behalf, but ultimately, the responsibility lies with the manufacturer. The licensing year runs from July 1st through the following June 30th. License fees are not prorated. See our registration page for more information.
Products Registered with Other ODA Programs
Products registered with other ODA programs, such as Commercial Feed, Pesticides, Hemp or Food Safety, may still need to be registered as Veterinary Products. If a product meets the applicable definitions in multiple programs, it requires multiple registrations.