Welcome to Hitch-N-RideTransporting livestock across state lines is more than just loading animals and hitting the road. Each state has animal health regulations designed to protect livestock industries, prevent disease spread, and ensure animal welfare. Missing or incorrect paperwork can lead to delays, fines, or animals being turned around at checkpoints.
While requirements vary by state and species, most livestock transport requires:
Always verify requirements with your veterinarian and the destination state before transportation.
A Certificate of Veterinary Inspection, often called a health certificate, is the most commonly required document for interstate livestock movement.
What it is: A CVI is issued by a USDA-accredited veterinarian after examining the animals and confirming they meet the destination state’s entry requirement.
Different animals have different disease-testing requirements. These vary by destination state but often include:
Your Veterinarian will know which tests apply based on species and destination.
Most states require livestock have official identification listed on the CVI. This may include:
Identification must match what is on the paperwork.
Some states require brand inspections to verify ownership of livestock before interstate transport, sale, or change of ownership. Brand inspections are separate from health certificates (CVIs) and are enforced primarily in western and plains states.
Brand inspections are commonly required in the following states for certain livestock movements (especially cattle and in some cases horses):
Some states may require brand inspections only in specific situations, including Nebraska, North Dakota, and South Dakota and can change.
Always confirm current requirements with the appropriate state brand board or department of agriculture before transport.
Many States require a State Entry Permit number in addition to a Certification of Veterinary inspections (CVI) for certain livestock movements, species, or purposes such as sales, exhibition, or commercial transport.
State entry permits are most often required when Livestock are:
Permits are usually issued by the destination state’s animal health office and the permit number must appear on the CVI.
Understanding responsibility helps avoid last-minute confusion.
Transporters may refuse loads without proper documentation.
Plan ahead to prevent costly delays.
Emergency livestock transport may have limited exceptions, but documentation is still often required. During disease outbreaks, additional restrictions or permits may apply. When in doubt, verify before loading.
Hitch-N-Ride connects livestock owners with experienced transporters who understand the importance of legal, safe transport. While Hitch-N-Ride does not issue paperwork, the platform supports informed, compliant hauling by encouraging proper preparation and documentation.
