Traveling with Livestock

Thousands of livestock animals are transported every day all over the world. When you’re choosing to transport livestock of your own, it’s important to plan ahead since some preparations may require attention several months in advance. Not only must you have the correct travel equipment, but you must also complete the correct paperwork and be aware of all regulations. The key to safely transporting livestock is to stay calm and collected. Don’t get in a hurry and risk stressing or scaring the animals. To help your transportation go by a little smoother, we put together some essential tips to keep in mind on your next adventure.

Know the Rules

There are specific requirements and restrictions for transporting animals. It’s crucial that you’re aware of these rules beforehand to avoid the risk of any fines or tickets. For instance, the authorities will likely require a certificate of veterinary inspection (CVI) at the destination. Some destinations are also requiring that your animals be quarantined before departure or upon arrival.

Staying informed will help you better prepare for your trip and keep your animals safe for the ride. When traveling across the U.S., you should contact each respective state wildlife management agency. For international travel, the International Pet and Animal Transportation Association (IPATA) can assist you with all your questions and concerns. 

Basic Maintenance

Make sure you check your entire trailer and car before heading out on the road. Check your brakes, tires, lights, electric wiring connections, and any other operating functions to ensure they’re working correctly. Securely and tightly fasten all latches and safety chains, then take a test run with your trailer and towing vehicle to ensure the combined unit drives smoothly.

Improper checkups in the trailer can lead to animals slipping and hurting themselves. You can prevent this by going inside the trailer to ensure the floor is sturdy, clean, and has proper traction. The more detailed you are when doing your inspection, the safer you and your livestock will be.

Well ahead of your travel dates, please review the following American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) resources, designed with you and your animals in mind:

• Animal Disease Traceability (article)
• Travel Certificates for Pets and Livestock (video)

Loading the Trailer

Now that you’ve done a thorough inspection of your trailer, it’s time to load the animals properly. When loading your livestock, be on the lookout for any possible distractions that could deter the animal from entering the trailer. Some potential distractions to keep in mind include random objects, large step-ups, noise, or people. If you’re using a bumper pull trailer, ensure that you load the larger animals first. Putting heavier animals toward the front of the trailer axles helps distribute their weight evenly and generally provides a safer journey for all travelers, both human and non-human.

Tie the animals by using a slip knot at head height. Avoid getting pinned between an animal and trailer wall by staying aware of your surroundings. Once you’ve securely fastened the animal, make sure the animal can see you enter and exit the trailer, so they aren’t alarmed. Once out of the trailer, ensure that all gates are properly closed and latched.

Slow and Steady

By now, we are confident that you understand how demanding pulling a trailer is. It demands your full and undivided attention. Always make sure you keep extra space between you and the car in front of you because braking times increase when you’re carrying a full trailer. While you can’t control what other drivers do on the road, you can stay attentive and alert for any possible danger.

The best way to stay alert is by checking your mirrors at all times and keeping your blind spot in mind. Maintain a safe speed and go extra slowly on curves and turns. Fast, sharp turns can hurt and scare the animals. If possible, avoid traveling in severe weather conditions and during heavy traffic hours. Optimal times for travel are early mornings or late evenings to avoid traffic and intense heat.

Confidence is Key

You won’t be able to successfully transport your livestock if you’re unsure about yourself or your trailer. You can overcome your worries by preparing beforehand and practicing several times. Ensure that your trailer can safely haul livestock by taking the weight of the trailer, animals, and extra supplies such as feed into account. Also, take some days to practice towing an unloaded trailer to master your turns and speed.

Even though traveling with livestock can seem intimidating, it’s not as challenging as it may seem with the proper preparation. It’s critical that you have all the paperwork and information necessary to transport animals safely across the U.S., and it’s equally important to ensure your trailer is up for the job. If you’re having trouble finding the right trailer for your trip, Tropic Trailer has a wide range of livestock trailers for any job. Soon enough, you’ll be driving your livestock comfortably and confidently.