Your clients rely on you for animal health information. That's why you need to understand how NAIS works and how animal producers and owners can participate. Take these steps to get started.

Participating In NAIS

• Learn the terminology. You'll need to be familiar with NAIS terms such as Animal Identification Number (AIN). What is NAIS is a great place to start.

• Learn how NAIS will affect your work as a USDA accredited veterinarian. For example, you'll want to know that Premises Identification Numbers (PINs) can be used on Certificates of Veterinary Inspection (CVIs), test charts, or brucellosis vaccination records.

• Be ready to tell clients how they can register their premises. Clients may ask you how to get a PIN for their premises. Contact your State or Tribal animal health official to learn more about this process.

• Learn more about NAIS-approved 840 devices. Clients may ask how they can use 840 devices. For more information, go to www.usda.gov/nais/840.

• Check with your State about NAIS requirements. Some States/Tribes have tailored NAIS to meet local or statewide needs. Contact your State or Tribal NAIS Administrator for more details.

• Provide NAIS information in your office. Factsheets and brochures are available for download from the NAIS Library or can be ordered using the Materials Order Form. Materials are also available through your State or Tribal animal health official.

• Obtain a PIN for your facilities. All veterinary clinics are encouraged to obtain a PIN - this is especially important if you receive animals at your clinic. Contact your State Veterinarian or animal health official or visit www.usda.gov/nais/getPIN to get started. If you don't receive animals at your clinic, APHIS recommends that you obtain a Non-producer Participant Number (NPN). Your NPN will be useful for reporting information to NAIS and is needed to participate in the animal identification component.