Former farm girl has answers to animal import questions

Mike Louisell
Communications

Talk about acing a job interview. Kerrie Pfalzgraf applied for a job with WSDA shortly after moving to Washington from Iowa in 1982. 

Kerrie enjoying her favorite pastime. 

When told it would be secretarial work in the State Veterinarian’s Office, Kerrie simply replied: “I’m a farmer’s daughter, my brother is a veterinarian and my sister is a veterinary technician. What else do you want to know?

Kerrie has been a program specialist in the State Veterinarian’s Office for more than 35 years. She has worked under eight directors and supported seven state veterinarians. 

As an animal regulations and permit coordinator, Kerrie helps ensure that animals coming into Washington meet our state’s requirements designed to prevent disease and protect livestock owners from theft. 

Customer contact keeps her busy

She figures she gets up to 50 calls on a busy day. She may explain what exotic animals can be shipped here as pets or our import requirements for animals coming into Washington. She also refers callers to USDA or other states as appropriate. 

Kerrie is patient, but firm. She’s also a stickler for details, such as identification and type of animal, sex and age, and getting exact addresses.

“You can’t put a cow in a P.O. box,” Kerrie politely tells callers. 

Kerrie is WSDA’s lead contact with Washington’s many fair officials regarding livestock health requirements and care for any animals being exhibited.  

By early March of each year, Kerrie sends out WSDA’s livestock protocol packets to 70 fairs, 39 cooperative extensions, area veterinarians, and WSDA’s veterinarians. The seven-page document is posted on the agency’s Animal Health Program webpage.

Farm girl and avid reader

Employees in the Natural Resources Building can usually find Kerrie enjoying one of her favorite pastimes—reading a book during her breaks. “My favorite authors are Clive Cussler, J. A. Jance and James Rollins,” Kerrie noted.

Growing up in Holstein, Iowa, her parents’ farm included dairy cows and small hogs, later expanding into beef cattle. 

“I got to feed the chickens, sheep, goats, and horses. I milked cows and fed sows. I helped harvest corn and soybeans, and mowed the lawn when necessary.” 

With her foundation in ag life and dedication to animal health, Kerrie represents what’s unique and steadfast about so many WSDA employees. 

In summary: Kerrie Pfalzgraf, program specialist in State Veterinarians Office, represents the kind of dedicated employee that is the face of customer service at WSDA.