Moving animals is the part of a sale that can go wrong fastest. Use this checklist to keep cattle, horses, sheep, goats, pigs and poultry safe from pickup to drop-off.
The short version
Pick a hauler with the right trailer and paperwork, load during cool weather, secure every animal, and do a written handoff at delivery. Species differ mostly in space, height and rest stops.
Before you book a hauler
Ask for a DOT/MC number and proof of livestock cargo insurance. A legitimate livestock hauler should have both and should not hesitate to share them.
Describe the load accurately: species, number of head, approximate weight, dimensions, and whether any animal needs extra space or separation. The wrong trailer size turns a short haul into a long problem.
Confirm the route, estimated transit time, and whether the driver stops overnight. Some animals handle long hauls fine; others need rest, water and feed breaks.
Paperwork to have ready
Health certificates (CVI) are required for interstate movement of most livestock. Check the destination state’s rules — some require specific tests or entry permits.
Brand inspection papers, registration certificates or sale bills may be needed depending on the species and the buyer’s state.
Give the hauler a printed copy of the buyer’s contact information, delivery address, and any special instructions. Phones die; paper does not.
Cattle
Use a stock trailer with non-slip flooring and adequate head clearance. Horned cattle need more space or separate compartments to prevent injury.
Load during the coolest part of the day. Cattle heat stress quickly in a parked trailer, especially black or heavy-fleshed animals.
Do not overcrowd. A good rule of thumb is enough room for every animal to lie down without being stepped on during a long haul.
Horses
Use a trailer tall enough for the horse to raise its head comfortably. Tie with a quick-release knot and remove hind shoes if the trailer has a rear bar.
Offer water at every stop. Horses can dehydrate fast, especially in summer or when nervous.
Ship with a current Coggins test and health certificate. Most states require both, and many buyers will not accept a horse without them.
Sheep & goats
Keep small ruminants low and secure. Goats especially will climb if they can, so headroom invites trouble.
Provide bedding to absorb urine and reduce slipping. Good ventilation matters — sheep are prone to heat stress in still air.
Separate horned animals from polled ones, and isolate any animal that is limping, sick or newly weaned.
Pigs
Pigs need a solid-sided or heavily bedded trailer. Smooth floors are dangerous — pigs slip and pile up quickly.
Move them in familiar groups when possible. Mixing unfamiliar pigs in a confined trailer leads to fighting and injury.
Avoid hauling in extreme heat or cold. Pigs do not sweat and are sensitive to both temperature extremes.
Poultry
Use well-ventilated crates or coops. Overheating kills birds faster than any other transport problem.
Keep groups stable and do not stack crates in a way that blocks airflow. Waterers should be accessible at stops.
Move poultry during the coolest hours and keep the transport time as short as possible.
Loading day tips
Fast animals for a few hours before hauling if recommended for the species, but never deprive water.
Load the calmest animal first and the most excited one last when possible. A bad first load sets the tone for the whole trailer.
Double-check latches, dividers and ventilation before the driver leaves. One loose gate can ruin a whole load.
At delivery
Count and inspect every animal with the buyer before the hauler leaves. Note any injury, stress or missing animal in writing and get both signatures.
Have the buyer confirm receipt and condition. Photos or short video at handoff protect both parties if a dispute comes up later.
Pay the hauler only after delivery is complete and the buyer has accepted the load, unless you agreed to prepaid terms in writing.
Need a hauler?
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This guide is for general planning only. Always follow federal, state and local animal transport regulations, and consult a veterinarian for species-specific travel requirements.